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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  So far so good! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Suzifan2003 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my XL-7 for 2 months and still am very much in love with it. It is fun to drive, good in turns and after switching to synthetic oil, have been getting 25 mpg on the freeway.

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  Sad to see it go. - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By blacktiger - November 13 - 8:07 pm

  Bought The Frog, a Desert Green Base model 5-speed 2006 Forenza, when it was a year old with only 4000 miles for a bargain, only $9900. In only five and a half years I drove it to over 141,000 miles. The exhaust, cooling and A/C systems required no attention. Paint maintained original appearance and the car would not rust. Maintenance included changing the oil, synthetic only, filters and the rear brake pads. Suzuki also replaced a fried splice pack for the headlights, under recall. No other service or repairs were required! Everything else, including the battery, was original. I could have replaced the timing belt and continued trusting it indefinitely.

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  2005 Suzuki Verona LX - Great Car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By jason - November 13 - 9:26 am

  Other than the low fuel economy and only a 155 horsepower engine, this is a great car. Its a really fun car to drive, they just need to put more horses in it and improve its fuel economy a little.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By gonetruckin - November 12 - 7:01 pm

  This a great truck! Although it is a Suzuki, in reality it is a Nissan Frontier but with better looks,emminaties,and standard features. The reviews of this truck are not always fair. Test drive it and you will quickly see why. Gas mileage is that of a truck. But bang for the buck it is the best. Im glad I picked the Equator, a solid choice.

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  4th Suzuki SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dsrtdawg - November 10 - 1:40 am

  Only wish mileage was closer to 30 mpg. Other than that love the car and its usuability. 1.5 ton towing capacity is great for hauling the ATVs.

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  Happy so far. - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Reno Owner - November 7 - 9:20 pm

  We bought a 06 Reno a few years ago and so far has been a reliable car, overall I like the car. Im around 6-2ish and I fit comfortably into the vehicle. No knees into the glove box, no hair touching the upholstry on the roor. Has gotten a bit cramped with the addition of a car seat, had to move pass seat forward. Have not had any major mechanical problems to this point. Have not experienced the bad starting as some others have. Did eat through the factory serp belt though by 36,000. Have flushed the engine cooling system and serviced the auto trans, no problems with the fluid exchanges either. MPG is nothing to totally rave about, but full it once a week, not terrible.

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  Suzuki Reno - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By John - November 4 - 8:40 am

  When I bought the car, I loved it. Specially the one on display which had special rims and tinted windows. I had decided to get a manual but ended buying the auto. I read reviews and the person did not recommended doing this, but to me its a very reliabable car. I drove it during the snow and it took me to and back from work. The only thing that I dont like is the fact that is not good when it comes to gas.

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  Best In Class - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By tony - October 29 - 11:00 pm

  I must be honest. My other car is a Porsche, so I expect alot from a car. I have an SX version, red with auto trans. This car is great for an all around commuter - 28 mpg, lots of room for passengers and cargo with more power than anything else for 15,500. Most Materials for the interior are outstanding for price. I think it compares well with the likes of Honda CRV and Hyundai Tuscon, if you dont need the extra 10-15 cubic feet of cargo space - especially with the Aerio being $5-7,000 less. The handling could be a little crisper with flatter cornering, but the red dash lights and the supurb stereo system more than makes up for it. I dont seem to be driving my Porsche so much.

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  A VIC to an AERIO - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Motorhead73 - October 27 - 5:56 am

  I LOVE the AERIO. The couch in a boat(crown Vic) was scary driving on wet roads and the weight was great for coasting. The security the Aerio has provided is the biggest seller for me. It hugs the road and grabs the corners without any sway. The control of the front end with the Aerio sets the ice fear to the back burner. The power on the 2 uphill climbs over looking a steep cliff makes me feel !!!! The seat wraps around you like a race car seat for secure fit in a drive of great head and arm room with two people in the front, I the larger lovebug and I do NOT feel crunched in any way. Like sitting in a chair, sliding across the seat for entry (not a drop to the floor)

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  Decent car/ great price. - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Gabe - October 21 - 7:50 pm

  I bought the car because it was so cheap. i received a killer warranty and great service from the dealer. I financed the car for 60 months, but as long as i owe money on it it is covered because they gave me a 7 year/100000 mile bumper to bumper. who could beat that. it gets good mileage and is a fairly decent looking car. They beat everyone elses price by thousands and gave me a car easily as nice.