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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  Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tim - October 21 - 10:30 am

  I only have 3500 miles, but so far I have got great fuel economy. Hauls crowds of people down the highway easily.

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  Suzuki Grand Vitarra--2001 - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Nicoblu - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I was disappointed in the fuel economy. The vehicle is also somewhat unstable in the back during inclement weathe. Even at low speeds the rear end tends to fishtail around curves during rain or drizzle.

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  What a good surprise! - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Squirrel - October 19 - 11:03 pm

  Car was two years old and had 30,000 miles on it at purchase. Id read good reviews, but my expectations were low. I was just looking for a cheap little wagon to drive for a while. I tested a 1.6L, but it was underpowered. The 1.8L is way better. I liked that the 1.8L wouldnt need timing belt replacement, since it has a chain. Well, Ive been surprised by how much I love this car. Its cute, extremely peppy, and fits a ton of stuff. Its amazingly reliable. In five years, Ive put 30,000 miles on it, mostly vacation driving. Weve taken it out on the road for weeks at a time without a worry. Its been from sea level to Colorado mountain tops. Its a champ.

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  cheapest best 4x4 around - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By LovemySuzuki - October 17 - 8:14 am

  Its awesome on 4 wheel drive roads if you get rid of the car tires and get some all terrain tires

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  Great Car! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By suz21 - October 15 - 4:44 am

  Bought this car new. In the first two years, the brakes needing changing out a couple of times, & I am not a heavy brake user--but once I had ceramic brakes installed, no more problems. Apart from that, Ive had zero problems with it for the most part. Very reliable. I am at 80,000 miles and it runs like a dream. Only complaint I have at this point is living in Pacific Northwest & wet winters causes my car to slide about on slick roads if I have to stop too fast. It doesnt have a lot of road traction, and Ive been told due its light weight. The tires are good winter tires, and Ive only had to replace them two times.

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  Affordable, Comfortable, and Stylish - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By sandersfan20 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 Taurus, but it had to go. I needed more room. I traded it in and thanks to a dealer incentive lost no equity on an already reasonably priced vehicle. I really wasnt sure what to expect but so far at 4200 miles I am still very happy with my purchase. I opted for the automatic and no 3rd seat. The cargo room is great and no stoplight shifting for me. If you have more money than brains like most Americans, you need to spend 30K on an overpriced SUV. If you want results for a reasonable price, then I reccommend the Suzuki XL-7.

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  You get what you pay for - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By andrewf86 - October 11 - 9:58 pm

  This is a pretty bland car that lacks important creature comforts and is surprisingly small. At first it feels large but once you put 4 adults in you realize how small it really is. We bought this car because we had a baby on the way. The trunk barely fits the baby stroller and the passenger seat has to be moved all the way forward to accommodate the baby seat. This car gets very poor MPG, isnt fun to drive, and isnt very large. The only real redeeming feature I can think of is the AWD which is pretty capable even in very nasty weather. Its not a bad car, its just very mediocre but it doesnt cost much money.

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  Flexible SUV for the Price - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jake - October 8 - 5:56 pm

  This SUV can be found with lots of factory rebates if youre patient, resulting in a really good deal. It has lots of interior flexibility since the rear seats can move and be folded down for extra cargo space. This is the only small-med size SUV I could find that had enough cargo room behind the second row seat to fit my two large dogs. Only a minivan could do the job better, and I needed 4WD. The only minivan with AWD anymore is the Toyota Sienna, which I plain couldnt afford.

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  I love my new car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By chasinky - October 7 - 8:16 pm

  My new car! How great is it to get a great, new car under 20k. For a young woman of 23 years, awesome! I love my car and think I will continue to be a Suzuki owner for a long, long time.

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  GOOD CHOICE - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Luis A.Sara - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Its a good choice because cover my family needs. I dont like vans & mini vans and my wife use it to pick up & drop my kids to school. It has nice handling and very good engine. I like this SUV.