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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  Fun and Functional! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Skwerl - October 20 - 3:03 pm

  I had a 2000 RAV4 which was totaled in an accident. I loved that truck and went to look at the new RAV4. I was very disappointed by the new design. It is way too big for my needs. So, I looked at all the usual suspects and was about to buy a Hyundai Tucson when I stumbled upon the SX4. I liked it immediately and have no regrets about purchasing one. Some of the reviews, Edmunds included, are critical of the SX4s performance. Theyre off base. Its quick enough for the average driver. The only real issue with the SX4 is the gas mileage. If that concerns you, look elsewhere, but if you want a fun and functional AWD crossover, this is it.

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  Its five, and still going strong! - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By TheMunt - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Great little truck for the price! Ive had mine for five years, and it runs great. Just follow the maintenance in the owners manual. I have the model with the manual 5-speed transmission, and the 2.0 motor. Have carried everything from bowling balls to kayaks and my spouse, 64. Only negative is some of the plastic pieces in the interior broke, but not a biggie. Good for long road trips. Convertible top easy to use.

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  gotta have it - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By cactus flower - October 19 - 2:00 am

  i had this car as a rental for one week. I was totally thrilled with it. Has great torque for the mountains I had to go over (from Salt Lake to Reno)- wouldnt pull down, would downshift and kept right up with the big dogs when ascending. For an economy car, there isnt anything I didnt like about it. Its cute and sweet, fuel efficient and powerful. Id buy one in a minute for toodle-ing around in, if i could.

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  Great SUV for the Money - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Tabitha335 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle for the money. Ive owned my XL-7 for one year and have put 20,000 miles on it. No complaints and havent had any problems. Comfortable car on the road and great off road capabilities as well. The V-6 is small but adequate.

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  Review - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Amr - October 16 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this car as A Chevy "Optra" its an automatic 1600CC 107 HP,with only 2 front Airbags & audio control. I luv the Hold button it makes the car go crazy giving you high acceleration. The only thing i hate is the left side mirror, alot of blind spots.. i had an A4 Skoda and the left side mirror showed me whole 3 lanes, the optra shows you only one & miss leading data on the cars position, some time i look at the left mirror & deside to change lanes and i find a car beside me!! id say its soo narrow, but all in all, i luv this car.Just dont fool your self, your not driving a benz.. what you pay for you find, no high expectations. Thats why i like it.

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  Great All Wheel Drive - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Scotty - October 9 - 2:40 pm

  I drive my Suzuki Aerio SX mostly for the 11 city highway miles to work. I took it up the mountain to snow ski and it exceeded all expectations on icy roads. We got 3 snowboards, a pair of skis, and four people inside comfortably. If you are used to high-powered imports, then this car will disappoint, but all four wheels really take you around the corners quickly even when conditions are bad.

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  Good Little Car - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Suzuki XL-7 4DR - October 9 - 5:53 am

  I test drove almost every SUV made including the Navigator, Escalade, and Lexus. The XL-7 doesnt have the luxury of these SUVs but for the money, it surpassed all the others that we tried. It handles well and rides fairly comfortably, although the gas mileage could be better. Blind spots where the backseat headrests and the spare tire cover are can cause problems at times. All in all Ive no problems with performance AND Ive gotten quite a few compliments on the body style also. This would be a great business vehicle!

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  Cool little car - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By vickid - September 12 - 10:03 am

  Good car for the price with a good warranty. Comfortable, good looking. Lots of base price features. Its zippy, quiet, and rides well.

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  Suzuki 06 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By naag22 - September 7 - 8:16 pm

  We were happy with our vehicle in the first year of purchase.We have now realized that we need more room and the fuel economy is not what was expected by far!! It does not pick up speed as well either. A good car but not great. We are a family of four now and need something more efficient and roomy.

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  love My Uki - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Renetta - September 7 - 10:03 am

  Ok, I went out on bought this on my own and I could not be prouder... I love it... It is roomy and comfortable... with all rows of seats up there is not much cargo room, but then who travels with 6 pasengers.... The only fault I have found is that is eats gas like I do MacDonalds french fries... and on the highway it is somewhat noisy, however for the past 7 years I have driven a Honda Acord EX...so the comparisson is probably not fair... It makes me feel young and sporty...didnt really need the 4 wheel drive...but now I have no excuse not to visit the kids in Utah and Idaho in the winter.... I love the 6 CD changer...and the interior is great... Ilove the fact that the rear door swings out.