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 home run for Suzuki - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Mr. Bill S. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I am a proud owner of an Electric Yellow SX. Simply, a great car. One of the best I have ever owned (beleive me, I have had a few, to say the least). The car is Roomy, comfortable, has a great driving position and a taught well controlled ride.

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  Would I buy a Forenza again? - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By GW Morten - May 4 - 5:33 am

  As I take the Forenza to the shop AGAIN, I ask myself if I would buy this one again. No. Not likely. This car has cost us more in the time we have owned it (purchased new) than any other we own or have owned. MPG says 21-22. Have RARELY gotten 20 (more often 16-18). DONT try to drive in slippery conditions (rain or ice), because you will likely need to be pushed out of the way. I have had equivalent Toyotas in the past, and NEVER had a question about use in winter. Not so, the Forenza. Also, tires are NON-STD size ($$), 7yr/100k warranty is severely limited. It drives ok, but would I get another Suzuki product based on our experience? Sadly, and very disappointedly, No.

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  Great car for the price I paid - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Rubens - May 4 - 1:16 am

  I bought this car one year ago. My car is 5 speed and I dont have any problem at all. For the price I paid the car has a lot of features. In the city it makes 24 MPG and on the freeway it makes 30 MPG.

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  REVIEW OF 2003 GRAND 4 WD - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By DREW APPLEMAN - April 30 - 10:00 am

  CAR HAS GREAT ZIP FUEL ECONOMY A DISAPPOINTMENT HIGHLY DISLIKE RADIO CONTROLS UNDER STEERING WHEEL AS SHIFTS CHANNELS BRUSHES THIGHS APPEARANCE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE A PLUS APPEARS SOLID. MANEUVERS WELL HAS THE POWER IN SNOW INCLIMATE WEATHER. SEAT BELT CONNECTOR NEED EXTENDED

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  Great ride for the money, any money - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By VicBSEE - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first ever brand new car, and could not be happier with my choice. It has great looks, drives great, very quiet and has many extra bells and whistles usually found only on much more expensive cars. If you need a new car, at a good price, get this one.

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  Great Car For Small Sedan - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By toadboy - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for the price and have been very pleased with the overall experience. Suspention is soft on the road but tight in corners, engine with the five speed is peppy(compared to other small sedan base engines Toyota, Honda, Focus), and the build quality is great. The Forenza is very comparable in size to my wifes Ford Contour and the overall ride is much better than the Ford Focus. Suzuki did a great job with this car. This vehicle will get over 30000 miles a year put on it so it will get a good work out.

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  Love My XL7 - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By irelandives - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Only complaint about the vehicle is the cupholders are inconvienient. Runs like a dream has gone everywhere without difficulty. The dealership, Bob Lewis in San Jose, ripped me off big time with the lease and have been a really awful dealership in many respects... dont go there, get it somewhere else.

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  Nice Ride - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By markcarpenter34 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Really nice looking vehicle. Priced with the RAV4, but looks and feels more like a 4Runner. The interior could have used a little more thought. The radio is mounted low on the dash, and the third row should just be folded down, because no one could sit back there. Excellent service on vehicle so far.

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  Dont do it! this car is trouble. - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Stessed out with Suz - April 26 - 5:43 pm

  Our Suzuki Verona has had so many problems its crazy. We are having problems with stalling,and let me add Suzuki is not willing to own up to it. I think it is a unsafe car and Im not the only one.

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  Should Have Better Tires - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Evelyn - April 25 - 5:23 pm

  I purchased my Grand Vitara in April. I only had 12,000 miles on it when I had to replace my rear tires. I would think the tires should last longer than that. I took the car back to the dealership that I purchased it at an I was told there was nothing they could do for me (bummer)! Check your tires! Have them rotated and make sure that your have the the air pressure checked.