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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  Great Vehicle for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tharpomaximus - August 7 - 1:10 am

  Very reliable and fun to drive. No tire wear problems as others have had. Handles great in snow. Gas mileage as advertised - dont expect anything better. Seems to depreciate quickly, but purchase price was low in comparison to CRX and Rav4.

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  Our First Family SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Sherwin - August 7 - 1:06 am

  When we first test drove the Suzuki Grand Vitara, we could feel its intense power and handling. It was widely noticed with its hot sleek looks, and came with a 4 mode 4WD system that I only expected from top end vehicles. The 2006 model was the first to have the new looks. Recently we went through a blizzard and the SUV handled amazingly. No slipping or getting stuck in the snow.

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  Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Christopher Trifaro - August 3 - 6:20 am

  I was looking for a small SUV on the likes of a Jeep Liberty. I thought that the Liberty is an overpriced vehicle. I looked at the Grand Vitara Luxury and it sold itself. It had every option I was looking for for half the price. The fuel economy was better than the Jeep Liberty and the ride was more comfortable because of the independent suspension. Every extra option that you ask for in the Jeep is more money. It seems like they threw all the options in the Grand Vitara Luxury for free. Very nice truck not a snail off the line and on the highway it has some power also.

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  Fully loaded beauty - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By selene gordon - August 2 - 8:30 am

  These cars are absolutely beautiful. Completely loaded, better than a Camry pricewise, very luxurious inside, lights up like a Jetliner at night. This car is so awesome. I am so glad I found one. I feel very classy in it.

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  slow at start; good final speed - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By rml - August 1 - 5:43 pm

  Well put together. Slow pick-up; 110 +- mph top speed. Automatic Transmission not that hot. Comfort not that good. Lots of pockets for storage. Ergonometrics excellent. Excellent turning radius. Gallons per miles poor. Beautiful design in and out. Good value. Lots of extras for the $. Good sound equipment. Good stability for a wagon.

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  Very Impressed... - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DOCMITZ - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Traded 130K Nissan Maxima. I was concerned trading down in horsepower from 255 to 177. Then the thought of saving $12K on new Maxima made me turn the corner. I could not be more impressed. I drove both and while there is quite a difference in get up and go, the Verona drove so much smoother and quieter. Only concern in the back of my mind is Fuzzy Technology Transmission. Needs to get to know me and I need to get to know it. Seems the thing has a brain that reacts to its drivers tendancies. Only time will tell if the savings and value are there, but with a seven year 100,000 mile warranty, no worries and the price is outstanding for a fully loaded model.

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  Forenza is good - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Bobby Garcia - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Great for first car, even if you are 35 like me. I bought the car after having a Honda Civic, a 99. I like this car much better, has more features, and less noise, with as much pickup.

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  My White Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Joel Porto - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The handling at high speeds is superb, very tight. The gas mileage is as expected on highways. The Exterior is great, looks similar to the Corolla S, also has Altezza like tail lights. The interior design does not look cheap at all.

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  Still smiling!! - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jaydee11 - July 30 - 8:27 pm

  I only stopped at the dealer for an appointment for an oil change for my Chevy HHR.The next thing I know, I bought a Kizashi!! I love browsing the lots,so my Chevy dealer is also a Suzuki dealer. And there it was! Tucked in between a bunch of Chevys, a black Kizashi. He says how do you feel about this one? It looks nice I said."Would you like for me to get the keys?" I said yeah,sure. But if I get the keys, youll have to test drive it! Yeah,whatever I said. MAn, did I have a ball!! He went with me and showed me a twisty backroad which I never knew existed! God does that baby handle great!! I thought it was the AWD version,thats how great it felt!

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  No long-term reliability - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By SATX - July 30 - 3:23 pm

  My Suzuki was great for the first few years, but once my extended warranty ran out, it started falling apart between 80k~91k. First went the auto-entry device, then the A/C, then some electrical problems started flaring up where my headlights and interior lights pulse at night, then an automated window went out, then the interior dome light shorted, and the final two kickers--it was not starting up, then finally it started dying on the road randomly and shaking and needing a time-out before I can restart it. The worst part is, either we have terrible mechanics in Texas or this is a hard car to work on, because no one can figure it out! A car should not be rendered worthless at 91k!