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:

• 

  Alternative to Explorer & Highlander - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By beanezuelan - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for young families (w/kids 0 to five) that, for whatever reason, do not want to buy a minivan. I honestly believe that if you want/can compromise on a few features, its a great value. When doing my research I was comparing this vehicle with Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. When you throw in all the features included in the XL-7s EX III package and compare with these other two, you are getting a lot more for your money. One item people asked me a lot about was engine hp, I find the 185 hp V6 engine is adequate. You have to realize that this car is about 650 lbs lighter than a Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, which comes w/std. 210 hp V6.

• 

  Loving It but Improvements Needed - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By carloscai - March 9 - 8:40 am

  The vehicle has many good things to talk about, such as nice interior, smooth drive, 4x4, 6 CD, low price...it really stands out of, the line of other Suzuki cars, not to mention those Daewoo junks that Suzuki brough back to life. Buyers should not expect the resale value of the vehicle to be anything even close to RAV4 or CR-V. It will take more than one vehicle to establish the brand name for Suzuki. For all the lovers of Toyota and Honda, even if they are selling Cavalier, it would have the best resale value. Nothing more, you are not buying the brand here. Suzuki should really consider putting a better engine into this vehicle, 185hp on a V6 is a not-so-funny joke.

• 

  Fun little car! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Happy in PA - March 9 - 1:40 am

  My husband & I bought the crossover and we are in love! I have an 06 Mustang GT and hubby has a Dodge Ram Hemi, we added the Suzuki to our family so that we could keep our Mustang in the garage when the weather isnt good. We both fight over whos gonna drive the Suzuki. Its so much fun to drive and its nice to drive on long trips. Plenty of room for my 63" hubby and our 2 dogs. If youre thinking about buying this little car, you wont be sorry!

• 

  excellent - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jazmonia - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love riding it around town because is different and rarely seen. The turns are smooth and the ride is pleasant.

• 

  This is My First Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By virginia ternigan - February 28 - 7:43 am

  Im really happy with my Grand Vitara. I think its a classy SUV. It is a lot of vehicle for the money. I was looking at the Toyota RAV4, which looks somewhat similar, however theres no comparison for the value this was a much better choice as far as looks, features, and most of all the price. Its nice to unlock my car and start it without looking for my keys in my purse!

• 

  Good Truck - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Snowman - February 26 - 11:10 pm

  This vehicle is made by Nissan for Suzuki however, Suzuki offers a better warranty and it comes standard with side curtain airbags. I cant tell you how many people that have stopped to talk to me about my truck. All of them were amazed that Suzuki is offering a pick-up truck. When I show them some of the features it comes with the factory (factory bed-liner, a utili-track tie down system, a Garmin navigation system, bed-extender, and the passenger seat folds down) they are simply impressed with the value. Now, I have driven this vehicle for approximately 5 months with no problems and or issues. The gas mileage I am getting with pure highway driving has been a consistent 22 MPG.

• 

  See for yourself - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By JJ - February 26 - 2:50 pm

  I really cant say anything bad. One of the sharpest cars you can buy for the money. This car comes with great base model features and is much more solid than econo-cars before it. You dont buy these cars for sheer performance and gas prices should make the driver focus on doing his part, not just the car. With the money you save invest in a $99 mod-chip for even better mpg & hp. The mpg lives up to its window-sticker quote which is more than a lot of cars can say!

• 

  Save your money - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By DenverSuzuki - February 23 - 7:30 am

  I had a bad experience with my second suzuki. I had it four days then the motor locked up. Four days of decent driving then out of the blue kerwham. The dealer has had my car now for 27 days, I keep thinking maybe tommorow ill get it back. its comfortable. The gas mileage it gets is terrible, I understand there is a breaking period however 7 miles to a gallon is terrible. I am driving a old 1977 ford truck that gets 19 mpg. Anyone in the market for a 2009 Grand Vitara with 247 miles on it?

• 

  Its a decent car, but.... - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By bigjazzfan - February 22 - 6:57 am

  I bought a 2005 Suzuki Forenza with 116,000 miles. For what I need (a commuter car) it ran great. I realized it leaked quite a bit of oil, and the antifreeze was disappearing, and the airbag light was on of course. When speaking to a dealer he said hed never seen a 2005 Forenza NOT leak a considerable amount of oil. I had it for a few months, as long as I kept my eyes on the fluid levels, it was ok. I eventually traded for a different car. If youre looking for a car to rack up miles on, this is it. If youre looking for comfort or long-term reliability, look elsewhere.

• 

  2005 suzuki Aerio Sx. Not a happy camper - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tim - February 21 - 10:46 am

  I can honestly say I felt the same way most of the other reviewers felt on this site about there Aerios when I first purchased the car however 36,000 miles later and its a much different feeling. My Aerio has went through 3 sets of tires which were rotated at 5,000 mile intervals. The front sway bar bushings have been replaced.One week later the squeaking is back. More squeaks in the dash. Paint is not very good. Easy to scratch when opening the doors .They do buff out but the chips on the hood do not. I am very disappointed in the car.I thought it would hold up better.The suspension is terrible on this car.Too many squeaks and rattles .I guess you get what you pay for. Not Recommended