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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  Must be the first one! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Lau - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just buy this one yesterday....maybe the first one...only 6 arrived from port. This was a reservation. Best car for the price. wow!! features!! good motor. Alas, a good fuel drinker. RELIABILIY unknown

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  Love it, but growing a little weary. - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By sjmc - August 31 - 6:28 pm

  I bought this car because I fell in love with the body style, it had every feature I wanted, and I was offered a fantastic deal. After a year of driving it, though, the little annoyances are pushing me toward trading it. Little things like a radio with an already limited range losing the station a lot. The low tire pressure warning takes over the dashboard but doesnt indicate which tire. The rounded shape of the dash and hood make it difficult for someone of my height (55") to judge how close the front end of the car is to something. Because its so low to the ground, its either get out and look or risk damaging the car because it wont clear most curbs.

• 

  Still feels like new - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By misskellu - August 24 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my Aerio S new in Dec 2003 and still enjoy driving it as much as I did the first week. Its small and easy to park but feels roomy inside. Its high profile makes it comfortable to get in and out and also provides good visibility. Im tall and its the first compact that Ive had where I didnt feel like my backside is dragging on the ground while Im driving or that I have to fall into the seat and haul myself out. I can pretty much just step in & out. The handling is decent on the freeway I have no problem accellerating to pass. The engine is very quiet while idling and has a nice lil growl when you punch it. I live in a hilly city and the automatic scales them with ease.

• 

  Hawaiian Aerio SX - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By aeriohawaii - August 18 - 7:23 am

  I have had the Aerio SX for about 1 month now. The mpg has improved to about 28. The ride is a little firm. But it is Nice to sit up High in the car. Everything has been pretty good, Except it seems that the Left-Side of the car doors, not Not Close and Latch well. I Really Enjoyed the stereo witht he Suwoofer and the 6 CD changer. I Wish that he wheels were a little Bigger, 16 inchers would be nice.

• 

  Good Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Philip - August 9 - 1:46 pm

  I purchased this car for my daughter, She likes it with the exception of poor gas mileage, she gets approx 19 mpg, this is primarilly in city though.

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  Love it! - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By ncvike - July 30 - 9:10 pm

  Overall, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover has to be one of the most underrated cars on the market and a terrific value. This car was a few thousand dollars less than a comparably priced Subaru Impreza or Toyota Matrix. The looks inside and out wont blow you away but are more than adequate. This car handles well, is fun to drive, and has a smooth quiet ride.I am currently averaging about 26.5 MPG combined city and highway. One of the biggest complaints that I consistently read about from other owners was the quality of the radio. Initially, I agreed but later found that the radio bass and treble controls were set to zero. Once that was corrected the sound quality was much improved. I love my Suzuki!

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  Suzuki Costumer - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By proud costumer - June 29 - 7:10 pm

  This car has a lot of complaints and I dont think that they are necessary. Its a $13000 car, what do you expect, a tuned engine from BMW and Mercedes and Audi? This car is not built well but should last you a good 3 years. I dont like the gas mileage but it is a great upgrade from a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 14mpg city 17mpg highway so I think it is a good car, even though it wont last you 10 years like a Camry. I would consider it if you are looking for a good used car.

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  SX4 in the Denver Blizzard! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By SK Denver - June 29 - 6:53 pm

  I owned a 2WD Ford Pickup for eight years in Denver. So call me crazy. The 22" snowfall in December finally got my attention. I was sick of getting stuck. I had done a little research on the SX4 and was curious about it. After I found one (most Suzuki dealers in Denver sell them as soon as they get them) I test drove and took it home. Since then we have had five snowstorms with ice and snowpack everywhere. The SX4 (Suzie is her name now) never showed any hesitation. An additional plus was with all the snow piled up everywhere, parking became an issue for everyone in the big SUVs, but not for me. What can I say? All the other reviews address comfort, ergonomics, and safety, but I am just enjoying how much fun it is

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  Served us well - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By firstimebuyer - June 27 - 11:33 am

  We bought our Forenza new and have been driving it for 5 years. Its not as comfortable as our older bigger car but we expected that. Its always been reliable, no issues. Never noticed a problem with the power and I spend a lot of time on freeways. Dealerships keep selling out and we end up making a day trip to get checkups, warranty stinks - charge an arm and a leg just for normal stuff thank God nothings gone wrong.

• 

  A Great Value - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By Phil - June 19 - 11:43 am

  After looking at all midsized models, I couldnt find another that offered as much for the price. Now, after 15,000 miles, it still runs great and the engine is very quiet on the road because of the 6-cylinder engine. It does not have lots of power, its but sufficient. Ive been getting about 27- 28 mpg on the road. My Verona has no problems at this time and I still think it is one of the better looking vehicles on the road. It has good legroom in backseat.