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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  2008 Suzuki SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By BrendanB - September 11 - 2:26 pm

  I purchased this car for my first car, and it is pretty impressive considering the price. At first, it felt very slightly underpowered, considering that I was used to driving a car with 260 horsepower, but in reality, it isnt bad. The handling on it is amazing. It takes turns quickly and the tires stick to the road well. I live in Pennsylvania, and the traction control and AWD make it a very good car for snow. Also, the touring package comes with a 9-speaker 6-CD changer, which sounds amazing. It is probably one of the best car stereos Ive heard. The only small downside is I have only been getting 20 mpg, but thats using full throttle a lot. Overall I am very satisfied with this purchase.

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  Honest review after 16 monthsof use. - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Al Davis - September 10 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for comfortable four wheel drive, with good fuel economy. This vehicle is not the one! Also the third row seating is a joke. Any child under fifty pounds is ok. Any larger they will have no leg room. This is a well built vehicle just not practicle for seven people.

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  This car is really great - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Humberto - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Hey guys. I dont really know whether I am just feeling too much enthusiastic or not with this car. (Its the first new car I just bought here in America new from the dealer, with zero miles). The really thing, is that I just love to drive it everyday even to do simple things like going to work. Its v6 engine is strong, with a good pickup, brakes and comfort. What else can I say about this car? It is a beautiful car. I just feel that I made a great business and saved a lot of money buying it.

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  purchaed new in feb. 12 - 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By boss1mb - September 4 - 10:43 am

  not much wrong with this compact suv, much less than others larger ones in price, geared a little low for 1st, handlling good great turning radius for tight spots, if you havent owned a small suv before give careful consideration, its not gonna handle like a sports car at highway speeds. Great for around town and trips, could have used another 2" length in the cargo area. Great body style, lots of safety features, a good value for the price.

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  just the best - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By radnel justine - September 3 - 2:00 am

  just the best value in a compact vehicle and a smart value too.

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  2001 XL-7 Plus 4X4 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Frank B. - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I actually have a 2001 but its virtually the same vehicle. I love this truck...Yes a truck, not an awd car type SUV. Suzuki has been doing it right for many years and The Grand Vitara/XL-7 is one of their finest. The 3rd row of seats sold me! Oh yah, Durango has 7 pass seating but I didnt have $10,000 more and uh, try sitting in the back of one. Love my XL- 7!

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  XL-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By KLH - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Handles the road sharp. Turns on a dime. Rides good.

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  Quality, and much more than you pay for! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Yokemate - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The leather interior is polished and professional, the ride is quiet and refined, the seven year transferable no deductible power train warranty (3 year bumper to bumper) is outstanding. You dont pay for a bunch of extra doodads. The XL-7 is two inches narrower than the ML 320, and is maneuverable, as a result. The XL-7 is truck based but rides like a car and has a part-time 4x4 capacity, which can be switched to at up to 60 mph. The XL-7 has done quite well in crash tests. The XL-7 has crunch zones, anti- lock brakes, beams in the doors, pretensioners on the seat belts, and second generation air bags. Weve been surprised by the high initial quality.

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  Happy Me - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By TammyC - September 2 - 9:26 am

  Bought this vehicle the day after turn in and I have loved every minute! I have found no problems with its get up and go at anytime! Including getting on highways on short ramps and getting through heavy traffic. Its now on its second journey to Tenn. from very flat Florida and has been a rock for dependablity. Even though it has spent most of its life a couple feet above sea level it does not not hesistate to tackle the Smokey Mtns with a vengance and ease. I do agree that its a bit shift happy when the cruise controls on or going down hills but I dont have many hills to go down at home and the hills I have encountered (ie: Smokeys), Ill gladly take it downshifting to slow itself!

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  ITS GREAT! - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By NICOLE - August 28 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE HANDLES GREAT! ITS COMPACT SIZE MAKES IT EASY TO CONTROL, AND ITS A GREAT CAR FOR TEENS TO LEARN TO DRIVE IN! IT HAS GREAT TURNING ABILITY AND ALL AROUND THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE.