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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  Not bad at all - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By lakerfootball - January 5 - 11:33 am

  I was not sure I would like this car at first. I am in sales and need a car with some room. I had a Chevy Camero Conv. before this car. So the power was not there I was used to. But, this car offers great comfort, ok gas milage and a nice look in and out. I wish the tail light we designed differently but oh well. I have had no problems with the car but low miles and not all that old. I just wish the dealer was closer. I would recommend this car to someone.

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  Tough, economical car back roads and city traffic - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By mistyridgeman - December 17 - 4:30 pm

  The 2.0 liter engine with manual 5-speed is snappy and responsive. Drop it into 4th on the highway and you have plenty of passing power. On back roads, it clings to gravel and dirt, and it handles great in snow (assuming you actually know how to drive in snow). This car has walked through mud, snow, tall weeds, and easily navigates city streets (drove it through downtown Chicago with ease). The newer six-speeds lack the snap and downshifting is finicky, so Ill be keeping my 5-speed rather than trading up. Best car in its class, especially for the money.

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  Its a fun car to drive but not very practical - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Ruslan - December 16 - 2:17 am

  First off, this car is a lot of fun to drive, especially with the top down in summer. Its also pretty reliable and never failed to get me when needed. On the negative side, its it does show its age. The plastic trim crumbles, the exhaust manifold cracked and had to be replaced, the AC was not that strong. The 3 speed transmission was ok under 65 mph, but going above would bring MPG down into 12-15 range. The EGR was getting clogged. And getting spare parts became a huge problem because Suzuki went out of business in the US.

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  First New Car - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Scott A Palmieri - December 8 - 3:26 pm

  The interior of my Grand Vitara is loud. It has a lot of engine and road news. However it drives smoothly. Its gas mileage could be a lot better. The interior could be better as well. The parts look and seem very cheap. The seats are already pulling. It needs a better quality sound system. Having said this, it is a fun vehicle to drive, it handles well, and it is very stylish.

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  The best car ever - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By aymanca - December 5 - 12:10 pm

  I bought this car October 2006 and I never had any problem with it, it runs good and it worth every dollar . Its really surprise me to know that the company has closed down in USA, its really a lost not to have this brand here. I recommended to everyone and I really enjoy driving it as the first day I had it. I just recently replaced the battery ( after 8 years) and I had no other issues. I love Suzuki and if the company still around it will be my first choice , better than Honda or Toyota .

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  Odd Headlights - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tim - December 2 - 5:50 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4, luxury model. Its a nice vehicle with true 4x4 capability. My main concern is that the low beam HID headlights are aimed in a strange way. The left light does not illuminate as far ahead as the right light. After much concern directed to my local dealers, I was informed that it was by design from the manufacturer. They tell me that the reason is so as not to blind drivers coming in the opposite direction. Dealerships were not aware of it, and there is nothing mentioned about the headlight aiming pattern in the owners manual. It is an annoying vehicle to operate at night. If you are thinking of buying one, drive it at night in a dark area.

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  Great Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By prices - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We purchased car for our daughter to take to school. This car rides like a big car and gets 29 miles to the gallon. Very pleased with car.

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  The Aerio SX - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Aligirl - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The Aerio SX is a real peppy and safe feeling car. Its looks a little "egg shaped" which isnt always eye appealing however great for kids. Additionally the only interior color you can get is black. Why not have a neutral interior color more earth tone.

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  treat it right - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By campercasado - November 5 - 6:19 am

  if you treat it right it will treat you right. that means regular maintenance. i have had it for awhile and it works great. big enough for my family.

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  Bargain, bargain, bargain - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By jbrew - October 28 - 3:23 pm

  This car is an absolute bargain. There isnt a car out there that comes to the SX4 package, including AWD. I bought this car because I live in the mountains and wanted an economical vehicle that could handle the snow. Drove through the snow the other night with no problems. Not only do you have the AWD, but also the Electronic Stability control which is included in the sport model.