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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  How to Pick a Lemon - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Wratchet - April 3 - 4:26 am

  The car was great-at first. It ran clean, and was not so quick but picked up fast. Though I kept the car in great condition, oil changes on time, here I am not even two years later finding problems with the transmission that no mechanic can seem to fix. I used to love the car until it started to experience shifting problems-in an AUTOMATIC! This is very disappointing to say the least.

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  The style is nice, but thats it. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By esalazar - March 31 - 12:10 pm

  This car I only had for 1yr 9 mos. Been in the shop 5 times. I filed a claim under the lemon law. I turned in this car on May 16th, 2007 with 37,332 miles on it. I got it with only 23,900. Its a really nice car, and I got lots of compliments on it. Considering the motor, the suspension and the lack of speed. it was not nice enough to keep and deal with. It would be nice though, if Suzuki can fix the problems on the Veronas, they are very nice. The first car I have ever really liked turned out to be a lemon.

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  Annoying Buy - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Justin - February 27 - 1:16 pm

  This car has proven to be a poor choice. Although it has nice styling both on the outside and inside, the constant miniscule problems I have had for the past 4 years have all but driven me crazy. There have been few major problems, except just last week I got it out of the dealership shop for a tapping noise. Thank God for the 100,000 mile warranty, because Suzuki just replaced the entire head, no questions, and it didnt cost me a cent. It continues to be reliable, but I will not purchase another Suzuki.

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  Please Read before buying! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By ccmarie88 - February 18 - 11:03 am

  If I can help anyone about making a decision on buying this car I will feel at least a little bit better about owning it. I have had so many problems with this car in the last year. In the last 4 months I have replaced the serpentine belt, the ENTIRE throttle body ($600), and now the head gasket which thank god is covered by warranty! I took it back for two recalls (the headlights went out and the seat belts were replaced). Its sad how much time I spend in the Suzuki dealership with this car! Now I am stuck with this car and I dont know what to do because I am completely upside down! Do NOT buy!

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  Clarity from Reading Customer Reviews - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By rie_2011 - January 19 - 11:11 pm

  Im trying to recover from being layed off for almost 3yrs. The last car I had was dying. Finally just got a new job. I bought my 07 Forenza Sept 2011 from Carmax. reading all the above comments help me accept that I financed a POS. not even 60days yet and already the alternator and transmission sensor has been replaced. Carmax is refusing to let me add the warranty on now; saying I passed up my chance at signing. so Im going to continue being screwed over royally with this POS until I can get something better.

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  ... - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By D - January 12 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car new over 2 years ago, have 61K miles on it. its a base model with a manual trans. only problem i have had was bent rims, and check engine light for throttle sensor (unplugged and replugged sensor and was fixed). I get 28-30 MPG on average. I havent had any real troubles, dont have any real complaints on my car except for dealers (all suzuki dealers are nightmares) the interior is not great but havent had anything brake, transmission isnt great but dose its job just fine. never had an engine problem, or any of the problems most other people seem to have and i tend to abuse my car.

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  Overall good - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Jon - January 8 - 6:10 pm

  I have a 2.5 mile commute and get 21 mpg overall. Handled great in the snow this winter. 3600 miles on it so far and working good. I had to replace one tire for a nail in the side wall and that cost $138 with taxes and fees.

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  I tired of it - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By jody - December 19 - 12:23 am

  Door handles broke off, needs constant tire balance, rotation, alignments. Interior lights quit working, passenger seat airbag sensor quit working. Cig lighter quit working. Car is only 3 yrs old (Dec 2007 purchase date). Been through more tire and alignments in 3 yrs than I did in 10 yrs on my Chevy 1500 used to pull horse trailers and hauling hay and driving dirt road looking for a camping spot.

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  Please dont waste your money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By lilyj - November 27 - 6:25 pm

  I bought this suv brand new with 7 miles on it, its horrible there has been muilt recalls, ive had to put money into repairing it month after month... complete waste! ( only 50,000 miles)

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  Big Disappointment - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Notreallybeth - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new following extensive research. Thrilled initially: great performance, adequate gas mileage, able to be loaded up with STUFF and then coverts easily for passengers. And, FUN TO DRIVE. I began having mechanical problems around 40,000 mi. Front axle seal came out of position causing leakage--3X! (Very costly repair)Finally, root cause is determined to be ring and pinion. Dealer and Suzuki picks up cost. 3 months later, another costly repair involving the air conditioner. Love this car, but I will never buy another one. Too many problems. Dealer service was EXCELLENT. I guess I was lucky there.