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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  Another stop to fill up - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By 1TheMacs - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I like this small SUV for the price. I had to look a long time to find one without the 3rd seat. The 3rd seat doesnt fold flat.

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  Great Purchase! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By taroo - November 14 - 8:30 am

  Let me start w/how much I love this car. From the 34 mpg I just averaged on a trip to CA last week, to the great navigation system, the heated seats, the panoramic view, the spacious trunk space, the back seats that comfortably seat a 170 lb. Great Dane, and the AWD/2WD/Auto system that leaves me looking forward to snow - there are only 4 things I would suggest improving on: Adding a sunroof, adding a 6th gear (manual), a little more power, and more comfortable seats/headrests. I did a lot of research & I knew what to expect. Its a lot of extras for the money, but if you are looking for luxury, this is not the car for you. I love my car! Great job Suzuki!

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  good car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By beauttafly23 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the car.....its really nice

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  Nice Little Sport Ute - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Joe M. - October 31 - 2:30 pm

  I havent owned it for long, but my 2006 Grand Vitara Luxury AWD seems like a keeper. Made entirely in Japan, the quality seems a cut above the problematic British built Honda Civic Si I got rid of to buy it. Its not fast, but I had a comfy, drama-free drive home from the dealership during a snowstorm with the seat heaters on and knew I had made the right decision. Everything has an expensive feel; plenty of little storage cubbies, and secure handling for a light truck make this a nice package that WAY undercuts the competition in price. My advice: buy one now while Suzuki is carving out a niche in the North American marketplace and pricing them so aggresively.

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  The Little Car that Has! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By gksintx - October 31 - 1:30 pm

  I can say I am pleased with this car. So far the only return trip to the dealer is for an oil change. The front tires arent even feathering which seems to be an issue on other makes I have owned. Suggested Improvements - This is all based on the SX4 Sport Sedan - Sunroof option, remote start, leather seating with heated seats, auto up & down windows on all four windows, auto locking doors at 15 mph & auto unlocking doors when shifted into park, auto on/off headlights, smaller keyless remote that doesnt take up some much room in your pocket, longer wheel base to improve looks & give more rear seat leg room, better gas mileage with better acceleration, larger fuel tank for longer driving

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  Competent, but uninspiring - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By aposak - October 30 - 10:34 pm

  For basic transportation and cargo hauling, this car is great! It has been rock-solid reliable at 135k miles. Anything over basic transportation, though, and you should look elsewhere. Although a lot of nice features and afterthoughts are included, Suzuki overlooked many of the basics. The lower dash and doors are soft plastic, which scratch and mar easily. The seats arent particularly comfortable, though they feature several adjustments. Handling, acceleration, and braking are competent, but feel disconnected. Ive averaged 24-26mpg combined throughout the life of the car.

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  um - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By kerry - October 21 - 8:36 pm

  it is very fun to drive and it can go off roading a lot better then most people would think. i dont like the looks too much. but after i started driving it i fell in love

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  Smile cause its cheap! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By scott777 - October 19 - 10:50 pm

  People that complain about this car need to either remember they got a great deal on it, or they need to negotiate better next time they purchase. I believe that Suzukis in general are "decent" cars, not at the same level of say Toyota or Honda, but same or perhaps better than American "small" cars. I was in the market for a Corola, but found the price too high. I paid at least 20% less, so I can live with the compromises. I purchased a fully loaded 5-speed and enjoy the performance once I get out of 2nd gear. The "get up an go" from a dead stop is too slow and so is the 1st to 2nd gear shift, once youre shifting out of 2nd its a rocket! Gas mileage is unacceptably low (22-26mpg).

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  Wonderful Little Wagon - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By kc5yti - October 17 - 9:46 am

  Our third Suzuki. I have grown to love them since I bought the 2002 XL-7 that I still have now. Now we have replaced our 2002 Vitara with the Forenza Wagon. My wife drives it most of the time, and loves it. It has been on several long trips and fuel economy averages 26mpg. 22-26 city and 29-34 on the highway. The styling is great. The seats are confortable, and the back seat has plenty of room for our 3 kids. It nearly has the same amount of cargo space as my XL-7, but with better fuel econ. BTW, lookunder the cargo platform in the back, and you will find a spare and more storage space. Amazing. Bravo Suzuki

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  Great Value! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By recent buyer - October 16 - 5:46 pm

  We looked at Matrix, Yaris, Fit, and Versa and then saw ads for the SX4 with AWD. The value for the price is unbelievable! Even the base model has power locks/windows and ABS and for a fairly small price difference, the Sport model also has traction control, automatic climate control, cruise, and a 6 CD changer with more speakers. The keyless entry and start feature seems very high-end to have on such an economical car. We had not planned to purchase until spring, but when one was delivered exactly like we wanted we didn’t dare wait. I think this car will be “discovered” by a lot of buyers very soon and will become extremely scarce and in demand. It is such a good buy and such fun to drive!