Overview & Reviews

Born in Japan, Suzuki is an automaker that has made a name for itself by crafting vehicles that emphasize value and affordability. Through the years, the brand's lineup has included sedans, wagons and SUVs. However, in late 2012 the company decided to stop selling new vehicles in the United States.

The company was founded by Michio Suzuki in 1909 as Suzuki Loom Works. By the 1950s, its focus had expanded beyond just loom machines to include both motorcycles and automobiles. In 1955, it rolled out the Suzulight, a compact car that proved to be a harbinger of a new era of Japanese lightweight vehicles. The automaker expanded its lineup to include a truck in 1961. Like its sibling, the tiny Suzulight Carry pickup distinguished itself with its featherweight specification. By the end of the decade, the Suzuki lineup had grown to include the Fronte passenger car, the subcompact Fronte 800 and the Carry Van full-cab van.

In 1970, Suzuki rolled out the Jimny, a four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle that resembled a playful version of the Jeep CJ-5. The automaker's roster continued to grow throughout this decade, with the addition of the Alto and the subcompact LJ80.

The 1980s saw Suzuki partnering with General Motors when GM acquired a 5 percent stake in the company. GM made this move partially in response to the growing popularity of subcompacts in the U.S. market. After the purchase, Suzuki products were rebadged and sold as GM vehicles on American shores.

In 1985, the carmaker launched an American outpost, and for the first time, Suzuki-branded vehicles became available in the U.S. The company's first model was the Samurai; available as either a convertible or a hardtop, this compact SUV met with immediate success. However, the Samurai's glory days were short-lived.

In 1988, Consumer Reports published an article in which it deemed the Samurai unsafe, saying it was more likely than most to roll over during certain maneuvers. Suzuki took the magazine to court (and eventually won) but the bad publicity from the article cast a pall on the Samurai that never quite lifted. Suzuki soldiered on, though. By the end of the decade its total aggregate car production had topped 10 million units, and its line had grown to include the compact Swift and the Sidekick, a compact SUV.

During the '90s, Suzuki expanded its reach to include territories like Egypt, Vietnam and Hungary, and launched new models like the Cappuccino convertible and the lightweight Wagon R. On U.S. soil, Suzuki rolled out the Esteem, dropped the beleaguered Samurai, introduced the two-seat, T-topped X-90 and replaced the Sidekick with the Vitara and Grand Vitara.

Suzuki and General Motors purchased ailing Daewoo in 2004, and two of that manufacturer's vehicles were rebadged and given new life as Suzukis. The Suzuki Forenza and Suzuki Verona both had former lives as Daewoo cars.

Through the first decade of the 2000s, Suzuki continued to evolve and improve its models, culminating in the Kizashi, a midsize sedan that was good enough to challenge segment front runners. But with overall sales and consumer interest stuck on a downward trend, Suzuki finally announced bankruptcy and termination of its U.S. vehicle operations in late 2012. The company plans to honor existing warranties, and some Suzuki dealers will continue to provide parts and service.

User Reviews:

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  Outstanding SUV for the Deseret - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By John McMullen - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned other SUVs different companies have owned six Suzukis and they are the best I pulled one big Cadilac SUV outh of the Hassayampa river bottom with my Suzuki and put a Ford Excursion back on the road from a giant mud roadway the lady was stuck in. So I rate Suzuki #1,as being a trueSUV off and on road.

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  I like my Zuki - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By Tam - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchases a nearly new 2001 Vitara a couple months ago. I really love it. Its my first 4 wheel drive but we looked at several before purchasing (including the Liberty and the RAV4). I enjoy driving it and it works great on the snow in 4 wheel drive! I would recommend it to others who are looking for a decent priced 4 wheel drive SUV.

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  Great value for the money - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By vasu m - May 2 - 4:36 am

  Everything in my Suzuki Aerio seem to be of good quality for a vehicle in this price range, including the audio. The dash plastics seem to have been upgraded in the 2006 model to be semi-soft. The tires pick up a bit of road noise - probably replacements will help. It is a bit narrow compared to its peers (especially the MINI Cooper and Scion Xa) and the track is actually less than the width. Thus the Scion and Cooper exhibit a bit less roll and slightly better handling, but the engine and wealth of features make the Aerio a much better choice in its class.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By d281963 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an exellent car for the money overall but with a few obvious, easily corrected, cheap details. Its ride and handling were superb even at higher speeds. Interior was quiet and the ride well controlled. Fit and finish were generally on-par with the class. Very good mid-size car at an economy car price, though resale value is still questionable.

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  Best 4x4 Dollar for Dollar, period..... - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Alden Gainey - April 26 - 6:46 pm

  Before I purchase a new vehicle I dis extensive research. I studied all the small and midsize SUV models in North America and finally chose the Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury Edition. Without a doubt, the Grand Vitara offers the most "bang for the buck". It has sleek styling, a smooth solid ride, a quiet cabin, true off-road capability with a four wheel drive LOW gear and locking center diff. It has an alloy 2.7 litre DOHC 24 valve V6 with timing chain instead of a belt. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has standard features that would be cost additional on all other 4x4 SUVs. It has excellent handling at high speeds. I rented a Ford Explorer last month and that vehicle sucks gas and handles like a dead pig. I am most pleased with my Suzuki!

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  2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By AL KEMNEC - April 12 - 8:23 am

  This is my second Grand Vitara. This one is awesome. Its a blend of everyones best features in its class. It is great in the city with its open road manners and a real blast out in the mud and dirt. I know all the OTHERS are look-in and wonder- in. Its a little SUV that "can do it" and leave a LOT of money in your pocket to "do it."

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  Fun to drive! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By kathy - April 10 - 4:53 pm

  Love it!!! Roomy, easy to handle, fun to drive, nice cd, lot of car for the money.

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  We love our Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By reno - April 10 - 12:33 am

  For the money, this car is well-equipped and runs great. We live in snow country and put four Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires on the vehicle, it is unstoppable.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By blu5092 - April 9 - 8:30 am

  I have this car less than a year and have no issues so far. It is comfortable, quick and good on gas. If you floor it, only then do you suffer poor gas mileage. Sometimes I cant help it since I am so impressed by this small motor. For a 2.0 this car is very fast. For anyone who doesnt want to hurt their wallet, this car beats any toyota thats similar in size.

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  I LOVE MY AERIO SX - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By PAUL CHESNEY - April 8 - 2:00 am

  GREAT BUY MY OTHER CAR IS A 1994 FLEETWOOD WITH A LT1 CORVETTE MOTER AND I WILL HAVE TO TELL YOU MY AERIO IS A BLAST TO DRIVE ITS SO HARD TO BELEIVE HOW THEY MADE SO MUCH ROOM INSIDE OF THIS LITTLE CAR LOTS OF SMALL STORAGE PLACES. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A REALLY NEAT LITTLE CAR WITH A GREAT COMFORT RIDE AND DRIVE TEST DRIVE AN AERIO SX BEFORE YOU BUY