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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  Its a Chevy ... - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By macnone - January 30 - 10:20 pm

  I was driving it for some time ... so far I have to be in the dealership once every 4 months ... something is wrong and needs fixin. Im used to Nissan QUALITY!!! Now I understand why this thing is so cheap! Im disregarding the airbag light all together - after a dealership its off for about a month ... then on again. Do I have to pay $300 each quoter or do I ignore it ... transmission is another common problem ... If you want to see a lot of lights on the dashboard all the time - this car is for you, if not - choose a different manufacturer.

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  Drivers Seat is Killing ME! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By JulieJewls - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my XL7 after spending weeks looking on the internet. This vehicle had everything I wanted. Leather, Heated Seats, Third Row Seating, Sun Roof. I since added a DVD system, and now my kids are in heaven. I fell in love with the "Purple" color, with the dark gray leather interior...

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  I like it - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By joakes66 - January 25 - 3:46 am

  This is my second Suzuki car. I liked my 01 Esteem so much, I thought Id try another Suzuki. So far I have been very satisfied. I am a large person, and this is the first car I have owned where I could not slide the seat all the way back; it was too far from the wheel to be comfortable! It has all the extras I was looking for, has enough get-up-and-go for my style of driving, and the controls are laid out nicely. I do think I will spend a few bucks and get some nicer wheels; the steel wheels w/hubcaps have got to go.

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  Decent Little SUV Alternative - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By JDA - January 25 - 12:20 am

  This is my wifes new car. She loves it. She traded in her pickup for it due to heavy driving. It drives Very well and has good get up and go. The built-in GPS is a genius way to have one without needing a super expensive radio. So far my wife loves it. We were looking for a an SUV or minivan for her, but she saw it and said, "this ones cute." The price is also right for a new car. The dealer was very good and positive. We were also surprised with the $300 gas card! If youre looking for a nice small vehicle, definitely check it out. There is one caveat however. I am 59" and I cant find a comfortable driving position. This is meant for shorter drivers.

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  Nice Truck/Terrible Manufacturer Support - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By grangt - January 21 - 11:16 pm

  Dropped truck off on 01/30 for a 4-hour job. Its now 02/20 and still no truck because the shop cant get the parts delivered. Szuki has not established any method to get parts to shops quickly. Obviously, Suzuki is not interested in making sure their few customers are happy after purchase. Unless you have a fleet of cars for back-ups in case your Suzuki needs work, DO NOT buy one. Suzuki has a decent product, but needing transportation on a daily basis, will never purchase another Suzuki.

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  Great car - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By dfrasure - January 18 - 2:07 pm

  I bought this on an impulse and have not been disappointed. I love this inside ans out. I have yet to find any problems.

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  Very under-estimated car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By cdrl - January 16 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion although this car came sixth out of six in its category, it came number one in both engine and transmission. This is 90% of what you want in a car. Very cormfortable seats and guess what - all my friends (some have a Matrix and a Protege 5) think that this is the most fun car to own. Love the sound of the peppy engine, very fuctional interior unlike the competitors who have useless storage for things like cellphones Safety hazard) and junk food (no place for wrappers. Gets quieter at higher speeds

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  Very Reliable Ride - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ross - January 16 - 9:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Gas mileage is about 25MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Very peppy drivetrain. Turns on a dime, lots of storage space. Nothing has ever broken down on this car (knock on wood). I have only replace oil, air filters, and a battery. I highly recommend it.

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  Very Suprised and Impressed - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By suzuki convert - January 15 - 7:53 am

  I picked up this Aerio SX as sort of a joke, coming out of a 2004 Honda Accord Coupe with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 240 hp V6 engine. It was cheap and I thought that I would have it for a month and get rid of it. Well, almost seven months later I still have it and for some reason I really enjoy driving it. It does not have very good handling or impressive pick up, but the shifter is a joy to use, its extremely comfortable, and I am impressed with the features. So give it a try, youll be impressed.

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  Suzuki, More Bang for your Buck! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Juan G Lozada - January 14 - 4:13 am

  My Forenza has is not only worth every dollar I paid for it, but it tops any Toyota or Honda in its class. We are a family of five and fit comfortabilly and there is space for my daughters wheelchair and luggage. The gas mileage is great, compared to the Toyota I used to have, and is as reliable as the Nissan and Honda we had. If you want more bang for your buck any Suzuki model is worth every cent. I was also an owner of a 2002 XL-7 when I lived in Puerto Rico and with bad roads and weather conditions, I felt super safe and it was fun to drive.