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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  Interior Problems - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Gladys - October 26 - 12:23 am

  Me and my husband bought this car in 2007 and was very satisfy at first. Later, our door handles start falling off, we took it to the dealer to be repaired, and they told us this problem was not under warranty. At this point, we are very dissatisfied.

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  Suzuki Reno 05 Problems! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Tom - October 23 - 3:20 am

  Bought car in 08/2006. Right after purchase the serpentine belt needed replaced. After one month (9/06) the steering joint had to be replaced, I also had an oil leak and the valve cover gasket needed replaced. 11/06 I had to have the power steering system flushed and the fuel emission serviced. 1/07 The following needed replaced: Front strut upper mountings, bearings, and sway bar links. Luckily most of these repairs were covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty. I had a brake from repairs until 5/08, the power steering sensor had to be replaced along with the drivers seat assembly. Ive had some starting and idling issues and now I have a really hard time starting it. No power.

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dave - October 23 - 1:50 am

  The 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a very fun to drive vehicle with great visibility on the highway. It is a real 4x4 that works off road. It tows easy behind my motorhome. Only thing I would change is the factory tires which have poor traction and wear fast.

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  First three weeks of ownership - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By formerreda3 - October 20 - 1:56 pm

  Having previously owned two VW Corrados, a VW Passat and an Audi A3 (among other cars), my comparison is with them. This car feels like it was cut from a solid block. It rides smoothly, ignores most bumps and makes the passengers feel like they are in a cocoon. It is quiet with little wind intrusion and has a great Rockford Fosgate stereo (10 speakers w/subwoofer) to eliminate any noise that might otherwise exist. The 6 speed manual shifts well and the clutch is easier to use than the A3. Love the smartkey system and am amazed at how fast the heat comes on. Plenty of room for "normal" sized people and far more content than I would have gotten in a comparably priced VW Jetta.

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  Good Buy - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By David - October 7 - 2:13 am

  I will have to say that despite all of the negative reviews on the gas milleage, mine does great. I usually get 25 mpg which is a giant step up from a SUV that only got 16-17 mpg. I mainly drive city too. The car is inexpensive b/c thats how it was built. So naturally there are downsides to it. The one I hate the most is the paint wearing out on most everything on the interior. It just would have been better to leave it the grey or tan plastic colors undernear. There is one more thing I dont like -- whenever I start it up and immediately shift gears, it will "jump" really quick and then will return to normal. Other than the above complaints, its been a great car so far.

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  Great looking, but whatsup with the a/c? - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By fastdriverNleather - October 5 - 5:53 pm

  Nice clean lines easy to drive , even for me being 6ft3.lots of room. this car doesnt wear you out on long road trips . Ive driven it to las vegas from LA, was very smooth, quiet and relaxing to drive. even at speeds in excess of 80mph..

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  Gimme an import! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Mr.XYZ - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the second SUV I have owned. I previously owned a Ford Escape. While the pickup and overall power were better in the Ford, it handled like a dump truck. I was afraid to take a turn for fear of turning over. I intensionally took sharp angled turns at above normal speeds during my test drive. The wheels were glued to the road. I never had the sensation of "holding on for dear life" while attacking the turns. I like the center console instead of the steering column gear shifter. The wood trim is a nice touch. It is also a sharp looking vehicle from the outside. Overall, a quality vehicle ot a reasonable price.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By jpcommute - September 28 - 5:40 pm

  I recently purchased a 5spd Reno (46K) for a commuter. I drive 90 miles round trip to work, about 90% interstate. The car is better than expected. The editor reviews seem to be a bit harsh. The ride is good, pretty quiet, handling is OK, peppy engine with the 5 spd, no problems merging etc.The standard features are way above the economy class norm. The mpg has been close to advertised, I have ranged between 26-28.5 mpg with an average 25% city 75% hwy driving. Hwy speeds between 70-77 mph. If you are looking for max mpg, look elsewhere, the Reno offers a pretty good package at the current used prices, shop around and get one at trade-in value and you will have a good 1st car or commuter.

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  Enjoy it - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ajo1975 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, affordable, though not very economical as far as gas goes. 4x4 is fun to use, and helpful in certain weather. Sturdy and enjoyable little ride.

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  Vitaria - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By daleyk - September 12 - 10:00 am

  good in the snow.