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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  love my suzuki - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By FAL - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 suzuki XL7 3years ago and I love it. It has gotten me through a really tough winter 2009 in MD. My only problem is that my CD player just stopped working my friend who also has the XL7 had the same problem with her CD player and a CD got stuck in hers. I was able to get my CD out but it just doesnt play at all. Other than that I love it, It has an automatic starter (not sure who added that but it is a plus) I would buy another one...but hope this one last a long time.

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  Good Car/ Good Value - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By flyright - April 3 - 10:36 am

  My family has owned Suzukis in the past and have been very happy. Without hesitation I purchased the 07 SX4. The dealer advertised it as 35 mpg, but I get 28.7 mpg so that was a bit of a disappointment. I have approx 25,000 miles on it now. So far I have had to replace the oxygen sensor,the A/C was kind of blah so took it back in and now they have to replace some clutch in the A/C. Other than that, I love the car. It has more room than most compact cars. It handles sweet when you need to leave someone in the dust. The acceleration is the best. Turning is fab. Braking, stops on a dime. The interior has a sportscar look, pretty cool. Quiet enginne but strong. Has some get up and go.

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  Suzuki Aerio for Fun and Economy - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Larry - April 2 - 4:23 pm

  I LOVE my Aerio. I bought it to combat $3.00/gallon gas but have discovered a new fun and exciting driving experience. Its quicker and less expensive than the competition with more amenities.

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  Its a running Hampster! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Samuari Hampster - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 dak for this model as I was looking for better utility and most importantly, better reliability. I have only 100 miles on this so far, but it looks like I picked a winner. The 4 banger works best with the five speed. I test drove an auto and it was doggy but with a five speed, it really does a lot better.

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  MY VERONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Tom Fonash - March 30 - 10:20 pm

  We have had the car since she was new and have had zero problems. We have heard other horror stories but so far she has run like a charm. We look forward to many thousands of trouble free miles.

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  Very Impressive - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dhump33 - March 26 - 11:43 pm

  My wife and I never thought we would ever own a Suzuki. We were planning on buying a Honda CRV or a Subaru and then one night we saw the new Suzuki Grand Vitara. After doing our research, viewing the standard options and price we were almost sold. We went for a test drive one and that same weekend purchased it! We are impressed with the interior quality, fit and finish. We are also impressed with its AWD capabilities (we drove it in the snow and torrential rain). We will certainly keep this one, recommend the dealership and the model. Keep up the good work Suzuki!

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  Check It Out - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By grntd22 - March 25 - 11:30 am

  The Suzuki XL-7 is a great SUV. It would be much better though if they offered more power and towing capacity. the 2.7 liter engine is too weak.

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  I LOVE MY ZUKI - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By keit parsons - March 17 - 1:16 pm

  I talked to the service department at my dealership.I asked them what car they have the least problems with.They all said hands down XL-7.So thats what i bought; the only thing it goes to the shop for is oil changes.Thats why ive owned three....

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  SX4 Sport Sedan with Automatic - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By talisman - March 16 - 11:40 am

  Car is brand new with only 1900 miles driven so far. Fuel mileage was 29 mpg in mostly highway driving (75 mph) on the last tank of gas. Just drove from Los Angeles to Phoenix and found that it has plenty of passing power and a firm but controlled ride. The deep metallic blue color looks awesome on this car - I received 2 compliments on the cars looks when I was at a rest stop.

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  Multiple problems down the line - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By waguy2012 - March 9 - 7:24 pm

  The one thing that i have a problem with this car is that it leaks a ton in the front. I had it checked and multiple mechanics cant figure out where the leak is coming from. My dad and i replace some seals in the front and the leak stopped for a bit but then it comes back with a vengeance. When we go one drives just 10-15 miles down the road there will be small puddle of oil on the ground. Just a little annoying and i hope it doesnt lead to bigger problems. We are at 175,000 miles on it so i guess thats what we get for having it so long! :) Also, be caeful w/ the air conditioning. Ours went out and now to replace it will cost $$$$$$. Rather wait to get a new car than pay for repairs.