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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  Car is fair. - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By wayne6372 - November 4 - 7:21 am

  This is a nice car but parts are more expensive then usual.Has some major issues under passangers side dash that need fixing.Gas milage is very poor for a 4cyl

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  Wear your earplugs!!! - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By terpr - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Vitara with the hopes of having a fun, dependable ride. What I got was a car that constantly creaks and makes noises. Ive taken it in twice for the same problem and it still makes noise! Its the most infuriating thing! I dread going over a speed bump or an uneven road. It sounds like my car is going to fall apart!

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  Hmmm... - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By hazeleyes1918 - August 17 - 10:10 pm

  I have only had this car for a couple months. 2 days after purchase it didnt want to start. They fixed the problem. There was a recall with the programming. Also when coming to a stop the brakes act funny. They almost give out like there is air in the line. They didnt check it, they just replaced the brake master cylinder. Also it sounds like my left rear brake sensor is chirping. Gotta take it in again. And my lumbar support on the driver seat broke. They had to replace that as well. I love the car but this is ridiculous! There is just over 16K miles on it and it is acting up already!

• 

  headaches! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By HEADACHE - August 12 - 4:46 am

  I was so excited when i first bought this car. it was my first brand new car and i was excited that i got such a great price...unfortunately all that changed 2 years into owning it. the check engine light had been an on going problem since the beginning. multiple small problems arose in between then and now. the pickup in the car when accelerating is very slow. as for the last 2months. i have had the car in the shop more than ive had it at home. it has not been able to pass inspection for the THIRD time. lets see its had, a head gasket replaced, antifreeze leak fixed, serpentine belt replace 2x, new thermostat 2x, new pcm ,still not fixed now. buyer beware!

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  SX$ Cross Over - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Mike - August 6 - 3:03 am

  Car was great for 15000 miles then the rattles in the dash area began....awful, selling dealer did not even fill the windsheild wiper reservoir dealer no help....Fuel economy for such a compact car is barely 27mpg for me. Eats tires, if you go studded tires with AWD and Traction control its awesome in ice and snow. If you roll windows down you cant here anything at all. Windows dont defrost well, very small fuel tank.Wish I would have bought a VW Rabbit

• 

  Not very pump friendly - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By binkys4deep - July 30 - 8:16 pm

  Im not very in love with how fast the gas seems to go in my XL-7. And not only that, I had trouble with my air conditioning not even a whole year after buying it. My CD player is not working too well at this point. Things just seem to be going wrong while only having it less than two years But at least most things are still under warranty. But who wants to have to get things worked on so soon? It served its purpose when I first got it, because I needed something that seated seven. And now that I dont need the space, I feel stuck because at this point, the car is only worth about half of what I still owe!

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  Suszki Renos water pump problems - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Suszuki problems - July 16 - 3:13 am

  At 4,000 miles, less than 6 months old, the timing belt went out because of a faulty water pump. My car had major motor damage and spent three weeks in the shop and Suzuki knew of the problem and refused to recall the Reno. Now I can not trust the vehicle.

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  Do Not Buy! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By onesorrysuzukiowner - June 26 - 6:03 pm

  Living on a tight budget and needing a new car, I selected the 2006 Suzuki Forenza. I bought this car new with only 63 miles on it. After owning it for three days I have had rough idling / no start problems, the engine intermittingly trying to die while driving, and warning lights that appear then disappear. Please think twice before buying this car. I have had to get spark plugs and my new cars computer replaced only now to find out there is a glitch in the software program that downloads data into the cars computer. The company says that there is no fix for my car yet I have had to be the one to DEMAND a refund. I have had to get a rental and pay for their costly insurance . This car is no value for the money. Please be wary of this car!

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  Very bad experience - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By chris - June 25 - 7:20 am

  Bought the vehicle a few months ago and had nothing but problems with it. Engine smoked twice, brought it to the dealership and they supposeably fixed problem..master cylinder. Engine caught on fire a few nights ago and doors automatically locked myself and passenger inside. Horrible experience, were okay but truck was destroyed by fire. Suspected defective parts in engine. I wouldnt recommend this truck. Also the trim work kept falling off, was replaced twice. Glued on numerous times.

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  Biggest Lemon known to mankind!!!!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Vnelly1 - June 13 - 3:40 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 11/08 and have had about 1 month of worry free driving. This car is a screaming nightmare!!! Hesitating, stalling and jerking. I am so thoroughly disappointed with this vehicle - my 94 Pontiac Grand Prix ran better than clink. Never again!!!!!