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:

• 

  Not Just Another SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ryan Ellis - October 9 - 2:43 am

  My 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara handles better than any other SUV I have ever driven. I test drove the Jeep Liberty - no spunk, the Hyundia Tuscan - no pick up or response, and the Honda CR-V - poor interior and brake quality. For the price nothing beats the Grand Vitara. With the near 50/50 weight distrubution, I feel like Im driving a sports car - not a truck. I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to spend the right money for the safety and warranty to keep one feeling at ease. Ive always loved Lexus SUVs but never wanted to spend $40,000 plus for luxury, smartpass keyless, heated seats, leather, sunroof, and homelink. Suzuki found the alternative for me and built a customer to last.

• 

  Flawless Reliability - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By studiocraft1 - October 8 - 7:28 am

  Bought this car w/25000 miles on it, it has been perfect. I have Ex III model, all options ever made for this chassis. 4x4 is awesome, having the LOW range makes it a tru truck, that is why it rides a bit rough, dont care. I get 20mpg in the city and about 23hiway. How is that pooe mileage? It does weigh 3700 lbs, I can tow my boat and quad, have no issue w/engine power, it is quick and responsive. Leather is nice, a bit cramped sometimes. Now 78k, nothing done but tires, not even brakes!

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By eddie g - October 7 - 10:36 am

  Have driven a 1,000 miles in my Grand Vitara in three weeks. So far this good looking SUV has not had any problems.I recently drove it to Vermont from New York and averaged 25 mpg goind 60 mph. The only thing I dont like is the way the cruise control works it constantly floors the gas even at a slight upgrade. Other than that, this truck is excellent. I am glad that I bought it.

• 

  Great mid-size SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By KLS - October 4 - 10:43 am

  I drive mostly on the interstate and find the fuel mileage to run around 24 mpg, which is great, especially for a 4WD vehicle.

• 

  Best Wagon for Your Buck - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Tato - September 25 - 12:56 pm

  My experience with this wagon has been marvelous. It is sturdy and very reliable on long trips. It is the best value for the money compared to any other brand. It is very economical it gives me 31.27 mpg on highway. It is highly underrated.

• 

  My little Zuki - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Nahjdh - September 21 - 5:46 pm

  Bought used with 6k miles on it. It now has over 80k and no major problems. Putting a K&N filter, lighter flywheel pulley and a new exhuast turned this car into a beast. One of the few cars I could find in a 5 spd. My wife and I used it as an autobahn cruiser while we were stationed in Europe. Loved the surprised looks on BMW owners faces as we passed them doing 100+mph! We love this little car and plan to run the wheels off it. It has been dubbed "Road Runner" by the wife because its quick and fun to drive.

• 

  Fun Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By MO - September 20 - 8:23 am

  I just love the fact that the Suzuki Aerio is so roomy and comfortable, but still handles like its a sportscar. I have tons of room for road trips with friends, trips to the grocery store or just moving one large object with the fold down seats. Being a tall person, I have plenty of head and leg room without stealing it from the others in the car. This is a must look at if you love to travel or just like looking good wherever you go.

• 

  Suzuki Grand Vitara - Best SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mike - September 16 - 1:13 am

  I just got the new Grand Vitara Luxury Edition on 12/20/05. I am very impressed with its handling and performance. The amenities inside are amazing! I got mine with all the toys! Leather, sunroof, 17 in. wheels, and Keyless entry. This truck has great handling, a wonderful appearance, and a quality interior. The Grand Vitaras luxury interior has tons of great standard stuff. Mine has a V6 engine and 4WD. It has a real truck / tank-like build and frame. My wife loves the keyless entry and nice looks. It has a smooth quiet ride and a neat power thrust button for automatics (puts sport back in SUV). The compact body is important if you live in upstate NY. As I street park in a big city like Albany. The off-road capabilities are useful for unplowed streets and deep potholes.

• 

  Forenza "S" - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Barry - September 14 - 4:33 pm

  The car isnt too fast on accelration, it crusises well at 70-80 mph. I mdisappointed the "S" model I bought didnt come with cruise. The next model up is well worth the money, I also felt I got a great deal on the car. $12,000 for the 05 model and the selling dealer told me he still made $2000. on the sale.

• 

  Great Car, Great Price - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jesse2040 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Great Car with 140HP+, VERY reliable. my friends with their focis(focuses) and cavaliers laugh at my choice to go over-seas. I laughed at both of them last week when their crappy american made cars were in the shop for sensor failures and oil leaks. Gas miliage is great. It has a lot of pep to it.