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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  Great car for the money - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By d281963 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an exellent car for the money overall but with a few obvious, easily corrected, cheap details. Its ride and handling were superb even at higher speeds. Interior was quiet and the ride well controlled. Fit and finish were generally on-par with the class. Very good mid-size car at an economy car price, though resale value is still questionable.

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  Best 4x4 Dollar for Dollar, period..... - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Alden Gainey - April 26 - 6:46 pm

  Before I purchase a new vehicle I dis extensive research. I studied all the small and midsize SUV models in North America and finally chose the Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury Edition. Without a doubt, the Grand Vitara offers the most "bang for the buck". It has sleek styling, a smooth solid ride, a quiet cabin, true off-road capability with a four wheel drive LOW gear and locking center diff. It has an alloy 2.7 litre DOHC 24 valve V6 with timing chain instead of a belt. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has standard features that would be cost additional on all other 4x4 SUVs. It has excellent handling at high speeds. I rented a Ford Explorer last month and that vehicle sucks gas and handles like a dead pig. I am most pleased with my Suzuki!

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  Love this car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By ccox - April 26 - 3:20 am

  Bought this car because I really like the way it drove. Very comfortable, quick response, roomy. At the time I really wanted a Chevy Monte Carlo, but when I test drove it, I decided on the Aerio. Much more room! I have had this car for 4 years and have no complaints, no problems! Its a great car.

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  Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JEGK1971 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 2000 Stratus ES-- very nice optioned car---leather, alloys, V6. I traded it in on the Suzuki. I liked the style and all the options that came on the Suzuki as standard epuipment---it was loaded. Two things that I dont like is the gas mileage and the poor get up and go--- once it hits 20-30 mph its pretty peppy. I wish I had researched it on the internet before I bought---seeing how it is a rehashed Dae Woo---I might still have bought it, but I would have thought about it for a while. All in all, it is a lot of car for the money and is a pleasure to drive--- I am a salesman and I an constantly in and out of the car.

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  Great 11 years - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ralph - April 22 - 10:37 am

  Lucky if the tires last 25,000 miles

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  trying to hard - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By sparkey424 - April 19 - 5:07 pm

  although this is one of my favorite cars i have had, it has a lot of problems. its estimated mpg is [non-permissible content removed]. i have never seen better than 25 mpg. it looks pretty ugly, paint is terrible and is chipping away. has no power what so ever. if i have my ac on and try to go i have to burn the clutch to hell. recently somebody tried to break into my car and messed the locking system up and the dealership wants to charge 1200 dollars for it. break light never goes off. dealer wants 2300 for that. and my airbag light is on, which again is 1200 dollars to fix. although i have no problems with the rims. take it off roading where im not supposed to be and can take the abuse.

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  good lil car - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Tena Moore Holbrooks - April 13 - 3:12 pm

  my 2007 forenza has been very dependable. i passed a few higher priced, newer cars on the side of the road during our snow storm last week. but, me and my forenza got to our location just fine. alot of it has to do with how well you maintain your auto. i have a 2007 with 130k miles with regular oil changes and a recent tune up i look to get many more. and the gas mileage - great!!!!!

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  Not a bad little car - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By thorpite - April 12 - 3:00 pm

  Ive owned my Esteem for 5 years and have never had any major mechanical problems with it and it handles like a champ. I like my little car and its great in city traffic and tight spots. I moved from Florida to Chicago and was curious to see how it would handle in ice and snow since it is very light and can be hard to handle in high winds. In snow/ice, it slides a lot in turns. The engine can be noisy but I always have the radio on, so its not an issue for me personally. I replaced the factory CD player because mine stopped reading CDs and my intermittent windshield wipers gave out soon after purchase and now Ive noticed that my wipers dont reset themselves when they turn off.

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  2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By AL KEMNEC - April 12 - 8:23 am

  This is my second Grand Vitara. This one is awesome. Its a blend of everyones best features in its class. It is great in the city with its open road manners and a real blast out in the mud and dirt. I know all the OTHERS are look-in and wonder- in. Its a little SUV that "can do it" and leave a LOT of money in your pocket to "do it."

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  Fun to drive! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By kathy - April 10 - 4:53 pm

  Love it!!! Roomy, easy to handle, fun to drive, nice cd, lot of car for the money.