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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  Very Nice - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Trenlor - March 15 - 4:36 am

  We walked in the dealership and told them what we wanted to pay and BAM... They showed us Suzi ;) Super nice for the price. We paid $8,999 with 26k on it. Runs like a top. Gas mileage for a so called econo car is pretty bad. We get about 23 MPG with 87 octane. But, thats ok! We love the interior to this car. Very sharp looking. People say its noisy in other reviews and I can tell you that this car is quiet!! Maybe they drive on gravel roads and go 4 wheeling. Driving this car is an absolute pleasure!! Handles nice but does have some sway to it. Drive like a human and this car will treat you right. Overall we love this car. Super features for the price.

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  Great for its Price - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Jesse - March 9 - 8:30 am

  This car is really a comfortable ride, it can be bumpy at times, but other than that is is a real fun time to drive, this car is fuel economic, but not as good as someone would expect. The car has an OK acceleration speed for its price, it can get from 0-60 in about 9.52 seconds, it is really stylish, and has a nice look to it, I would recommend this car to new driver that is looking for a fun ride, at a low cost.

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  My Brother Thought It Cost $23,000 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By raderator - March 6 - 3:33 am

  But I paid only $15,599 after some haggling. The handling, ride, and comfort all are top notch. I took it to a local snowed-in park and did mange to finally get stuck, but then I learned to stay in L and keep a foot on the brake to prevent wheel spin. The traction control on the Sport is probably worth the extra $1,000. I love the MP3/WMA CD player, intermittent rear wiper, keyless entry, daytime running lights, and LOW insurance. The automatic transmission shifts very smoothly and runs at only 3,000 rmp at 80 mph, which is 1,000 rmp less than the manual. Im still on my first tank of gas so I dont know the millage yet. The tumble-forward rear seat creates a large, square cargo area, that is great for dogs. But Ill probably remove it.

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  A Real Surprise - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By jewelrylover - March 4 - 5:08 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle daily since August of 2002. Previous to this purchase, I only thought of Suzuki for motorcycles. This car has really outperformed any car I have owned. Snow, sleet, rain, high winds - no problem. Three sons have learned to drive in this car and they have put this car throughthe ringer, but it keeps going reliably. Although I have given thought recently to replace it with something smaller and brand new, I am hesitant that I will find as good and sturdy a vehicle. Vehicle has well over 100,000 miles.

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  Never Thought I would Like a Suzuki - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By KDawg - March 4 - 9:50 am

  I bought this car for my 60 mile one way commute to work. I only bought it because it was cheap as it was a 2007 I bought in 2008 from a new dealership. At this point I would definitely reccomend this car to anyone. It has decent pickup (No race car) great highway mileage, and has cruise, cd, MP3, A/C and the works. No reliability issues either. I am still a truck guy, but for a compact, I love my Forenza.

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  Good Value with proper maintenance - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Frank & Danielle - February 21 - 7:53 pm

  Overall, my 1998 Suzuki Sidekick did well for its intended purpose. I did experience a spark plug blowing out of the cyclinder, but that only cost $187 to fix. Also, the clutch went at 92,000 miles, but thats not too bad. The truck never really left me stranded. Its 4x4 performance in serious offroad driving was surprisingly good!

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  Love My Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By luvmycar - February 18 - 3:16 pm

  This is a great "little SUV!" Its compact enough to fit into any compact space and its soooo fun to drive. Its a little jerky but I think thats the charm of it plus mine is manual so its extra fun and animated! I have only had it for a year, but I havent had ANY problems mechanical, electrical or otherwise. I drove across the country with it and it is still in superb condition. It has been very reliable! I am absolutely in LOVE with my Vitara, I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants their cars to be reliable with personality (not in a bad way).

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  I paid too much for it. - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By PUDDIN - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I know for a fact I was overcharged by them after looking at the pricing on your website. It was probably because of my bad credit and they knew I had not done my research on it.

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  My Suzuki - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By khill - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had no probelms with the car to speak of but the dealer is another thing The only wisdom I would give is if youre going to do any towing ( i tow 2 quads) I would get the V-6 My 4 cyl. is borderline for hills and such Other than that ilove it Off road it really shines not fast or alot of ground clearance but pick your route carefully and if it can clear it itll take you ANYWHERE..... KW

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  Decent Car - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By AznFineDude - January 28 - 9:43 am

  The Suzuki Forenza is a good value and a great looking car. Its gas millage would be better if a more powerful engine is in place.