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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  Buyers - Beware - Research this Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Kerin - December 21 - 5:50 am

  I purchased this car just a little over a year ago after previously owning a Grand Vitara and an XL-7. This is a beautiful car and you definitely get a lot for your money, but there are so many problems with it (it was a brand-new model in 2004) Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to read all the complaints on this vehicle - definitely educate yourself before you buy! I have to say that the dealership Ive dealt with has been very nice but they keep saying they know theres a problem, but theres no resolution for it - Suzuki needs to do something! Were in the process of starting the lemon law procedures...

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  Overlooked Treasure - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tony - December 14 - 7:56 pm

  This is one great little car. It has room in back and space is flexible between cargo/luggage with the fold-flat seat. Front seat comfort is outstanding for the class, and the performance for the money is in a class by itself. Its the little touches that make it so very nice, like dampening on the sunglass holder.The interior is very upscale for the price, except for the carpets underfoot in the cargo area. Comfortable seats, and the switching has a high quality feel.I use this as my daily driver, and I consider myself fairly critical of cars - my other car of comparison is a Porsche. Again, I repeat - this is one great little car.

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  Great car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Phil - December 11 - 6:13 pm

  A great car for the money. I bought mine for 1000 below invoice and I love it. It looks and feels fantastic.

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  Love my little mobile bubble - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By mmaddalena3 - December 10 - 3:45 pm

  If you dont mind looking like youre driving around in a gigantic bubble-then this is the car for you. Im 511 and my husband is 64 and this car has enough room for us and our family of giants. I have had this same car for about 7 years now, used, and I havent had trouble with driving in the snow. I owned it through the summer in South Florida and through the "sno-maggedon" in Virginia and found it to be a great vehicle for either location. I will agree its basically plastic but I was side swiped a few years ago and it kept me safe. The cables on the battery though do fray so keep an eye under the hood ever so often. Otherwise its money well spent.

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  Go Hamsters! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By samarui hamster - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This little guy has lots of gumption and will turn on a dime and give you nine cents worth of change. It comes pretty well equipped for the price and goes anywhere.

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  Nice small car but with issue - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Wythe - December 4 - 6:40 pm

  Looking a new car for me to commute to work. Test drove Saturn Astra, Toyota Matrix and Suzuki SX4 (Sport with convenience pkg). After compare with the price and warranty, the SX4 is the final winner. This car is easy to handle and with about 30 MPG (city and highway combine) but shakes between 65-80 miles/hr. Took it back and Suzuki dealer spend two day to work on it. I picked up the car and they told me it was the balance problem of the tires which is not true. The car still shakes and who knows how many time I need to take this car back to Suzuki to get it fixed.

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  good car for the money.. - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By vlinkous - December 2 - 10:00 am

  this car is really nice for the entry level cars compared to it... it is my first new car and i love it

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  2006 Aerio SX AWD - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Crs1122 - November 25 - 6:46 am

  My Aerios gas mileage started out low at about 20 mpg highway, but after 3,000 miles its up to 25 mpg. So far this car has been very dependable! I receive compliments on its comfort and style from lots of people.

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  Good Family Vehicle - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Wanda - November 9 - 1:46 pm

  My XL-7 is a great family Vehicle. Its small enough to park anywhere yet roomy enough to fit 7 comfortably with room for storage. I highly recommend this inexpensive SUV for the price conscious consumer.

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  Best small car! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By jayqohardd - November 4 - 10:54 pm

  So my best friend has had her Reno since 2005 so over the years road trips have been abundant! This car is sooo much fun!! I love it more than anything. I am actually about to by an LX for my commute to and from work. The reliability is beyond expectation, I mean, we have put over 200,000 miles on it in 7 years! She just keeps going. Now, the bad thing is that the stereo system in the doors went out quickly, the fact you have to push down to shift from Drive to park, etc.. has made the shifter loose & you have to press the shift towards the driver to make sure it locks in when turning off the vehicle. Other than that I cannot complain!