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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  Cant beat it for the Money! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Jonathan123 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  After four months of searching, I finally went with the Verona. During my arduous search, I compared Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Kias, Hyundais, and all the american offerings and could not find a better car for the money. Though not as peppy as others, the comfort level and trim features placed the verona well ahead of the competition.

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  2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By newcar1 - June 24 - 2:13 pm

  I absolutely love the way this car drives. Acceleration is well balanced. When you are driving this car you will feel like you are floating. Very smooth.

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  Refinements Abound - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By andy - June 18 - 1:13 pm

  My third Suzuki (Esteem, Aerio, now SX4) sedan. This is essentially an Aerio with all the needed refinements: shorter stick throw, stronger brakes (ABS), variable intermittent wipers, improved cornering stability, quieter all around, smoother engine, improved front bumper clearance, improved gas mileage (running 31.5 mpg all around with gentle driving), stronger AC, paint seems to hold the turtle wax better. Gearing is shorter so expect frequent up shifting BUT much stronger at lower RPMs so less frequent down shifting on inclines . Excellent road manners as high as 75 mph. No problems after 6 months and 3800 miles.

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  soooo fun to drive!! - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dkmc03 - June 17 - 7:00 pm

  This is the first SUV i have ever bought and so far, i love it! got rid of my van and bought this, i love being able to whip in to parking spaces with so much ease. Handles great on dry roads as well as in the rain. very roomy, great for my family of four. the back door opening like a regular door is great for getting groceries out with the garage door shut, i could not ever do that with the hatchback door on that van! great family car and i love the way it looks!

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  Impressions - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Toby Michael - June 17 - 10:00 am

  My first impression: I didnt like it. Then I saw it in person and drove it. Second impression: I bought it 2 days later. Its an incredible little car. It looks so much nicer than the others in this segment, at least in my opinion. Coming out of a Pontiac Sunfire Convertible, Im amazed at this cars excellent feel.

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  So you thought they only made cycles! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By hkufahl - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought the base model MSRP $14,999, $12,999 after $2,000 rebate and dealer cash. What more could you ask for, mileage, interior room, performance, driveability, and warranty? All areas better than I expected. It seems that you either like the styling or hate it. Keep an eye on Suzuki, they are going to give Toyota and Honda a run for their money.

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  EX 4WD Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Di-Jo - June 13 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my Grand Vitara yesterday. I have only driven it home and to work today. So far, I love the way it handles and the convenience of all the controls. I have been looking around a while for a good, clean Grand Vitara and finally found one. Its great and just what I wanted with the 4x4 option.

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  Fun to Drive/ Huge leg room - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Deion - June 9 - 7:56 am

  It has huge leg rooms in both front and rear seats. It is very comfortable to drive with less noise. Its been a real great car for its price. The problem is this ones strengths are not well publicized in the market yet...

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  04 Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By miguel barrios - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Although I have not had the vehicle long, I like the eay it drives and also the quality of the interior I found it to be better than some of the upscale models.

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  Completely surprised - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By rothparker80 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  It was a fluke that we happened upon this car. In the market for a new VW Golf originally. On the way to pick up the Golf, we passed by Suzuki, the SX4 caught our eye,we stopped in for a last minute look. The styling, wheels and features had us nearly sold on it before driving it. Once we drove it, that sealed the deal. It was way more sophisticated than a Honda, Toyota etc. and was much funner to drive than the Golf, not to mention $6K cheaper, better warranty and more features. I do agree with the other reviews in that it could use leather, sunroof and heated seats, like you can get on Corollas,but Suzuki had to leave some room for improvement I suppose.