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 Fun Car to Drive - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ed - January 26 - 6:13 pm

  I have 18,000 miles on my Grand Vitara and up to now I havent had one problem. The other day while making a rather sharp right hand turn at, maybe, 10 mph, a horrible noise came out from somewhere underneath the truck. At this point, my wife (who drives the car everyday to and from work) said to me "oh yeh, I forgot to tell you - its been making that noise when I turn right at this particular intersection." It doesnt do it all the time, and I suspect that it probably wont do it when I take it to the dealership. Other than this, its been a reliable car so far. Im worried about this noise because believe me, it is loud. It will turn heads if anyone is nearby. The cruise control needs some refining.

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  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dmoore - January 26 - 1:16 pm

  I thought I would give the Forenza a shot when I bought it. The stereo was good and was the most comfortable out of all the cars I test drove. This is my work vehicle so comfort is important. I have over 106K miles and the only thing I replaced is the brake switch. It took two days to get from the dealership and cost me $15.00. I replaced myself in their parking lot. It is not a luxury car but it has definately met my needs. It will run for another 100K miles.

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  Fantastic purchase - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By zcal77 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This has been a fun car to drive on a daily basis. Though its a naturally aspirated four cylinder, it has a lot of low end torque and the manual six speed uses the power well. It keeps right up with more powerful engines, the 150 horsepower is plenty. It handles way better than the other comparable vehicles I considered, and feels more solid and safe. The only things I think would make it better would be the option of a sunroof and leather. I had those installed, so for me I couldnt ask for more! The styling is also top notch, designed in Italy, it gets a lot of compliments.

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  suzuki xl7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By j34half - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my XL 7!. Its a fun to drive vehicle.Contrary to the reviews ,I find that my XL 7 has infinite possibities for cargo and passengers. The third row seating converts in a second to flat storage after shopping and changes back to a bench just as quick for toting the kids carpool. Seriously, the 3rd row is cramped for adults but fine for children. Its compromise between storage and extra seating.This is my ninth new car purchase and by far, my favorite.

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  Bad mpg - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By justonemike - January 20 - 9:56 pm

  Ive driven the Forenza now for 6000 miles and the mpg on it the last 3 months has been awful. 12mpg 3 tankfulls in a row(unacceptable) and thats city driving. Summer highway driving was ok (27-29) but if I were to buy it again I would get a manual tranny. Ive read it does better on the mpg. Other than that cars been ok. Power is enough for my needs. Just one issue with an engine light had it checked when I went for oil change.

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  Best Vehicle for the Money! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By D. K. Chicago - January 20 - 10:36 am

  Not much to say here, other than you need to drive this car! Handling is comparable to a BMW, styling is over the top! Price, WOW. 24,695 sticker, paid 21,000 OTD. For the individuals commenting on the paint quality, I agree it may not have the thickest paint coating, but its very durable. Try waxing your car with a polymer based wax. Performance on this car is great with the 2.4 and 6 spd manual, I did not care for the CVT. Do your self a favor, BUY ONE!!

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  Aerio SX, best in class - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By adnizzle - January 18 - 9:50 pm

  I got my 2003 Suzuki Aerio three weeks ago and so far its a beauty. By looking at all the other high reviews for it, that doesnt seem to change as time goes on. It is a great, reliable car...in my opinion best in its class.

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  In Love with my Suzuki - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Joey - January 15 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this truck last week and am falling more in love with it as I drive it. It really drives nice and is very comfortable,The great thing about suzuki is the roomyness it is really roomy I had the Aerio and was amazed by the room.

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  Best Buy - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By PromoGirl - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I drove a Honda Accord, followed by an Olds Alero (CRAP), and this is by far the best price, and most comfortable. Great visibility, large windows, and lots of energy. First car Ive had without power locks and a sun roof, and dont miss them at all. This car is way too much fun! And there arent too many of them on the road.

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  LOOKS...PRICE...HANDLEING - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By beachwoods - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Suzuki and will not be my last. I have driven many different cars..from german..BMW...japanese..Honda, Toyota..etc...and this car comes in better or close(BMW). As far as price I got $3k off sticker...so for $17K you cant beat it. Test drive it, and you will love it!