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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  I Love my Car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By melissa - September 21 - 1:40 am

  Since the day the dealer showed me my 2006 Suzuki Forenza I have loved it. It gives me the feel of a much much more expensive car for less! Everything from the handling to the stero I love. The only complaint that I do have is not getting the crusie control and sunroof :( .

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  High value, Low MPG - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Patagonia - September 19 - 3:20 am

  I bought the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara before learning about the new Toyota RAV4 thats coming soon. The RAVs 269 horsepower and 28 mpg highway sound better than my Grand Vitaras 185 horsepower and 23 mpg. Especially since I have averaged less than 19 mpg, having driven 7,000 miles in the two months since I bought it. Who knows, maybe Toyotas fuel economy ratings are also exagerated and the Grand Vitara is less expensive than the RAV4 will be. Otherwise, this is a very nice SUV that handles much better than average, has a great interior, comfortable seats, tons of features and excellent inclement weather handling. The traction control and AWD work wonderfully in snow and ice.

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  My 08 Reno - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By Keair - September 13 - 2:53 am

  I just bought my 08 Reno a few days ago, and so far Im very impressed with its performance and ride quality. MPG arent too bad, but they could be a little better. For about 20-25 dollars you could expect to ride for a pretty good bit on a full tank. Thats pretty good compared to a much bigger vehicle. My roommate has a minivan, and that take anywhere from thirty to forty dollars to fill up, and gas doesnt last half as long as it does in mine. Im 24, and this is my very first vehicle, and so far Im very happy, and well satisfied with my purchase.

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  best car for the buck - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By jaeckert - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 6/2/2000 and I will not part with it. Power is good as sea level BUT could be better in the mountains. (USE 91 OCTANE IN THE MOUNTAINS) Mileage runs about 24 street and 35 in freeways. Handles very well and is stable at all speeds and rides like a larger car.

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  My Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By dvelata - September 7 - 8:36 pm

  I love this car. I bought the Verona after owning a Nissan Altima (which I loved) for 6 years. The number of features you can get for the low price is astounding. Mines fully loaded, and an absolute dream to drive. Theres lots of leg room and the auto drivers seat is great. It also gets pretty decent gas mileage for a V-6 - I get 30 even driving around in the mountains. Bottom line: If you want a great car with lots of features but without totally emptying your wallet, the Verona is great. The 100,000 mile warranty is awesome too, even though I hardly ever use it!

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  SX4 is a winner - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Bungalow Bill - September 5 - 11:36 pm

  Ive only had my basic SX4 manual 5 speed for two weeks but my initial evaluation is in - this vehicle is a winner. True it could get a few extra miles per gallon and a little extra highway power would be welcome but overall this AWD is a real find. Great looks, a well thought out interior and lots of space for a subcompact make the selection easy. The price is a real bonus. This vehicle needs to be compared to other lower priced 4WD and AWD vehicles not just the two wheel drive subcompacts. The key here is AWD. I do wish the standard model came with cruise control. Im looking forward to winter and its snow!

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  The Best Car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By tgann - September 4 - 6:43 pm

  I have yet to find a problem with this car . I am used to driving Toyotas and Hondas the the only differnece with the cars are the price and name I would recommend the Suzuki Forenza to anyone.

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  Love It! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By driver - August 31 - 12:40 pm

  So far, this car has been great. We average 30 mpg. We are older, and very tall people and find the comfort and convenience all that we can ask for in this inexpensive car.

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  vesitile small suv. - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By arcon262 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Has average power, and below average, cargo space.But this is a real city warior, it`s small size is perfect for negotiating heavy trafic and tight parking lots. It`s true 4WD gives you confidence off the pavment as well.This is a great SUV for singles or small families that want a go anywere vehicle.

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  Charming but........... - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Edward - August 26 - 6:30 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who had just learned to drive (foreigner) and she absolutely loves it. It is spacious for a small car with plenty of room in the trunk for a full size suit case laid down flat. The car lacks power which they advertise as more than a MINI, but you really have to put your foot into it or use gear 1 to launch it and to merge onto Interstate traffic. Radio is sufficient (4 speaker single Cd player) Head room is great for tall people we are not AWD is not perm. but can be locked in as long as driving below 30mph. I had a 350z before this so this car can not be compared to but is still funish to drive.