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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  Bought it Love it - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By PeggySNew - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my new car. The features of the car make it a great buy. I got leather seats, digtialized climate control, power sunroof, and many more for less then what it would cost on a Toyota Camry, and my car seems bigger.

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  Forenza2004 awsome car great for anyone - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Megandrichy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Lovely car, great for anyone of all ages able to drive it. great pick up great breaks. Confortable, and smoth driving. great on gas, great on milolage, it hase a good look to it, casual car. In the lower ranges of expencive cars. I think that anyone who does not wanna have to worry about playing a butt-load on gas then this would be your car:).

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  Great car for the cost - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By shantel - March 30 - 9:03 am

  We were in the market looking for a newer car, not the gas hog like our Suburban. I saw the Verona and immediately liked the appearance. We own a Forenza, which has been no problem, so we thought another Suzuki would work out fine. We were impressed with how it drove, the feel and comfort levels inside of the car, and for parents of 2 small children, it was imperative to have space in the trunk to carry strollers, etc. The Verona has lots of basic needs, that cost extra on other comparable cars. We liked that we could get a new car for under $16K, that had everything we needed. We went for the basic model, no bells and whistles, but Suzuki doesnt skimp on the basic necessities.

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  73 - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By rubyluv40 - March 30 - 12:40 am

  very good car all the way around fun to drive nice ride good inside and out side look to the car could be better gas miles to it

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  Great car at excellent price - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JimH614 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  solid built well performing with classic styling and features you only expect in much costlier car.Handles great Great value

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  Great Car - 2007 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jacj - March 29 - 6:56 am

  So far this has been a great car. The engine has more than enough power for climbing hills, and still gets about 29 miles to the gallon. I would have liked the arm rest to be a little longer as it does not come out far enough for me. Overall great car.

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  Great Little SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By yorgibear - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle my wife picked out. I own a Silverado and love it, but I now prefer to drive this little 4X4. The fuel economy has been better than expected and my kids love the DVD/TV screen and sunroof. My wife loves the heated seats and the window locks. The on demand 4X4 is so much better than all-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive goes into gear on the fly (like my Chevy) and we both feel much safer transporting the kids to school and back. I am extremely surprised how well in handles and the freeway and the perky engine. So far we are very satified.

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  New owner - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By EJowerre - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car a few days but it is good solid basic transportation. bought to haul me back/forth to work. fuel mileage is amazing (35mpg!) quite comfortable and pick up is very good. ride is a little stiff but it has all of 300 miles on it! dealership was great, really gave me a good deal, warranty ammmmmmmmazing

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  2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By markjoe64 - March 21 - 2:23 am

  This my third Suzuki in 4 years. I had the Aerio SX and the Chevy Tracker. My new Grand Vitara is like riding in a Lincoln. Fit and finish were first rate. This vehicle can "fly". I normally drive 64 mph on the interstate, but had to "kick it in" when a semi was on my tail. Before I knew it I was doing 97 mph. Sign me as "Happy in Huntsville".

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By happycamper - March 20 - 11:26 am

  Do your research and drive a bunch of cars. I drove the Honda Element, Kia Soul, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. Hands down this car was the best of all these cars combined. Features wise you cannot get a car with all that Suzuki offers for the price from any other car company. Find an 09 and Suzuki is giving 3k off. Find a dealer with inventory and they are willing to move the price even more. I am 63" and 220lbs and I fit no problem. Easy in and out and seats are comfortable. Main reason I bought the car, traded in 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T was the lack of comfort in the Dodge(many other reason, car was a lemon). No other car in the class of small economy will give you the features SX4 does.