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 .... BUT - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By rpbsp - March 5 - 3:48 pm

  Bought my Kizashi 6 months ago and have 14,000 miles on it. Fun to drive, sleek appearance and great gas mileage. However, the longer you live with it, the more it shows its weak design points. Two major complaints. 1. the paint is paper thin-chips if you look at it the wrong way. 2.windshield washers are useless for winter driving. they freeze after 1 squirt and that first squirt doesnt even hit the windshield. The car could be considered unsafe to drive in messy winter roads ... zero visibility.

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  Happy New Owner - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By spbehrens - March 4 - 8:36 pm

  My 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara has clean lines and an aggressive look. My wife finds it easy to drive and maneuver. It provides good comfort over longer distances. The fuel economy is much better than our previous 1998 Isuzu Trooper. The price was very good considering all you get for the money. Our dealer is friendly and helpful.

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  Great Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By mancow - February 24 - 4:40 am

  I bought this car new in 2003 My work round trip is 184 miles my car just went over 402000 miles I have had no problems. Just oil changes and two set of brake pads and at 250000 clutch presure plate thowout bearing all which are wearout parts.

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  Fantastic - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By S.K.T.Kumar - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2003 Suzuki Aerio as brand new. WoW. a lot to say about good thing. very roomy, so comfortable, very very good on gas on FWD vehicle. I had few problems on this car too. The wheel alignment goes bad so frequently. at least every year I have to do wheel alignment. Breaks are very good. Engine is so super. less noise compare to other cars on its class. The other problem is, The quality of the body, They made in cheap material. The front bomber get damaged easily. The side skirt that came with it as original also very cheap material. I dont have them in my car right now. They were flew away years ago. High way drive in fantastic. very comfortable view. Totally its a super car.

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  Love & hate relationship - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CRAIGM - February 12 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle because I was in the market for an affordable, reliable small SUV that was rear wheel drive. I am a mechanic by trade and this setup is easier to maintain. However at 15,700 miles, the factory Yokohama tires are shot. I dont believe it to be an alignment issue since they are worn only on the inside just cheap tires. My wife insisted on the solid red one and I am very dissapointed that the paint is rapidly deteriorating, the mirrors are already faded to white on top. Also, there are too many cheap plastic trim pieces interior & exterior that easily fall off and im finding out resale value is really bad. This one is 2wd and has plenty of power for the size of the motor.

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  A Car For Any Season - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By 13Edge - February 11 - 3:56 pm

  If you are looking for 0-60 acceleration or fast and furious performance, dont get an AWD Aerio. The automatic tranny just wont allow it. The interior is well designed with the controls for everything placed just right. The car is very comfortable for my 63" 280 lb. frame. The factory radio is incredible and with the rear seats folded down I can fit more things in this than the old S-10 Blazer I had. This car really shines in bad weather. It handles snow and rain like a champ, and it eats up country dirt roads. All in all, with the interior room, all weather capability, and storage space, you almost feel like you are driving an SUV... except this has more standard features that most SUVs.

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  Long Drive Commuter - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By 2nd suzuki - February 6 - 7:26 pm

  I commute 120 miles to work and back on the interstate every day and traded in my Verona so I could see over traffic. My gas millage is the same as in the Verona. I am very impressed with the smooth, nimble handling of this vehicle.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By Tony - February 2 - 4:43 am

  I bought this 08 Reno with 2,400 miles on it. Its my ride from home to work and back. This is the first small car that I have ever owned. I traded in my 98 Lumina (168k miles)and $5400 cash and drove it off the lot. So many of the reviews have been less than complimentary, but as an owner, I think this is a great little car. 3 year/36k mile bumper to bumper, a 100k powertrain warranty, and 24 hour roadside assistance. I dont like the fact there arent many dealerships around for service concerns, but I have only had one issue with the airbag light staying on all the time. Remember that you get what you pay for. I bought a 4-cylinder automatic. I dont expect to keep up with a Vette!

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  Little Work Horse - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By presently - January 20 - 1:25 pm

  This has been a remarkably reliable car. Ive got 142k miles on it now. After 130k I had to have the catalytic converter changed ($1500 at Suzuki, but I got it done for $600 at Meineke), but thats the only part failure other than standard maint. items like brakes, tires and batteries. Great cargo capacity and hard to match without going to a mid-size SUV. Comfortable and quiet to drive. Currently running Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus tires on it and theyre awesome and quiet. I also put a hitch on it and use it to pull a 4 x 8 utility trailer, so thats like having a pickup on hand when I need it.

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  So far - so good - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By BK - January 16 - 2:53 am

  We have 30,000 miles on our Reno and have not had it in the shop yet. It starts easily and is pretty good on fuel. I drive 40 miles round trip to work and run a few errands around town in it. It is a manual 5 speed and we average 35 miles per gallon consistantly around town. The air is pretty weak and living in Florida can be a bit frustrating. Overall, we have been pleased but we are holding our breath. We also owned a Suzuki Verona at the same time that was a nightmare - we finally got rid of it, thank God.