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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  Verona - A good car for the money - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By M Covich - Tampa, FL - August 25 - 11:43 pm

  So far Im pleased with my new Verona - I was considering a Toyota Camry and a friend said check on the Verona - for the money the Verona is a much better deal - I love all the options.

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  Incredible Value - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By autopilot - August 25 - 3:20 pm

  If you want to know what it is like to ride around in a 40K car then try this 24k car. It is very solid, interior is simple with a tasteful design. I can either just sit in or stand outside this car and stare at it. It is so pleasing to drive and it easy to speed due to the quiet and solid ride. Ive had it almost one month and have 1400 miles on it. My friends love it as much as I do. The design reminds me of a Jetta or an Audi. I wanted to buy an American car but noting appealed to me. I like the new Buick but that is not in my budget. I feel as if I got all of the luxury features or more expensive cars for so much less. Just drive one youll see what Im saying!

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  A Spectacular Build Quality and Comfort - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By john bertini - August 21 - 8:50 pm

  Purchased the v6 2wd version limited all loaded except the 4wd, i must say it is a great build!, quiet and smooth ride on the highway, in town around 21 mpg highway about 26, the transmission is smooth shifting at any pedal response! loaded with features the price for this vehicle far surpasses the others in the SUV market bar far! Keep up the good quality build Suzuki it will catch on!.

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  Love It - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By KLFord - August 21 - 7:00 am

  I love my Grand Vitara. It came standard with all the features I need. It is stylish, comfortable and fun to drive. The 5 speed has tons of "get up and go" when needed.

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  The Little SUV that Could - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By CryingFreeman - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive purchased a used 2001 Grand Vitara JLX with ABS and alloy wheels. Ive love the styling and handling of the vehicle. It has a 155 V6 engine thats very quiet. Since Im not 6 tall, theres no complaints coming from me concerning head and leg room. Its very comfortable for the driver as well as passengers. Theres only one problem...Ive noticed that during the cold days, the airbag light will stay on when you start the engine. It eventually goes away with the car is warmed up but after you restart it. As Im writing this, the SUV is in the dealership because its still under warranty to fix this problem.

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  The Best of the Rest - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dan - August 19 - 12:53 am

  My wife and I were looking for a replacement vehicle for my 2002 Audi A4. We needed a vehicle that could be flat towed by a motorhome and be able to pull more than 1,500 lbs. The Suzuki fit the bill. I drove the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty and Saturn VUE. None of them offered the total package of good looks, luxury and utility that the Suzuki provided. I shopped several dealerships in the area to get the best price. The vehicle performs admirably and is attractive to boot. My only complaints thus far concern fuel consumption (17 mpg) and the lack of frontal adjustment for the front seats.

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  Reno....not broken in yet - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Charley - August 16 - 5:50 pm

  I just got my Reno and am pleased. A few things need to be changed but overall its a great car. The main selling point of any Suzuki is the warranty. You cant beat 7 year/100,000 miles. Plus, if you are a loyal customer to the dealer for your services, you get free tires as long as you own it. For a base model, it has a lot more than any other base model you can get. We were looking for budget...and thats what we got. But this is by far the best bang for your buck as far as dependability goes. Power isnt all there. My 92 prelude puts the Reno to shame in that aspect. But all in all its a nice car with a lot of benefits you shouldnt pass up if youre on a budget.

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  8 YEARS AND NOT ONE REPAIR.... - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By et2011 - August 15 - 1:05 am

  8 YEARS AND NOT ONE REPAIR....I have had this SUV since 2003 - I have not had one repair other than wear and tear items like breaks, wipers, bulbs, and oil changes. This SUV has been the BEST car ever. Its 4WD gets you through the tough winters...the only thing the SUV lacks is the comfort and luxury. It now has $122K on it...I am ready for something new....I wish the new ones had a comfortable seat...and came standard with more of the luxury items...

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  Okay Car for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Renee - August 14 - 7:43 am

  I bought this car used. I have not had to do anything to it except oil changes and standard maintenance stuff. Its almost time to replace the tires. The price of the standard tires was higher than I expected. Every tire place I went to said they were not a size they stocked, so that was surprising. But overall, I really like the car so far. Have not had any mechanical issues. The main thing is to remember it is an inexpensive car, dont expect it to drive like a Mercedes or youre setting yourself up for disappointment. But great car, glad we bought it.

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  Rides Like the Wind - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Marie - August 13 - 12:30 am

  This car is super. Its fun and practical. It goes from point A to B without using much gas. The best part is, its 4 wheel drive, which is great for snow, etc. It looks good, drives great and I have absolutely no regrets in purchasing this car. Who would think such a small vehicle would drive so smoothly? I love it! It has a small gas tank, so you have to gas up a little more often but its worth it since it uses less than $15.00 per week for me. My son wants me to give him the car when he turns 16 next week. Not a chance, Im keeping it.