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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  First new car in a decade - 2013 Suzuki SX4
  By suzukiguy - July 30 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased this car after owning a 2002 Hyundai Elantra for ten years. I had the choice between this and a 2012 accord, and I chose this. Im super happy with my decision. This is an awd with excellent gas mileage and lots of ground clearance. I hope the sx4 turns out to be as awesome as my Elantra was.

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  Great Value, Runs Strong - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By gomaingo - July 28 - 10:00 am

  The Aerio has the feel of a large car, with its high roof and large trunk. You sit higher than most drivers which gives you great visability. The real fun comes while driving this quick little car, that handles suprisingly well. My only surprize is that I do not see more of them on the road.

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  Best Mid-size Suv for the Buck - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Stan D. - July 28 - 10:00 am

  A great SUV that has so much to offer for the price. I also like the piece of mind I get with the 7-year 100,000 mile warranty.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By harmonic - July 26 - 8:56 am

  This vehicle has AWD for under $17,000 plus a plethora of amenities not usually found in a package for such a reasonable price. The initial quality impression is excellent. The interior fit and finish is clean, functional, and very roomy. Sitting high gives you the impression of being in a much bigger vehicle. It comes with standard power doors and locks. It has great visibility all around. Its nimble and agile suspension makes this the perfect urban road warrior.

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  Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Kimanzi - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is a nice family car. Car seats fit nice and snug, better than any other cars.

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  lemon - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Rick HENDERSON - July 25 - 10:00 am

  We bought a new Foreza in Dec. of 03 it was taken back for minor issues at 1000 miles. So we thought. It was taken back at 1500, 2800, 3000, 3450 and finally 3500 miles. All for excessive smoke out of the tailpipe. The car has been in the shop since June 1st of 04 with the engine taken apart. We where told there was a problem with the cylinders or pistons. They where not sure and Suzuki inc. didnt know what to do about it. Well over 2 months later it is still in the shop with the engine torn apart. I have filled on the lemon law. I could not get suzuki to call me or give me an answer on when it may be fixed. It seems that it should not take 2 months to repl

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  Great car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MD - July 24 - 10:03 am

  Bought a SX4 JX last fall. No problems at all with it. Its built like a tank, and I enjoy driving it very much. There are some small things and it could use a touch more power and better fuel economy, but no car is perfect. For the price, this has to be one of the best values out there. And its unique. Looks better than those other economy cars out there in my opinion.

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  What a difference a year makes - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dean - July 24 - 12:46 am

  I have the 2006 wagon. Im 6ft 1, 300lbs, and very comfortable in this car. The exterior styling is reminiscent of a smaller version of the dodge magnum, and the 7yr-100000 warranty speaks for itself. Its interior is styled nicely, and you get accessories for thousands less than similar vehicles in this category. fuel econmy is superb so far, and it holds the road like a glove. Its not a pavement burner, but it gets out of its own way when it needs too. safety features abound, hidden storage everywhere, and plent of room for rear passengers. An excellent car as is the whole 2006 line. Catch one if you can....

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  Will never buy a Suzuki again! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jennifer - July 23 - 12:53 pm

  We have had so many problems with this car brand new no miles plastic still on seats when purchased we run the car easy and we have had replaced the tires and an alignment many times and now currently the alignment and struts are bad and we had the car in the shop with $1200 worth of work a couple months ago and still having the same problems over and over again! Have the seat belt recall problem air bag sensors keep messing up and the cars alignment and going through tires is a major issue! I do not recommend buying this car and I will never purchase a Suzuki again!

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  Cool Car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Jerry - July 20 - 1:30 pm

  I love it, especially size of this car. It is easy to drive and excel in all season weather, rain, ice, snow. I used AWD 4 wheel drive. It amazes me.