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 got a deal - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By minewasadeal - June 7 - 9:30 pm

  Paid $11,060 out-the-door for my Forenza. I needed a wagon and it turned out that I couldnt find anything else comparable for the price. The price I got it for is actually better than youll get for any econo car. I dont expect it to be quick so Im content. I average 27 mpg in city/hwy driving. It never gets less than 25 and I got 34.2 once on the highway. As far as the ride comfort, handling, braking and road feel go, theyre fine and will only improve with top grade performance Michelin tires. The Kumhos it has are admittedly mediocre. If you need a wagon its a great deal. HAGGLE with the dealer. This is my 17th car and I know how to get a good price. Im sure you can too. Its well worth $11,060.

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  Very good car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By A. Smyth - May 31 - 11:23 pm

  I have put 36,000 miles on this car. So far it has been very reliable, but I have had some minor problems. The catalytic converter had to be replaced, and its rattling again. Also, the overhead light shutoff failed twice. I had better replacement brake pads installed by dealer better than the originals. However, I enjoy every minute that I drive this car, Its handling is very good (did the Edmunds reviewer even drive it?), It is a better value and has a smoother ride than the Subaru Impreza. The all wheel drive is great. I would definitely buy another.

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  Good AWD value - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By rp - May 27 - 10:33 pm

  Nice little car, particularly in snow. Lots of leg and head room for the size. 30 mpg hwy, decent for AWD. Good fit and finish - very tight for an eco car. After 8 months, water leaking from A/C on to the passenger floor/carpeting diagnosed as "cracked cowl" per the dealer; fixed in a day. Revs at nearly 4000RPM in 5th gear at hwy cruising speeds; geared way too high - needs o/d or 6th gear; would help hwy fuel econ and keep the noise down. Seats lack back support- no lumbar option even on high end model. 10 gallon tank is too small; commuting 25K/yr, feels like Im always stopping for gas. Hopefully long term reliability will be decent like earlier Suzukis.

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  good for us - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By april - May 25 - 6:40 am

  We like our XL7, its good for a small family, not really for seven grown ups. Other then that, I love it. its got 4x4 and does have the extra seating if you need it. Its better for two adults and two kids, than anything else.

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  XL-7 Great for the Price - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By rs - May 24 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle is great for the price. The third row seat is tight but comes in handy when you need to fit the whole family. The OEM tires have to go.

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  Nice car, but not on gas in city driving - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By james - May 14 - 12:30 am

  The Suzuki Forenza is not a bad car. It is sharp looking and has lots of nice features. It is priced nicely for a family wagon.

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  Good Car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Saverio - May 10 - 10:33 am

  I have owned this vehicle since February of 2005. It now has over 31,000 miles. It has been great. I put new tires on it 2000 miles ago. I opted for wider tires and it has improved its handling.

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  GREAT CAR LOW PRICE - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DAN BOGUSE - May 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS A VERY GOOD CAR FOR THE MONEY. ITS NOT A SPRTS SEDAN NORE IS IT A CHEEPY TYPE OF A CAR. GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY.

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  Not Bad but has a couple of problems - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By drdud - May 5 - 8:36 am

  20 mpg around town 25 mpg on the highway , mystery rattle in the center of the dash in cold weather ? Moans like my old 48 Chrysler when going over a hump .stock tires stink 2 of 4 are square ! All in all its a nice little care & got a great deal.

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  OK for the money. - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Fred Fein - April 14 - 3:06 am

  Good SUV for the money. Liked 3rd seat compared to cost of other SUVs. But have had problems with seal at waterpump, dealer fixed twice. Lousy MPG - no better than 15-16 mpg. And terrible defroster !! And crummy tires. Dunlops, just about bald at 20K.