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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  Just Purchased! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By So UTAH - March 31 - 1:30 am

  After reviewing nearly every midsize SUV availabe for under $25,000, I instantly knew the 06 Grand Vitara was the one for me. It has an amazing look and great power behind it. You can not go wrong with this vehicle.

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  Lots of car, little money - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By jack26 - March 30 - 8:50 pm

  The Verona really surprised me. I didnt expect the vehicle to be this good. Its quiet, smooth, and kind of fun to drive. The sound from the inline-6 brings a grin to my face everytime I give it a whip. Quality of the materials are great and the woodgrain trim almost looks real. Interior comfort, front and rear, is excellent, and the front seats hold you in nicely when going around swift bends. The ride is really relaxing and you can hardly hear the road or any wind noise even when traveling above 60 mph. The Verona is a great total package and is perfect for bargain hunters like myself.

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  Great care for small people - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By anne myers - March 29 - 12:53 am

  When first purchased had a problem with windshield wipers going off on a sunny day - did turn them on - keyless lock and interior dome light. Finally found the problem in the rear wiper electrical hookup. Fixed and not a problem since. 52,000 miles and just put new brakes on. Tires about one year ago. For a small person, women particularly it is a great car for driving and easy to handle. Great capacity for hauling when the rear seats are down for extra cargo space. Great mileage - go 400 hundred miles to New York state and still have 1/4 tank of gas left. My husband is 6 ft and I am 5 ft and the car fits us both.

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  Good SUV for the money - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By BEK - March 28 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Gran Vitari JLX+ for almost 2 years now. Its been a very good mini suv. Have not had it in for any repairs. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and wash it once a week and were good to go. If you are in the market for a mini suv I would pick this one over the Kia, Crv, Rav4 or Tracker any day of the week.

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  Sidekick Sport - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Jasen44 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Its a great vehicle and very reliable. Only problem was 2 wheel bearings at 70,000, when I bought it. The ride is pretty good, but some road noise. Amazing gas milage-24-26 in 4x4. 25-27 in 2 wheel drive!! The sport edition comes with a 1.8L 4 cylinder. That to is somewhat underpowered.

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  Love my Truck - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cobratan - March 23 - 11:04 pm

  It was my first SUV and I am very impressed with all of its standard features, performance, off-road capability, and craftsmanship. It handles well in all weather conditions.I live in Alberta where there is only few months of Summer and Longer Winter months.It drives like a Truck cause it is a Truck but much better than my old GM Truck.I have been enjoying it for the pass 4 years with no major issues.

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  mad as hell - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By clarissa - March 22 - 3:26 pm

  as of 10/19/09 I have taken this vehicle to the dealer at least 6 times. it lights up like a christmas tree inside the dash board. check engine light, steering wheel, tire monitor all stay lit up and dealer cant seem to find the problem. I quess what they say, you pay for what you get is true, the forenza is cheap and is not worth the aggravation that comes with this car. I would not advise anyone to purchase this car, or you will be mad as hell the way that I am.

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  Traded in a Touareg - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By texas22 - March 19 - 10:50 pm

  Much happier with the Grand Vitara XSport. Clearly the best of class. Tightest turning circle of any on the market. After 9 months, I love it.

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  Suzuki Kizashi rocks - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By cammy - March 18 - 6:26 am

  I love the looks of this car I think it looks better than a lot of the cars on the road now. Interior is great too. Having a lot of fun driving this car. Turning a lot of heads . Yes Suzuki make great cars too. A lot of the main auto makers are being put to shame if people would only look pass the Suzuki name and stop following mainstream they would see how much better this car is.

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  My Second XL-7 - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By gary wells - March 18 - 1:26 am

  I love the fact that my XL-7 has a full frame and that the engine has plenty of power for the city and the highway. The interior is very user friendly. I love my 6 disc CD changer with subwoofer. this truck has a large cargo area and the passenger seats can be made into a chaise lounge by removing the head rest and sliding the seat forward and reclining it back.