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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  4X4 2-Door Vitara - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By gregggg - July 28 - 2:06 am

  I have had my Vitara about 9 yrs with over 130,000 miles. No repairs needed except an o2 sensor at 100,000 mi I live in the mountains at about 5000 ft I go off road and drive in snow all the time * I gave it a 5 for comfort taking into consideration it is a body on frame 4x4 getting 20-25 mpg

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  VERONA, IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By one800bob - July 27 - 10:00 am

  THE OTHERS HAD BETTER WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW ENTRY FROM SUZUKI. THIS IS A VALUE LIKE NO OTHER. THE WARRANTY SAYS IT ALL ON THIS NEW VEHICLE. A GREAT CAR AT A GREAT PRICE. NO OTHER CAR COMPARES. FOR THE VALUE THERE IS NO OTHER CAR ON THE MARKET. WE WERE TREATED SO WELL AT THIS DEALERSHIP. THE STAFF NEEDS TO BE COMMENDED BY THE SUZUKI HIGHER UPS ON THE WAY THE PRESENTATION OF THE CAR TOOK PLACE. THE TEST DRIVE WAS THE SELLING POINT FOR ME. GET ONE WHILE THEY STILL HAVE THEM AT THIS PRICE. CALL RICHARDSON SUZUKI, AND FEEL THE EXPERIENCE OF DEALING WITH "THE LITTLE DEALER WHO CARES" YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED.

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  Good looking, strong little SUV - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ken - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I like this car. I live in Costa Rica and it is particularly well suited to local driving conditions, i.e. less high speed highway and more challenging rough country roads. I have driven this vehicle through dozens of rivers and through some very rough country and have found it inspires confidence in these conditions. It is a very solid machine with both frame and unibody construction.

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  Excellent value, fun car - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Brett - July 23 - 3:16 am

  I have been a Kizashi owner for 300 miles now. I had never heard of or seen a Kizashi until I was in the local mall and they had one on display. I fell in love with the exterior look, and after a week of research, I owned one. So far I have zero buyers remorse. I am 37 years old and this car fits my style to a tee. It has a classy feel, yet it has a youthful spirit that makes it very fun to drive. The CVT transmission is slick and combined with the fine tuned suspension, this car feels like it is riding on air most of the time. Usually I stay away from a car in its first year of release, but I am happy I am one of the first to own one of these slick little rides.

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  An unexpected purchase - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ron L. - July 16 - 12:40 am

  I wasnt expecting to buy, but 3 1/2 hours later drove off with my new 06 Grand Vitara with the luxury package. My father had owned a 93 Sidekick and best friend an old 87 Samurai, which are quite plebian by the Vitaras standards, but Suzuki always had a great reputation for its engines and drivetrains. I got a "killer deal" with $5,000 off the MSRP and they are putting in the XM from my old car into the Vitara for free. So, for $18,500 I have all the bells and whistles, moonroof, leather, nice stereo, etc... you just cant get this level of performance, engine, and a luxury package with any other SUV in its class or higher. All Japaneese parts and assembly is certainly a plus.

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  My microSUV - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By cd-IL - July 14 - 8:20 am

  This is a good all-weather hatchback car that wouldnt break your bank. It is the same car platform used in World Racing Championship series (w/ exception of turbo engine and vented hood) that had placed 7th at its initial entry. This is fun to drive and suspension is great for a small car and very stable when driven at high speed. I got 23 mpg of mixed driving which is not bad for an AWD car. My wife and I use this as our daily runabout car that is safe to drive through the worst winter conditions in Chicago. This little bug can trek on 5-in snow while most comparable priced sedans spins on the road. The all-weather capability and safety features had the most weight in our decision to buy.

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mtloveskg - July 12 - 6:01 pm

  I tested a Sonata, Camry, Accord and Optima. After uears of buying just Honda and Kia I decided to take a chance on one of Japans top selling manufacturers. It paid off! I LOVE this car! Fun ride, great comfort for someone like me (64). Very peppy engine. Sweet in and out!

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  My 06GV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By K10whosun - July 12 - 3:03 pm

  I really like this vehicle except for the tread wear that I have noticed on the tires. I also own an 07 same make and model. It also is having premature tread wear on the tires. I compared the tire wear with the 5 wheel and it is a big difference for only 20K miles. Other than the tread wear of the tires. The car is very quick in accelerating and looks very sporty. If holds a good bit of cargo as well.

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  2nd suzuki - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By resp - July 5 - 3:23 pm

  Getting 26.1 MPG in my first 3000 miles of mostly highway driving, pretty good for 4WD. I like the standard doohickeys, keyless entry, sunroof, 6 disk cd. Really good price, no competition from its competitors, especially with the 3000 incentive. Bought the SX4 last year, gave that to my daughter, upsized for more room for me.

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  best sport-cross for the money! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jcargile - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my yellow Aerio SX two months ago and I have never had a regret. The room in such a tiny-looking car is unbelievable. Awesome standard features, like alloy wheele, a great 6-cd Clarion stereo, power everything, cruise, tilt, and storage galore. And ho-boy did I save money compared to a Protege5, Vibe, or Matrix. All of these cost so much more with the same equipment, yet do not have the pep of my Aerio.