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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  Lots of Fun for the Price! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Kevim - May 23 - 12:33 am

  Im tall, 6 4" and commute 120 miles per day. My Suzuki Aerio is very roomy for its size. This was not my first choice, but it was the right choice. It is powerful, roomy and just plain fun to drive. It could use a little more power (for the canyon), but otherwise it is a great buy. With the options for the price, you cant go wrong. Plus it comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. I haven;t had any problems with mine so far.

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  great so far - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By tcw - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Only minor complaints. Wish it got more than 25mpg. Wish seats were a little softer. Otherwise, great deal, great car so far. I hope the quality it seems to have means it will last as long as Id like it to! Smooth transmission.

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  My new license plate: MYVRONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JR Hersch - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After back surgery, I was needing to trade my truck in for something more comfortable and easy on the pocketbook to drive. Im married with no kids and was actually going to the dealership to look at a used 2-door Pontiac Grand Prix. Boy am I glad the sales staff showed me this fantastic car! The EX is great on the budget and my back!

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  Great car for the money - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By kccarco - May 6 - 8:50 am

  Just took delivery of a GTS FWD 6- speed. Cant believe its a Suzuki. What amazes me is the fit and finish of this car as well as the quiet and smooth ride. This thing has so many standard features for what you have to pay. Plenty of power, Great gas mileage, Rockford Fosgate Sound. Push button start, power memory seat, and the list goes on. Do yourself a favor and drive one of these things before you decide on anything else.

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  alot for a little - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By dave johnson - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I think they did a great job. For the money the car has everything I need Lots of room.Good looks. Pepy engine. list of standard features like CD Radio,kicken speakers,digital dash.rear floor heat,theatre seating {kids and rear passengers less likely to get car sick because of better visability}and my list could go on forever

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  i like it. - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By rachel - April 30 - 1:36 pm

  before purchasing my suzuki forenza s, i drove a 1993 ford probe. so getting the suzuki was a step up. my 50+ conservative, typical know it all, car loving dad loves my suzuki. its a wonderful car. i commute back and forth to school 30 miles each way and it makes the trip much more enjoyable and bearable. i can drive in the rain with ease because of some special feature on the car. i havent tested in the snow yet, but im sure ill do fine.

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  My Suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Rhonda Gordon - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I needed an a new automobile to recieve high mileage and to be able to use on trips or just every life for a running family.

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  Best fit my needs. - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By hj - April 24 - 9:30 pm

  I wanted a vehicle that was 4wd, got reasonable fuel ecomomy, could tow behind motor home, ample power, reliable, hunt in, drive across the USA w/o being beat to death, had plenty of headroom. This fit the bill. I have replaced the clutch, front wheel bearings, fan cooling clutch, reworked brakes, and replaced ignition coils. At 144000 mi. and 12 yrs. going strong!

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  NO MORE AMERICAN AUTOS 4 ME - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By mike tess - April 21 - 10:00 am

  after years of putting up with problem after problem with my ford taurus and ford expedition i totally give up with american cars, especially ford! i love this mini suv, a super great value, fully loaded, peppy engine, great looks, drives great, handles well, all around quality. well thought out. and you dont see one every other block

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  My New CVT/SLS Kizashi !! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Pete - April 21 - 5:10 am

  So Far So VERY Good...Performance & Speed sneeks up on you. 80MPH arrives with out you realizing its there. My only Con about the car so far is the CVT while in "Drive" mode tends to upshift you into 6th gear WAY too soon, and if youre not heavy with your right foot, it tends to Bog down. However, in Manual mode, where "YOU" make the shifts, the accelaration for this 2.4 Engine is Amazing 3rd & 4th gears..even 5th are Great for on ramps & passing..6th is a Take it easy overdrive. The interior is that of a 40k car of quality..overall Suzuki has a Winner...Tome will tell..I cant wait for the Aftermarket on this Car !!