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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  Beware! Lots of mechanical defects - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By jay - December 3 - 12:10 am

  A year of ownership this car has major problems. Its been in the shop every month since then with repair bills ranging from $250-600 a shot. This car has had 2 engines, a transmission, suspension, wheel bearings, countless computer reprogrammings ($60 each), axle comes loose about every 6 months (makes a grinding/thumping noise upon acceleration); thats just in the time ive owned it. Its past its 36k warranty so the only thing that has been covered is the engine and tranny. I baby this thing as i have done with all my cars. Now not out of love but out of fear of it breaking! My thoughts: Dont ever buy this car! If you have one I suggest dumping it fast! Take the equity hit its cheaper

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  complaint - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By febaby - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My Verona was fine the first two months. I got an oil change and two months later the oil light started coming on and off. Finally, it stayed on continuously. The car started to tick while the light was on and the car sounded like a tractor. I took it to be serviced on July 19, 2004 and it is still there. They told me it was the oil pump, oil gauge, and then they relaced the motor. Now they are saying it is idling high. I think they need to replace my car. It has been a month and a half since I have driven my car.

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  Gas Milage is Horriable - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By brad - November 29 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a 2005 Suzuki Forenza S. There are many things that I like about the car. The great warranty is nice to have and its standard features are nice, most base line cars do not have a CD player or steering wheel stereo controls. The main thing that I am not happy with is the gas milage. I only get about 24-25 which is horriable and thats with babying it. I think that the main reason is the engine is overworked so it needs to use more gas to get it going. I have a 2002 Mazda Protege and driving that pretty hard gets about 30 mpg.

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  Good Inexpensive vehicle - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By pops - November 29 - 12:16 pm

  I have read reviews detailing problems with starting, fuel economy etc.. This has not been the case for me. Fuel economy is better than EPA est. and the car has been very reliable and comfortable. One of the best cars I have ever purchased. The fit an finish of the car are excellent.

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  Adding power, better gas mil., c-control - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Lorenzo Menendez - November 28 - 2:10 pm

  Wrotte a review on 11-13-2006, since then I improved the little monster, added a TURBONATOR (cheap in cost) and H&K air filter, they increased the horsepower and the little monster flies the speedometer needle moves like the ones in the race car. The mpg changed from 30 to 37 mpg on a flat hwy, using cruise control that I had put in after writing my review in 2006. One thing to remember, keep the tires properly inflated. Had the SX4 since 2006 without any mechanical problems, runs like a true champ. Have gone thru some major storms and floods in AWD without any problems.

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  Its a car - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Adam - November 26 - 3:36 pm

  I get about 20-25mpg, driving about 70% highway, 30% city. I guess thats average these days. The acceleration isnt great, at least with the automatic transmission. After about 6 months, the inside passenger door handle snapped off when my sister(weighs maybe 100 lbs) was getting out the car. Sometimes I smell freon when using the AC (inside air). Lets hope the warranty covers those!

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  Great Small SUV! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By blueyedangel1207 - November 23 - 10:46 pm

  We just bought the Grand Vitara and have only had it for a couple of months. So far we LOVE it! Its a great vehicle to drive and to be a passenger in! I have 2 kids and they fit comfortably in the back seat (with 2 car seats). In the back cargo area I am able to easily fit the double stroller along with any shopping I have for the day.

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  Very Happy - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By docellis - November 19 - 7:03 pm

  After driving a 2000 Suzuki, Baleno, 4x4 Wagon in Russia for 7 years without any problems, we decided to give Suzuki our business again when we moved to the USA. The one which caught our eye was the SX4. We purchased the last 2007 on the lot. Immediately we were getting very good gas mileage with highs as much as 38 mpg. Around town usually we get 29.7 on the average. We take very long trips with our work and always end up rested and with gas money still in our pockets. In snow we have not lost traction even one time. The 2WD, AWD and Four Wheel Drive options are great. We have 56,000 already without a hitch. I would buy again and recommend this car to any one.

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  Love my XL-7 - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Love My XL-7 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my XL-7 2 years now. I bought it to give me more room for hauling things, or for camping, etc. I was unsure about leaving my nice and reliable Honda Accord behind. But, I have been impressed and pleased overall with this vehicle. It is versatile, comfortable, and gives good overall performance. It is a great value for the money given all the standard features. And, it is nice to have a vehicle that isnt like every other one on the road. I consistently get better fuel economy than posted-- about 21mpg mixed/24mpg highway. It may be utilitarian and simple for some people, but thats why I like it.

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  Traded in my Aerio after 2 MO/8K CAUTION - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By gkxp - November 16 - 10:00 am

  In April, I bought a 2003 Suzuki Aerio S. The low price, black interior, 145HP Engine and digital dash sold me. Now in June and after 8000 miles, I traded it in. Reasons? VERY BAD handling in windy/highway driving! Black fabric on drivers-side door trim armrest is already pealing off. Be forewarned if you do a lot of highway driving as I do. Depreciation Percentage higher than others in class.