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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  my suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pforstie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive

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  swift - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By pforstie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive to and from work every day

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  From 4x4 dakota quad to grocery getter - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By bow - January 23 - 4:13 am

  Traded in a 2004 dakota quad cab loaded (fuel reasons). Love the suzuki. Wish it had a bigger gas tank. No problem doing over 100 mph. Back seat is not really ideal for a baby seat, very tight. Goes anywhere (so far) in the Pittsburgh area winter. Purchased in oct 07. suspension is not too good with the potholes in sw PA. Handles very well. Cup holders questionable.

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  2001 suzuki - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By aarika - January 18 - 10:00 am

  very reliableand fun to drive. also a great looker always getting compliments. also great gas mileage

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  SX - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By steven Netti - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Not Bad The dealer was bad==not the car I would buy again elsewhere

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  Good looking and inexpensive SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Rich C. - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall My wife and I are pleased with our XL-7. It handles well and has good pickup for a smaller V-6. We enjoy the CD player, and the A/C works well. I would like to have seen a few more upgrades ,such as a low fuel warning light, door ajar lights (especially since we have a small child), and a power lock switch on the passenger side door. The third rear seat is nice despite that it really only seats children or short adults! We got a good deal on it, especially with the zero interest financing for 5 years. The only problem so far has been the front disc brakes squealing from time to time. We have had them fixed once, but the problem has since reoccured.

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  Love 95% of this car! - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By kltschida - January 15 - 9:26 am

  Being a suzuki owner for the past 6yrs, I didnt hesitate to buy another. I wish I would have looked a little harder though. I got a good deal, but I understand now that my monthly savings on my loan is going straight into the gas tank. Features are missing too... but I didnt miss them until I started reading the other reviews. I didnt mind that the steering wheel buttons didnt light up until I read about it and now it drives me NUTS! I love the size, I can haul a lot inside and tow my camper with no problem. I would recommend to a friend but warn them that gas will kill ya! Nice to read about the K&N Airfilter on the other review, Ill try that! Oh, whats with not having an ipod jack????

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  Good little car - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Great little - January 13 - 8:13 am

  It has been a great little car. I know I was not getting a sports car but for what it is I love it. I have taken it on a few long trip and have had no problems. I think the clutch is going out but that is the only thing that has happened. I have driven it like a teenage. I have not been the nicest to it but it still runs great.

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  XL7 - Fun, Reliable, Economical! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By carjam - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Our XL7 Touring 4WD had approximately 11,000 miles on it when we purchased it. It is extremely fun to drive, very economical and has presented few problems. There is a recurring "rattle" because the hood adjustment keeps getting loose and the front passenger seatbelt malfunctioned and was replaced, but other than that - no problems. It would be nice if Suzuki would make the seats a little more comfortable, too. It is easy to park, corners very well and is easy to control in windy, storm conditions. The moonroof opens easily for just a little ventilation, or for a more "open-air" experience. A very fun, reliable and economical vehicle overall.

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  2006 Suzuki Forenza - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By mark - January 1 - 10:56 am

  My car gets me where I need to go. Forenzas and other Suzuki cars can be had at a more than reasonable price with no haggling.