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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  A pleasure to drive - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Louis Anderson - May 20 - 2:43 pm

  This is a terrific 2WD SUV. The 6 cylinder engine handles the mountains of NC, TN, and AL easily and delivers more mpg then the sticker claims. This is a comfortable ride on long trips and it has great visibility. The fact that it is packed with the latest safety features and creature comforts make this a great auto. The second row seating has adjustable backs and the full swing open door makes it easy to load / unload especially for seniors. Its great brakes and esp make this a safe car.

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  Great value - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Tony - May 20 - 5:43 am

  A lot of stuff for a little money: AWD, navigation, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted controls. Perfect winter/second car.

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  Great car! Wish I still had it - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By mplser - May 17 - 2:11 pm

  This is an AMAZING car! If you live somewhere with lots of snow and ice, the awd lock is your best friend! feels like there isnt even any snow under your car when driving! It looks great, and My big tall 65" self fit in it with plenty of room to spare. Has more space for the driver than my Camry, which was my previous car. I can also, unfortunately, attest to the unbelievable safety of this car. I got in a head-on crash at about 50 mph with a large Infiniti. all the doors still opened after the crash, and the only injury i sustained was a small burn on my arm from the airbag opening and rubbing against it. I already miss my little SX4 :( I might even buy another one with my insurance check

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  Paid off, now its history! - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By cubbie1 - May 14 - 1:26 am

  First week of purchase I hated it! Took it back and they sold my trade in. I have cursed since I bought it, never another Suzuki again! The rims bend like pasta when I hit any pothole, and headlights go through bulbs like crazy. The CD player has been replaced 2xs and the suspension squeaks! Heres an idea: Suzuki stay with the bikes cause the cars are crap! I traded in a Honda and thats my next purchase. If youre looking at a Suzuki, dont walk away from it, RUN!

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  Can I Give It Back?? - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Can I Give It Back?? - May 12 - 10:43 pm

  I have been less than impressed with this vehicle. I feel like I am driving a manual transmission because it jerks pretty severely when you step on the gas. I had to have my speakers replaced because they blew out - I dont blast my radio! My fuses blew out on my cigarette lighters and turn signals within a year. My engine light is on again, this time due to a bad transmission sensor! The gas mileage is horrible! I was in a pinch and needed a new car, but at this point, I would have been better off keeping my old one!

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  2008 Suzuki SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Renee Brown - May 12 - 3:46 am

  A good dependable vehicle for a good price. Also came with a great warranty and road side assistance. This is the first Suzuki Ive owned and I would recommend it tomy family and friends.

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  Love my Forenza! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dani - May 11 - 4:56 pm

  Just bought the car and love it! Handles well with lots of get-up-and-go with my 5-speed manual. Really hugs the turns, clutch is a little soft though. Still havent found the "sweet spot" for 1st - keep peeling out on accident if Im not paying attention :-D And the gas mileage is excellent.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By VIVA VERONA - May 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND SUZUKI, MY WIFE HAS AN XL-7. I WAS DECIDING BETWEEN THE NEW MALIBU AND THE VERONA..I KNOW I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE. I LOVE THIS CAR, IT RIDES GREAT, LOOKS GREAT, AND ALL FOR 6 THOUSAND LESS THEN THE MALIBU LT

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  My Little White Tank - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By CtYank42 - May 9 - 1:40 pm

  This is my third Suzuki automobile, having owned an 88 Chevy Sprint and a 93 GEO Metro. While the little three bangers were great on gas, and very dependable, they werent nearly as well built and fun to drive as my SX4 Sport. One of the reasons I bought another Suzuki - my seventh including four motorcycles - is the build quality of the Japanese built models. I considered a Forenza and a Verona but I wasnt comfortable with the quality control reports on the South Korean built cars. My SX4 Sport has two wheel drive (all the four sedans are 2WD) and it handles better than any small car Ive ever owned, including an 02 SVT Focus. I havent averaged less than 31MPG in 3000 miles. Fun

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  Great car for family and sports - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Max - May 9 - 1:56 am

  In 2005 we decided to buy the XL7 used, 6000 miles on it looking new and for a great price, way lower than a new one wouldve cost. It was a dealers test drive car. Since weve got it nothing wrong happened. I have done the brakes on it at 30000 and costed $70.00 It gives average 18 to 22 MPG combined HWY and City. Regular gas is just fine. Very resistent, reliable and confortable.4WD is wonderfull when needed. Long trips are nice and smoth. The features from manufacture are great. My wife gets complements from all her friends, her car looks Young...they say. Very good car for the price. Low cost to keep mechanicaly. Looks better and runs better now that is paid for!