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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  air bags - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By hocuspoc - June 21 - 10:00 am

  over all I loved this vehical, that is up until I had a accident where i was hit in the passenger front end, bad enough that the vehical was totalled and neither the driver side or passanger side air bag came out... still havent got any reason as to why they didnt go off ...

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  luv the little ute - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By pickemup - June 21 - 10:00 am

  So far we are very happy with our purchase. The limited has all the creature comforts. Leather is very comfortable. Once you figure out the seats they are easy to use. It is easy to drive and the interior is well thought out. IT is great looking too. Gas mileage so far (just under 1000 miles) is not great. Less than 15 mpg.

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  disappointed - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By francistoronto - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The car lacks power and very noisy when you step on the gas. Can barely hear the stereo sound working. After 1 month I bought it, windshield suddenly cracked without apparent reason. Susceptible to crosswinds.

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  Dont waste your money - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Rae3811 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly hate this car, and am sorry I ever decided to buy it. As my first *NEW* car it was very affordable, but thats about it. Handles very poorly, Interior is made of cheap quality. Theres no storage space save for glove compartment. Windshield wipers move either to fast or to slow. Build is not very aero-dynamic makes for a shakey ride.

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  Great quality for the price! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By lawnchaircrew - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is incredible (especially for being a suzuki)! I was skeptical when going to test drive it but when I did it amazed me. The variable power steering is awesome and gives you alot of control over the car. Even though it only puts out 126 horses, it really wants to get up and go. The interior styling is superior over its opponents. Over all the egronomics of this car (being a suzuki) leave me flabbergasted!!

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  My Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By James2 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2004 verona, I traded in my 2000 Daewoo Leganza which is basically the same type of car, the Verona has a bunch of std. features on it that you dont usually find on a $17,350 car, such as fullsize spare tire,heated outside mirrors, cruise/tilt and my favorite audio steering wheel controls along with pw,pl, pwr mirrors, the Verona has been in the shop twice, once for the recall of slow acceleration, andf the second was because it seemed like it wanted to stall after starting cold. Both were fixxed and the car runs good, I would reccommend this car to anyone on a budget, who wants a good size car for a small price,I am 64 and 360 lbs and fit well

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  Great value for the dollars - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Computerman - June 12 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Suzuki. My wife and I have owned and swore by Nissans for 25 years - Sentra, Stanza, Pulsar, Altima, 300zx. We left 2 Nissan dealers holding new Altimas for us after we test drove this car. This is a loaded automobile with very well thought out features - trunk lid opens right down to the bumper, radio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, mute button, intelligent transmission, wide opening doors with red interior lights, driver cant be locked out with keys inside. 7yr/100k warranty, great visibility and short turning radius. You need to see this car. You wont believe what youre getting for the price.

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  Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By mm9351 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  The overall quality, workmanship, and fit / finish will exceed your expectations. On par with Honda, Nissan and Toyota. Power, while not in abundance, is more than adequate, and it feels stronger as it breaks in. Low end torque kicks in and peaks at only 4000 rpm. In-line six is noted for its smothness and was designed by Porsche. Suzuki has a real winner with the new Verona. It offers the most "value" (i.e. bang for the buck) for any mid- size car currently available.

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  Steves Review Forenza LX - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By stepheninaz - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Features abound on this car. Power everything, consoles, lights, features you didnt know you were getting. Very nice car with an unbelievable price. Engine is silky smooth and extremely quiet at idle. Air conditioning doesnt "bog" the car down like other 4- bangers Ive owned. Very good brakes and excellent hydraulic clutch.

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  Heathers Review - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By heathergirlie20 - June 9 - 9:10 pm

  My experience my 2005 Suzuki Forenza has been great. I love it. Its my second vehicle and I wish it had been my first vehicle because I love it so much!