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:

• 

  The Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Boltontam - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Verona. I went from a Focus, which is much smaller and I am very impressed with the Verona. There is alot of car for such a good price. I feel safer out on the highway with a bigger car. This car is a tank in the snow.

• 

  very nice car!!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By sarge - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I traded a honda crv which I drove for 4.5 years in on the suzuki verona s.The crv had a 146 hp 4 cyl..The suzuki has 155 hp 6 cyl..The suzuki has much more get up and go than the crv.The motor has more than enough power.The verona rides and drives great.I test drove cars $5000 more, that wasnt as nice.I also got bumper to bumper 7yr./100000 for $800 more.

• 

  First Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By John Q - January 9 - 6:56 am

  I originally planned on buying a 05 Toyota Rav4. But after not being able to find a new one in the color I wanted with the options I wanted, I started looking at other small SUVs. I couldnt find anything I liked besides the Rav4 until I came across the 06 Suzuki Grand Vitara. I instantly fell in love with the styling of it. The exterior looks sharp and the interior is well thought out and looks more like a interior youd find in a Lexus than a Suzuki. Right now I have around 2,500 miles on mine and Im averaging 20 mpg. Im hoping that will improve as the engine breaks in. The only problem so far is that the leather on the drivers seat has stretched out which the dealer is fizing under warranty.

• 

  Good value - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Dawson - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought used, 1 year old with high milage. Everything is in good working order and very little wear and tear is visable. AC is cold but may explain my 20 mpg fuel economy. Automatic transmission seems to rev high before switching to next gear. This car is very plain with no power locks, windows, seats, etc.

• 

  Good car, low price for options provided - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By hoogie - January 3 - 1:56 pm

  This has been a reasonable economy car for the money. I did experience an occassional unnerving vibration until the tires broke in. Both headlights went out at the exact same time at 20,000 miles. Replaced those with no more problems. The car is an econobox so dont expect Honda/Toyota handling and performance. The features are good but dont expect to easily fit and aftermarket stereo or speakers in the car. It was a pain, trust me. Overall you get what you pay for.

• 

  Paint Chip Problems at 3,000 miles - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By neveragain - January 2 - 3:33 am

  This car WOULD be great if Suzuki stood behind ALL of its work in its warranty. My vehicle has numerous paint chips in it and I have had it for < 2 months. I live in the mid-west and havent even driven it on a dirt road yet. It also has scratches everywhere from rocks. Paint quality is horrible. Took it to the dealership I bought it from that was 2 1/2 hours away. The service manager took pictures of every chip at that time. Came home and discovered there were 10 new chips from my 2 1/2 hour ride home on the highway. Suzuki says they dont consider this to be a paint issue and it is not covered by the warranty. Really love the car but it doesnt matter if the outside looks horrible

• 

  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By jerushah - January 1 - 12:32 am

  I bought the car new from the dealer and have had problems with it from day one. The interior handles broke off, it rattles, jerks when put into reverse, check engine light comes on all the time, dents easily, paint started coming off within a week, have had to put over $1500 into repairs, and now I have to pump the accelerator to get the thing to start. I will never buy another product from them. The car is total junk and should be recalled.

• 

  No problems after 7000 miles - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Ben - December 30 - 6:53 pm

  I bought my SX4 Sport new in April and after 7,000 miles I really enjoy this car. I originally looked at a Mazda 3, but for the same price and options as the SX4 I would have ended up with a used Mazda 3 with 30,000 miles on it. For the money its hard to beat the SX4, good gas mileage, nice interior, warranty, 17" alloys, and more. I drive a lot in town and the highway for my job and I have been averaging 28 mpg combined. If you are looking in Ft. Collins, CO I recommend Dellenbach, they were extremely nice and didnt pressure me while looking

• 

  Never Again - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Very Unhappy - December 29 - 11:46 am

  This vehicle has been a problem from the first month of purchase. First it would jut die while driving, then it idled all over the place, transmission (automatic) is rough and jumps a bit coming out of 2nd gear. And now the engine began making alot of noise so I took it in and the repairs are not being covered by that oh so wonderful warranty. I have been told three different causes for this trouble from the samw dealership mechanic. I dont believe they know what they are doing there. I will never own another suzuki again! Poor quality and poor customer service!

• 

  Fun car to drive for light offroading! - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jeff - December 27 - 12:00 pm

  Ive had this car for 3 years and so far its been very reliable. The only problem Ive had is brakes that shimmy. This car is a bit bumpy but the stiff suspension helps out when offroading.(needs more clearance though) My biggest complaint is the cheap plastic side panels. Ive made several repairs on them already and the Nevada sun is causing the paint to peel. If your thinking of buying one go for it as long as you dont mind the side panels falling off ocasionally.