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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  suv - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By xandu - September 30 - 10:00 am

  great little suv great in snow and mud on road and off great on the hwy and city

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  Love - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By JerAdler - September 30 - 10:00 am

  For the price there is non better. Has pleanty of nice options and goo dlooking interior. Drives well on the freeway.

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  Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By tommy68 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellant SUV in every respect

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  Best value! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By scott777 - September 28 - 11:13 pm

  Purchased this vehicle for at least $4K less than a comparable CRV or RAV4, those with 4cyl. I was very happy with purchase price and the V6 engine being we were switching from an American SUV with a big V8. Plenty of power, drove it in Blue ridge mountains NC, no problem except a little to eager to downshift. Kids love it, my wife loves it (easy to park). Downside: factory tires stink; worn out after 25K miles. I came from a very large SUV and still cannot get used to the "sensitive" handling of such a short wheelbase. The back door always sounds like it didnt close right.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By samsx4 - September 28 - 9:43 pm

  I just bought my SX4 and am very happy with it. I went looking to purchase an affordable vehicle for my daily commute and once I drove the SX4 I was sold. I did a lot of research via the internet on affordable vehicles and had narrowed my planned purchase to a couple of models. The SX4 was not one of them because I didnt know it existed. I live in a mountainous area and am very pleased at the power and handling of the vehicle. I test drove a number of other vehicles and didnt find any others that came close that also offered AWD at this affordable of a price.

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  SX4 Magic! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Dubba D - September 28 - 12:23 pm

  If you are looking for an AWD that is the BEST bang for the buck, you cant beat the SX4. Where else can you get a car with all these options for this price? Cant do it. Suzuki finally hit a homerun here. When the secret is finally out of the bag, watch the supply and demand! Everywhere I go, people ask questions about this car. When I bought the car, I was like a lot of others who would question buying a Suzuki. Well, I dont have any more questions!

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  A Great Overlooked European Designed Car - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By B E - September 28 - 2:43 am

  When I came home with the Suzuki Reno, most people asked "What is that?" The first comment made by most people is "It looks very European." It truly is one of those cars that makes an appearnce in every French film. This car is a hidden treasure, consider that power windows, locks, mirrors, an am/fm/cd/ tape palyer, heated mirrors and side airbags all come standard on the base model! The 5 speed manual transmission is smooth, buttery, and matched to the 1.8 liter engine makes for a peppy little car!

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  I love my cae - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rosie Mendoza - September 26 - 9:33 am

  This was my very first car that I have bought. I fell in love with from the beginning I never liked small sedans cause i just think they are too small and I need a lot of room. My car I have taken everywhere I travel at least twice a month to far places and my car was just so comfortable. I can drive 5 hrs on a full tank and I have a lot of room in my car to pack my luggage and my 3 dogs. It would have been great if they had an ipod plug but its ok. Other than that I LOVE MY CAR!

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  Great Car - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By DS - September 23 - 11:20 am

  This car is great. It has a personality, looks good and runs well. Originally designed by Fiat.

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  awsome car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Adam06 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  this car if fun to drive loaded with up to date equipment and ghreat on fuel and has a very smooth ride the only thing wrong is that its not as fast with a 2.0L but its good enough.