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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  I love this Car!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Zetta - July 12 - 10:00 am

  this car has the smoothest ride and it is beautiful inside and out

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  Owning a XL 7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Lippy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had so many compliments on this Vehicle, hour nice looking it is how sharp it looks, the sound system, the price etc. I thought driving a SUV would be like driving a bus, however it is easy to handle and has a smooth ride. I am very happy with the vehicle.

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  Should have test driven - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dissapointed - July 12 - 12:23 am

  I just purchased a 2006 Grand Vitara about 2 weeks ago and am very dissapointed. I chose not to test drive it assuming it would be similar to my 2003 Vitara. Boy was I wrong. The seats are like sitting on a hard piece of wood, the shifter is difficult to put into gear, the seat is not meant for a small person and it is not that great on gas. Lesson learned (ALWAYS test drive!!!!!)

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  Tough little car - 2000 Suzuki Vitara
  By Spud - July 11 - 1:46 am

  I bought this car used, and rolled it over 100,000 miles. Currently, its 115,500 miles, and its still going strong. Ive had to replace the computer system, but thats the only major maintenance its needed. I dont service it as often as I should, but its a very forgiving vehicle.

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  Hot Little Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By laura5medic - July 7 - 4:00 am

  I have to say I have owned several nice cars in my day and I love to try out new and different models, especially if they have great curb appeal. This one caught my eye as soon as I saw it on the road and I had to find out what it was and where to test drive one at. I was driving a Mustang GT at the time which is an awesome car in itself. This one didnt quite have the GT pep but this old lady needed to chill a bit and this car was perfect. I also owned a Lexus IS 250 and this reminded me of it almost to a tee. Very well made, excellent interior quality and accessories and the exterior is just awesome (I own a Black metallic one). I have had this car 2 yrs now and love it.

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  I Love My Aerio! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By zeabry - July 3 - 7:46 am

  I love my Aerio. It is first car I have owned and I would not trade it for the world. We love Suzukis and have the Aerio and XL-7. I would recommend this car to anyone. I has great power, great amount of head and leg room, and is just an all around great car. t is a joy to drive.

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  Zero problems at 51k miles - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Will_C - June 28 - 4:20 pm

  Has been an excellent Mini-ute. I have 51,000 miles on it and I have done nothing but oil changes and a new set of tires. I get 24 mpg on a trip and 18 mpg in town. Only problem is that they are made with very thin sheet metal. They dent VERY EASY but I have no rust on it at all.

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  Very happy - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Mark J. - June 27 - 11:43 pm

  Bought an AWD/AT version and love it so far. Very fun to drive despite the relatively sluggish performance. The outward visibility takes some getting used to but in general it is as good as it gets in a car of this configuration. Ive discovered one odd thing about this car that prospective buyers should know: the owners manual says that the AWD/AT version cannot be towed with either the front or rear wheels on the pavement due to potential damage of the drivetrain. I havent asked my dealer about this yet but I cant believe that any car maker would design a car that requires a flatbed tow truck. The standard transmission and FWD versions do not carry this warning.

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  I Just Love It - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mutter - June 26 - 11:06 pm

  We just had another baby and needed a second vehicle with more room. After driving and purchasing the Grand Vitara it has become our first vehicle. We love the looks, performance, and the interior. We averaged around 21 mpg in every day driving. We just went on a 1,300 mile trip and averaged 24.5 mpg. Drive a 2006 Grand Vitara before you purchase anything else. We drove the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, and Jeep Liberty. The Suzuki was better tan all of them.

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  Forenza Review - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Mary Tinsley - June 26 - 11:56 am

  The car is roomy in the front but less leg room in rear seating area. Easy to handle and rides very smooth. One drawback on the interior is the steering wheel blocks the speedometer. The seats adjust easily and are quite comfortable. Controls are easy to reach and use. Gas mileage is great I get around 34-35 hwy. It is an attractive looking car with many pluses when you compare it with the price of the vehicle. It handles well in heavy traffic and stopping is not a problem and has a good turn radius. Easy to parallel park. Overall the best vehicle I have owned and really liked the price.