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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  suzuki xl 7 - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cpoyanks16 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  i am 58 years old. i have had chevys, fords, buicks, oldsmobile and cadillacs, this is my most enjoyable car ever. it has 2 and 4 wheel drive. is great in the snow as well as the heat. just is a great car for the money.

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  Excellent in this price - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By Chih-Hao - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Everything in this SUV is doing its job pretty well. The price is relatively cheaper. Easy to control. Beautiful exterier.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By N.H. - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Just got the car in September. It is a very nice looking car with good build. It has a powerful engine for a car of its size. It handles well and allows for very comfortable and exciting ride. Good amount of space available when needed. Nice hidden compartments to put away little things under the passengers seen and in the back. It has a modern look to it from the outside and the inside while still feeling like a good sold quality build unit. Nice numeric dash, exact numbers and clear (very clear) even when the sun is shining directly one it. A lot of room is available for the legs in the front and the back seets.

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  Best price/quality ratio in its class - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By yurets - January 9 - 10:00 am

  roomy enough, peppy enough, surprisingly good cornering and breaking, not really noisy for 4 cyl. car

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  Great Car, SUV, Station Wagon, Race Car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By lorenzo menendez - January 4 - 1:36 am

  The Suzuki SX4 is a real attention getter. It is made to handle different on road and off road conditions. The steering is great. If you get one with the racing SX4 logo on the side doors it looks even better. The price is also great, along with a smooth and fast engine. This vehivcle meets the specs to race on the motor cross races, where the cones are used and the race is for the best time.

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  Great on a Budget - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By The Newlyweds - January 3 - 2:13 am

  We recently purchased a new 2005 Suzuki Reno. We are very pleased with our purchase. We love how quiet and relaxing it was to drive/ride in. The gas mileage is pretty good (30mpg). We also own a 97 Geo Metro so were big on gas mileage. We were complaining about wanting more room on longer trips and wanting 4 doors. So we very pleased with the roomy interior, safety features, and the hatchback style. The cargo room is something we have been wanting more of and we are thrilled! We cant wait to go on our first camping trip!

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  my my my my verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By dave steele - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I beleive my wife and I have bought the first VERONA in Indiana, and maybe in the United States. We purchased (loan agreement) on 09-05-03, 6:00pm, in Muncie, Indiana. This car is freakin awesome. We did compare it to several models elsewhere. This car is a shoe in for the Nissan Altima look-alike, and for us, it was $5,000.00 less than the Altima with the same options. The look has a lot of style and luxury and was very impressive. It handles very nice, and even with only 155 h.p., we found it to be plenty. This car has class and Im very surprised its not selling for upwards of $25-30,000. Good job Suzuki!!!!!!

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  Love this car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By firefly1366 - December 31 - 1:59 am

  The Kizashi was on my short list to test drive, along with the new Optima. I drove the Optima first. Then I got in the Kizashi and the Optima quickly became a fuzzy memory. This car is fun to drive, the design and quality of the interior is top-notch, and its looks get compliments everywhere. Power is adequate for my needs. It is larger than it looks in pictures. Rear seat room is a bit less than most competitors, but four adults fit comfortably. The seats are well shaped and supportive, even in back, unlike the rear seat in the Optima which felt low, flat and dark.

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  goodcar - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By duggylee - December 29 - 8:13 am

  good car for the money that i paid for the car i am very happy and my wife is also happy with are car

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  Best bang for your buck EVER!! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mikeyt1818 - December 26 - 8:08 am

  I have been driving a new Kia every year for the last 10 years. I went to test drive the new Optima but it felt a little too big and heavy for me, almost as heavy as the new Sonata felt when I tested that one out. I took a chance and test drove the Kizashi. SPORTY! Bought it! Thats all I can say! I also like that while every Joe on my block has a Sonata, Camry, Accord or Altima I am not looking like a follower, I feel distinct. This car is Americas best kept automotive secret (no thanks to Suzukis week marketing department!)