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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  cheap interior - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By eric - September 29 - 12:16 pm

  My wife loves hers suv. But, the interior is so cheap. My wife bought the SUV while I was away in Iraq. I would have spend the extra the money and bought a nicer SUV. But, already we are having problems with the interior. We had to call Suzuski for 3 months to get the tech to approve the work on the car. finally the tech looked at the SUV to ok the interior. So, we could have the car fix. Yesterday, we found an problem with the interior.

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  Dirt Road Commuter - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Robin - September 28 - 11:50 am

  I almost bought a Subaru RS instead of my Suzuki Aerio. Im glad that I didnt. I saved a bucket of cash and now own the best mountain dirt road long distance commuter Ive ever had. I am still in the honeymoon stage though. Give me some time to be more objective.

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  Beat Car I have Ever Owned - 2007 Suzuki Aerio
  By n/a - September 26 - 2:26 pm

  I was impressed with how roomy the inside of this car is. I am close to six feet tall and it has plenty of head and leg room! Also, I love its unique looks. It preforms great, though it does not do well on ice as it is a very light weight car. All in all, it is the best car that I have ever owned.

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  Outstanding, Reliable Transportation - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By JCRobin - September 26 - 9:30 am

  Ive owned this little car for almost 6 years and drive it to and from work and around town everyday. It runs flawlessly and is actually kinda fun to drive, for a basic economy car. The engine is the best component, typical as with Suzuki motorcycles. Clarion stero is junk but easily replaced. OK its not a Lexus but I have had absolutely no problems, its great on gas and I intend and expect to drive it to 200k+ with only normal good maintenance practices. What more could someone expect from any car especially a value-priced underrated bargain. I will surely buy another Suzuki when the time comes.

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  Not Bad for the Money - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dwayne - September 24 - 4:26 am

  I guess Suzuki is the "poor mans Toyota". The cheapest of all the Japanese SUVs, but for much less money - is worth it. Very customer-friendly transferrable warranty, and good customer service. Not quite a Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or Mazda, but I predict Suzuki will catch up to the other Japanese automakers soon.

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  Fun & Inexspensive - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By KingPenguin - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Our 20 yr old daughter bought our Aerio SX, I her father has ended up driving it just as much as she has. In town, short trips it is wonderful, fun to drive good on gas milage for a 4 banger, and a real looker of a car. Long distance is were is falls some, a little noice do to engine haveing to work but for High Schooler or College kid, or as a second car, this is a great choice and the warrenty cant be beat. Hats off to Suzuki for a great little car.

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  No More Suzy Qs 4-Me - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Big Mel - September 21 - 11:00 am

  Personally, I like the automobile as a whole. Its fun to drive and has a lot of drive appeal. The only set back I truly have is trying to find parts (since I am somewhat a "do-it-yourselfer"); and even at best it seems to be difficult for auto shops to find the necessary parts (like air filters). Other than that its a great car, fun to drive and all in all I havent had any serious problems out of this car. Ill say on a scale from one to ten Ill give it an eight.

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  Problems are starting at 19000 miles - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Marshe - September 15 - 3:46 am

  I have had my Grand Vitara for two years now. The front stereo speakers blew out after 3 months(I am 52 years old so I did not turn the volume up to a ridiculous level) My back tires are now bald in the center only - they have not ever been overinflated and the front ones are also worn considerably all over and need replacement. My air conditioner started making an awful squealing sound over the weekend. Was not going to use it until I could take the vehicle in to dealership. Today my power steering went out. "Belt tensioner" they say which also was affecting the AC belt. I am worried that this is the beginning of an expensive relationship once the 36000 warranty is up. Buyers remorse.

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  Driving in an egg - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By silkyfurz - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Six months old, less than 2,000 miles, three bumper replacements - 2 front, 1 rear.

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  Reliability and Economy - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By Martyk - September 6 - 3:36 am

  Bought this car with 85000 miles and am now up to 117000 miles with NO problems. I averaged 41 MPG on a trip across the country and have not had to spend money on repairs. I change the oil, filters and belts when needed. Great car. Radio and speakers are cheap and problematic, but overall car is very dependable and economic.