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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  Suzuki XL-7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By 2004 Suzuki XL-7 - October 16 - 6:03 am

  This vehicle needs a wider wheel base and extended flaps on visors to block drivers eyes from sun only. Everything else is great. Maybe a back door that opens away from curb rather then to the curb. The handling is sweet, likes its on clouds. The headlights are remarkably bright. No DVD player tho for the wife n kids??? Honda Odessy has one up on you. Ever consider getting rid of the "7 passenger" title to make more leg room and rear storage?? try it, you might be surprised.

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  Solid Designed Suzuki SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Nikki - October 12 - 2:20 pm

  I just took delivery of my new SX4 yesterday. I could not believe a vehicle with this level of design, features, and build quality could be had for $15,999. The test drive sealed the deal, as it accelerated nicely to highway speeds, while loaded with four (full-grown) adults riding along in surprizing comfort. This vehicle has plenty of leg-room and head-room to easily accommodate passengers six feet tall in both the front and back seats. The rear set of doors allow the back seat to be readily accessible for use with childrens car seats. Not having to change the timing belt alone will save some serious maintenance costs and remove the ticking time-bomb scenario that occurs with interference engines using timing belts.

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  better than expected - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Randar - October 9 - 9:23 am

  I bought this car used with 9200 miles on it and have been suprised with how nice a car this really is. The in town gas milage is really poor but I mostly drive on rual highways and have been getting 32 to 33.4 miles per gallon. The car has great acelleration when needed and has nice headroom. The down side is the seats are poorly designed and hurt your back when driving long distances and the oversized A pillars create a blind spot that takes some getting used to. Overall this is a nice little car thats a lot of fun to drive and I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Better than Honda, Toyota, Nissan or any - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By importuner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Everything from the fantastic customer service to the ease of ownership of this car have been awesome. The car rides, drives, feels and performs better and more comfortably than the other compacts I test drove. Over the course of 6 mos, I drove a Civic twice, Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra and Kia, still the clear choice was the sx4, it feels so much safer, solid and substantial.

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  Great I still have it Works good - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jose Robleto - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, fun to drive Drove from Texas to Nicaragua in 2006 with 110,000 miles no problem Drove from El Paso TX to Mazatlan Sinaloa in 2009 cero problems with 149,000 miles

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  Long-Term Use Report - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By SFBay - September 26 - 8:30 am

  Got my Suzuki XL-7 in 12/01 and still like it today after 53,000 miles. It was the best SUV for the money at the time with its 3rd row seats and REAL part-time 4WD. I commute with it and now after break-in, I’m getting 20 mpg, I only got 17 mpg before. My XL-7 feels heavy but still it is still fun and sporty to drive. It did really well at the off-road course I took last year. The only problem I had was a coolant leak which may be the dealers fault. I recommend regular trans/diff fluid changes. And the original tires are lousy, mine were bald at 15,000 miles. Go with Yokohamas, mine are still like new after 30,000 miles. I solved my oil filter access problem by cutting a hole at the wheel well and bolted on an aluminum sheet door. The colored weather strips have all faded.

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  Solid Performer - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By JMat - September 25 - 11:00 pm

  Since I purchased my GV Ive gotten married, got a dog, bought a house and recently became a father. All along the way the GV has never let me down. Weve gone on several road trips and the GV has always been a true pleasure to drive. It now hauls my entire family including the dog with no problem. Reliability has never been an issue and the build quality is top nothch. The only issue Ive had since purchasing it in 2007 has been a burned out headlight which was covered under the warranty and took a half an hour to repair at the dealership. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By driver003 - September 23 - 11:28 am

  I bought this car brand new seven years ago. now have 80,000 miles on it. Only thing that went wrong was powersteering box which I couldve prevented. For a "cheaper" value car, man does this top expectations. Has rigidity of a honda body (not so much paint finish though). The most standard features for a better price than any car in its class and best acceleration in class (manual). And this is compared to 2005 compact vehicles. Not best on gas, but fun to drive. I will def. put suzuki and Sx4 on my short list. Dont let people tell you theyre crap...one of the highest selling cars in the world just not as popular in USA.

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  Disappointed in PA - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Gecko - September 23 - 5:53 am

  Okay, I did my research and it all sounded good. Well 6months after purchasing new, the cluster{?}(all gauges) goes out.Dealers supposed to supply rental, has none and suggests I drive it for a week until part comes in...basically suggesting I drive without a speedometer. Ya, right, is the dealer going to pay the ticket if I get one?? Thank heaven for warranties. Then a year later, I have to replace the tires...I hear common irregular wear problem. Now at 2yrs irregular wear again?? Horrible on Ice or slippery roads, the second I apply any pressure to break, abs kicks in and you will go sliding, even on roads with heavy gravel...steering wheel shakes at 70mph..hoping to get rid of it soon

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  2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rodney Harkness - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Great all around small SUV; can cruise at 65 MPH in 4WD pulling a 1000 pound trailer. Never got stuck anywhere --and I do take this through the woods. Has a very nice sound system.