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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  Got another one - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CJ - January 14 - 1:36 am

  I had a 1999 Grand Vitara for 3 years and NEVER had a lick of trouble with it (except for the typical air conditioner problem). I then bought a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS, which I hated. I had lots of problems with it. I regretted getting rid of my little Suzuki, so I decided on another Grand Vitara. The level of refinement from 1999 to 2004 is amazing, and Im happy to be back in a vehicle I have a lot of confidence in. I read what owners say about this truck, I know my experiences with the vehicle, then I read the "experts" tests. Well, the "experts" are nuts IMO. They are worried about defrost button illumination, minor engine noise, etc. You think that this truck gets poor gas mileage? Drive a V6 Rodeo around for awhile.

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  Decent Transportation - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jim in KC - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased JLX+ new in February 2000. This vehicle has served its purpose well- fairly inexpensive, reliable transportation. It has been mechanically sound. It has pretty good acceleration when merging into highway traffic or passing. Its easy to handle in traffic. The 4wd has been great in snow, except the vehicle is light and can seem a little "floaty". Surprisingly, this vehicle has more headroom than most SUVs. Im 65". The legroom is okay for around town, but for long hauls it gets a little cramped. And forget about anyone riding behind me in the back seat. There is quite a bit of wind noise and rattling.

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  youll be surprised - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By leb526475 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  this car is affordable, reliable and worth every penny. youll be impressed with the interior design. i love mine

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  One great car! - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ginny - January 7 - 1:43 pm

  I had a 1991 Suzuki Sidekick for years and loved it. When I went for a new car in 2005, I knew exactly what I would purchase. This car drives like a dream and is extremely comfortable.

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  Nothing but Trouble from the Start - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By John - January 7 - 1:33 am

  I bought this Reno new and since day "two" its been nothing but trouble. The second day it left us stranded and wouldnt start. The dealer towed it back said it was fixed. We got six miles from dealer it stopped again. The dealer had it for six days returned it said it was all fixed. Then three days later the same thing happened, it wouldnt start. The dealer had it again and replaced more parts. It runs now, but gets poor fuel economy - only 20 mpg in the city. Yesterday my wife started it, turned on heater, and it sounded like a bomb went off. There was some acorns packed in heater. We called dealer and he said it was not their problem. I took it apart and there is NO screen over the heater motor under hood and it was full of nuts. The tranny still doesnt shift right. I will never buy another Suzuki. It is the worst car I have ever bought!

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  Verona, Not Bad. - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Alienpath - January 4 - 9:36 pm

  The Veronas ride is probably one of its best features. In my opinion, it blows the Accord away in comfort. Its design is maybe a bit old school, but very nice and classy. Its engine is smooth running and rather quiet, until you step on it. Theres a lot of bang for the buck with the Verona Luxury model. Its only unknown is its reliability, which remains to be seen.

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  I Love my Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Vince Donofrio - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I always said that I wouldnt buy a vehicle not made in America. But guess what, I did and I love it. It rides great, its very easy to judge parking, has plenty of power and it is, for me, fun to drive. It has all the amenities that, with maybe the exception of one or two, that I could possible want in a car. I never owned a 4WD before and we had our first snow fall a few days ago and it worked great. I have only two small complaints. Im a smoker and I am not crazy about where the ash tray is, and, while the engine produces heat quickly, the interior takes a while to warm up. Thats it.

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  You can not find a better value in a SUV - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jeremy - January 3 - 6:10 pm

  I actually did not plan on buying this vehicle when I visited the dealership. I sat in one on the showroom floor and was amazed. Our other vehicle is a 2003 Ford Explorer Limited and for a mere $9000 less the XL-7 blows it away. The only option missing is power seats. Fuel economy is a little lower on the highway than rated but most of my travel is above 70 mph. Overall it is a quiet smooth ride. There are no options on the EX version, everything is standard.

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  The best for quality and price. - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Eddie - January 2 - 11:33 pm

  I bought my 06 Grand Vitara in September of 05. I traded my 01 "peace Symbol" looking sports car for it, oouch. It was either that or pay 8 grand on maintenance. I now have just a hair over 7,000 miles on the Grand Vitara and I have had no problems with it so far. I know the basic 3 year warranty will cover any problems that I will encounter. It has the best powertrain warranty in its class, thats a plus for me. Its cheap, reliable and I no longer have to put premium fuel. This SUV will serve me for years to come, even when gas prices reach $10/gal. Now that the weather is getting better, its time for me to load up the bikes and roller blades and go have some fun in the sun with my girl and pet Pug.

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  Big Value in Small Package - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By ntotrr - January 2 - 10:00 am

  An excellent value for the money, with a level of refinement found in higher- priced cars. Ergonomics and controls are very good. Interior space is exemplary, the materials used are of god quality. Performance is good, the 5-speed shifts almost effortlessly but the clutch is a bit too soft. Overall, highly recommended and fun-to- drive.