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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  Best compact SUV Ive had - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GV 07 - August 9 - 12:30 am

  Very nice compact SUV. Looks better than most of its competitors and it also has better performance as well as more amenities than its competitors. Handles better than a car. Very fun to drive. It can be used for towing as well as for off-roading. This small SUV is capable of taking you almost everywhere you take it. My rating for this SUV is 8/10.

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  Not Enough - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Volki - August 5 - 4:23 am

  Nice AWD car that is a joy to to drive. I just wish it had more hp. Its suppose to be a rally car. Make one with a super charger.

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  Suzukis are GREAT!! - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Nancy - July 28 - 8:03 am

  This is my 3rd Suzuki. I bought a 1999 Grand Vitara which I couldnt bear to give up when I bought my Forenza, It has 125,000 miles on it and Ive onlyreplaced the tires and brakes. The people that cant get great MPG on a Suzuki must check their driving patterns. I get 35 mpg on the Forenza, 25 mpg on the Grand Vitara and got 30mpg on the Tracker. I fail to understand why Edmunds and ConsumerReports dont rate them higher. I had a Nissan Pathfinder before my Grand Vitara and couldnt wait to get rid of it after 3 years!! When they told me how much it was I said SOLD!!! and I had been looking for months! I bought it on the spot.

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  Ill Never Buy A Suzuki Again! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By VeryUnhappy - July 24 - 4:06 am

  The drive of the Verona is OK and the fuel economy is fair. However, tthe back seat is uncomfortable and the paint job duled way too fast, even with routine detailing. I have had this car in the shop at a minimum once a week every month for the last four months for : a blown engine (2.5 weeks), two water pumps (at least onw week, still in the shop for second) and AC problems (one week for diagnosis), which the dealer can never find the solution to. Can anyone suggest a nice cliff to watch this one go over? Just kidding. Ill never buy another Suzuki again!

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  Nice price for AWD - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Bob - July 23 - 1:36 pm

  Wanted AWD for winter driving. Handles well for small vehicle. Good features included in base model w/con. group. Have 7 yr. all inclusive warranty and received a good price for trade in. No problems so far.

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  The BEST value in a mid-size car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Brainfertilizer - July 22 - 8:06 pm

  4000 miles so far, no problems. Smooth, responsive, comfortable, and the clear equal to Accord and Camry for the price of a Civic (if not cheaper). Heres the thing. Most reviewers assume that you want a 4-cyl for fuel economy and a 6-cyl for power, so they knock the Verona for not being either one. But Suzuki chose a 6-cyl that was as small as the average 4-cyl on purpose: smoothness and even power. It cruises over Rocky Mountain passes at 75 mph without straining at all. Ill probably spend only $1000 more in gas over the 5 years Ill own it, but I saved $4-5k on the sticker price similarly-equipped Accord or Camry. It looks better, too. Test drive one before deciding.

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  How good it is - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Ekollerc - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have lots of fun with my forenza S. I already put 16" chrome wheels on it and added a 12" subwoofer.

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  Sold on Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By gale - July 16 - 7:50 pm

  This is my third Suzuki vehicle since 1985 and have been more than satisfied with each and every one. The first was a world car bought over seas, the second was a 1994 Swift which has close to 200,000 miles on it and my son still drives it, and now I have the Verona. The Verona is very comfortable in front and back. It has plenty of leg room for everyone, This car is so comfortable that my elderly mother would rather ride with me than any of my other siblings.

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  I Love It - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By James - July 14 - 5:33 pm

  I love it. The Reno is everything that I need and nothing that I dont. It is spacious for such a small vehicle. The base level is what I went with and with such an affordable price tag who could pass it up?

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  Great Vehicle for the Family! - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Eric82 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle and am very satisfied with its performance. It is fairly spacious and provides easy access to spare tire, vehicle jack, and also has an electrical outlet in the inside rear of the cabin. Good purchase decision on my part!