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:

• 

  Fun to Drive!!! - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Amy - April 2 - 4:00 am

  I have only had my Grand Vitara for about 2 months. This is the 1st SUV for me to drive, and I love it, Its roomy and I just enought space for my son, but not to much like it would have been if I had gotten something bigger. The only thing I really do not like about it is the gas milage I have to get gas like 2 to 3 times a week and I do not go out of town.

• 

  The style is nice, but thats it. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By esalazar - March 31 - 12:10 pm

  This car I only had for 1yr 9 mos. Been in the shop 5 times. I filed a claim under the lemon law. I turned in this car on May 16th, 2007 with 37,332 miles on it. I got it with only 23,900. Its a really nice car, and I got lots of compliments on it. Considering the motor, the suspension and the lack of speed. it was not nice enough to keep and deal with. It would be nice though, if Suzuki can fix the problems on the Veronas, they are very nice. The first car I have ever really liked turned out to be a lemon.

• 

  Expectations - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Jean67 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I never had a brand new vehicle. We traded in a 2007 Honda civic, which I absolutely loved. I dont know if its us or not but the passengers side seat is very low on the floor. Does anyone have the same problem? We have 1400 miles on it and only get 25 mpg. Im disappointed in that. I think its sluggish when first taking off. Dont like the funny looking long button near the speedometer. It looks stupid.

• 

  Good small truck not crossover.... - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By fred102 - March 23 - 4:39 pm

  I have my 07 Grand Vitara since a year and half ago... so far it is doing great. I bought it will 45,000 miles and already has 71,000 and it feels as good as new....of course, synthetic oil every 3,000 mls, besides that gas. Dont use cheap gas on this truck because you are wasting your money. the truck wont run the right way and in the last run, you are just cutting the life of your truck. Tires, it came with hancook tires and still has the same in great shape. Remember and dont get confuse, this is not a crossover Mickey Mouse AWD car. this is a small 4x4 truck with a real chassis and frame and thats makes a difference...

• 

  Its Perfect For Me - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By Camperjoe - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I traded a minivan for my Suzuki Vitara and I couldnt be happier. It performs perfectly, I LOVE the gas mileage. I like the way it handles driving around town especially.

• 

  Aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By augoct221 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This Vehicale is great in snow. The gas milage is a little disapointing for its class.

• 

  good car.. - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jewells - March 23 - 2:00 am

  i drove about 15 small cars before i got this one , its got alot pick up and go.. i drove it from pa to ca and back last week alot fun to drive .. the money i save on this car WOW..i ran into snow and rain did real good ..i love the fact i could had got something bigger ..but i save about $3000.00 on this car and and got good car..and becuse the back sets fold down i got room for very thing i need to get in my car.. one thing i did see looking for cars was all about the same size but big name cars cost alot more, and so seem to small on the inside

• 

  great off roader - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By keith parsons - March 23 - 2:00 am

  this suv has great horse power great off road handling.looks great you guys dont give much credit to this suv.this guys are building good cars.you give good reviews to the tracker but not the vitara.come its the same car lol

• 

  Happy with my SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By dianitalu - March 18 - 12:23 pm

  I just purchased my new Suzuki SX4 two days ago and I am loving it.

• 

  Good Little Truck - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ed - March 16 - 2:43 am

  I brought this little suv brand new 10 yrs ago. Its been really good for the most part. Only problems are a/c condenser and the steering rack needed replaced (after driving on nyc roads for 10 yrs, I dont blame the car). Also, the body panels had to be glued back on twice (Suzuki covered). I still own it but due to my kids getting bigger and needing a pick-up for yard work, its getting traded in soon (Ill miss it).