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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  Not a bad car - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Sohcahtoa - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in Jan 2003 for $7000, it had only 1,300 miles on it. Ive been very pleased with it. Only problem I had was the catalitic converter dying on me, but I think that was self-inflicted by hitting a speed bump really hard, but warranty still covered it. Sticker said 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway, but I actually get 28/35.

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  Major Pain, Nice Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By tisalazar - November 25 - 11:53 am

  I have gotten lots of compliments on my Verona. The style and the color are great. I am at 32,000 miles and have had problems with it. The check engine light has come on and it is stalling. I have had to drive it with gas and the brakes at the same time in order for it not to turn off. I have taken to dealer to have fix three times and just yesterday the light came on again. According to the dealer the first time was a blown fuse, the second time was a computer, and the third time the motor went out, and I wonder what they will tell me this time. I am at 35,300 miles on it. I got this car on 10/05 with 25,372 miles on it. Also, it makes a popping sound when steering from side to side, like the old cars do. My 99 Ford Taurus runs better and faster than this one that is newer.

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  VERONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By TOM ALLEN TOOTHPASTE - November 22 - 10:00 am

  ITS SO GREAT ,CONTROLS ARE ALSOME,THE GAS MILEAGE IS GREAT, THE ROOM INSIDE IS JUST RIGHT AND IT LOOKS SPORTY...

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  Refined, Good looking, Head turning - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By djXavier - November 20 - 3:20 pm

  Well its the Labor Day weekend and I finally decided to replace my 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara which was the most reliable car Ive ever had. Folks, that 99 Grand Vitara never needed to visit the dealership except for normal items like an oil change, brakes etc. My new 2007 Grand Vitara was the obvious choice to replace my old Grand Vitara at 115,000 miles. My new Grand Vitara is Jet Black, beautiful with a tan leather interior, refined and loaded to the max with everything you could ever want in a vehicle. I ran errands today with it and heads were turning and people were asking questions about it. Its powerful and well built. This car and I will be together for a long, long time!

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  A great vehicle - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By happyowner1 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  My family was looking for a SUV which comes with real 4WD so that we might travel on the national sea shore at south Texas. We also like a vehicle that would take more than 5 people because our friends visit us very often. The XL-7 has been running on the sea shore with no problems. The 4-WD and 7 seats feature provides us lots of fun. We are not playing harsh on this vehicle. Our 4WD XL-7 so far handle very well on the muddy road and by the sea shore.

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  I Love My Suzuki - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By gigindaut - November 19 - 1:06 am

  The Forenza has plenty of power, awesome stopping ability, and a great suspension.

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  Suzuki the other Japanese Auto Company? - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By DK - November 15 - 8:50 am

  I have purchased a Suzuki product once before and was please with the quality and performance. I was looking for a car for my daughter and found the Forenza, its quality and performance match that of the previous 1995 Esteem. Suzuki has one of the best car warranties around.

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  Love My Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By sheila - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with Purchase. Its just right for our little foursome family.

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  The best - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By gregeber - November 14 - 2:00 am

  price $15000 plus for the 5speed GS alloys and spoiler and it has some nice things for it price

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  OWNER - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By NYRICAN69 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  ITS BEEN THE BEST THE PICK UP THE WAY IT STOPS WHEN YOU BREAK THE COMFORTABLE SEATS AND THE STABILITY ON THE ROAD IS SUPERB! WHAT I REALLY LIKE IS WHEN I EXCELERATE PASSING A CAR IT GIVES A GOOD PICK UP