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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  My Experience in a Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Barney - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We as a family drive Saabs and we wanted to make sure we had a deep snow vehicle. We were very impressed with the ride and handling after looking at several other vehicles we felt for the Money this was our best choice.

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  My Suv - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By olewinel - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I looked at several Suvs, but when I sat inside of the Grand Vitara, it just felt right. The size was just what I was looking for and almost all the features I was looking for were standard. Financing and dealer service were also a big plus in my decision. I would definetly purchase another.

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  Little big stuff - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By nicejohn - October 28 - 5:20 pm

  Quick road hugging and fun to drive. I have had several small cars such as Toyota Matrix 04, Honda Accord 92 and Chevy Aveo 06. The SX4 beats them all in overall performance. The trunk room is great and the interior room head room cannot be beaten for a car of its class.My daughter is a tall 5ft10ins and she loves sitting in the rear. The car is perfect for commuting and long travel. So before you buy your gas saver test drive the SX4 you will not be disappointed.

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  Good Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By rb - October 27 - 8:20 pm

  This truck is easy and fun to drive. The stability control is excellent. It has comfortable seating in the front and rear. The heated mirrors are nice.

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  Under the radar value - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By DavidW - October 27 - 12:36 am

  This car is an amazing deal and has been terrific so far! It flies under the radar screen because Suzuki doesnt seem to promote their cars too well. Im glad I did the research and found it. After 7,000 miles, no problems at all and I love driving it!

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  Road Side Assistance - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By lbacskay - October 24 - 5:30 pm

  On our way to a nice day trip about 160 miles from home when the car started acting up. Only 10 days old with 700 miles on it and the cars gears stop shifting and the rpm were running 4-5k at 30-40 mph. We switched to manual mode and the car worked for a little while but switched automatically to drive mode and revved the engine again at 30-40 mph. Pulled over for the third time and shut car off and tried again in manual mode. This time car gas pedal would not work. Car worked in reverse not in drive or manual mode. Called RoadSide assistance and thought all will be fine. Closest tow truck was 45 miles away. (continued)

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  This makes 2 - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Dane T. - October 24 - 10:00 am

  After purchasing our first used Aerio Sedan in April, 2004, I was so impressed with it, that I bought a new Aerio SX in May...just about a month after the first purchase!!! These are sharp looking and performing cars...am a little disappointed that the gas mileage is not higher...but hey, at 29- 32 miles per gallon, who am I to complain with all the Aerio has too offer!!! I recommend these autos very highly!!!

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  Fun, economy, and unbelivable space - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jiggha - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun, economy, and unbelivable space

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  Corporation Lemon - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By paragon - October 21 - 2:16 am

  I love my vehicle NOW! (after a new motor and many other trips to the dealership.) Dealership couldnt find the problem when the CHECK ENGINE light began coming on at 20K miles. In a years time, I had possession of the SUV only about 3 months. The rest of the time was spent in the shop. NO KIDDING! District and regional even was sent to work on it. To no avail. Corporation then decided to replace vehicle as a lemon; didnt happen. Then buy back vehicle, didnt happen. Then give me money for trade, didnt happen. Then finally told me "tough luck."

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  Good Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By RallyKoRn - October 19 - 10:00 am

  This car really is big. Compared to other sedans, such as the Accord and Camry, this to me was the biggest. The exterior design is okay and its a pleasure to wash. Leather is really nice on road trips as well as the sunroof. Planning on keeping this car for quite a while.