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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  Practical with a small kick - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By rye - July 18 - 11:23 pm

  I drive 90 miles a day and I get from 420 miles to 380 miles on a full tank of gas so the mileage is alright. Needs cruise but hey its a good price on a car that get me to were I gotta go

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  A Very Nice Ride - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DRS - July 10 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned over two dozen cars. The Suzuki Verona is a better all around car than most of my previous vehicles. First of all, I have only driven my Verona a few thousand miles, so I cannot comment on long term reliability. That being said, I have had not had to take it to a dealer yet. The 155HP V6 engine does not produce a fast car per say, however it is very smooth and quiet due to its inline design. I still can honestly say it is quicker than the Ford Taurus base V6, and much quieter to boot. This is a family sedan, not a sports car. I love both the unique interior and exterior design. Besides, I paid thousands under sticker price, and the inclusion of a 100,000 mile Suzuki warranty sealed the deal.

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  Awesome Test Drive - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Peter from Montreal - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 GV is a great compact SUV, with plenty of power. Best power to weight ratio in its class. Best 4WD system in its class. Best price in its class. Ladder box frame. McPherson suspension. Value. Dont overpay for a CRV, RAV4, Tribute, Santa Fe, Liberty, Xterra, Escape or Vue. Best bang for the buck. Better interior than all of the above. Handles very nicely too. GREAT PRICE $$$ !!! Not suitable for families, serious towing or very long driving trips. Depreciates quickly. Requires rust proofing every year, or else may rust quickly. Sound system sucks. The wind noise gets loud at 120 km/h. The engine gets noisy at around 4000 RPM. ABS feels "soggy".

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  What Ashame for a Great Looking Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Shaun A Sponagle - July 4 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had this car for about 7 months and have had a number of electronic problems with it. I have started the Lemon Law process and am sad about that because the car is sleak and great looking in design. It has a great looking and very rich interior, but the inline 6 engine and transmision gets shafted by the engines computer which had been recalled. Ive had mine replaced three times. Now for a month, I have had a very loud tapping noise along with the engine bucking and hessitating when power is needed on take offs. I find the Suzuki Rep and the Dealerships (2) the I have dealt with, not very interested in helping or listening to me on my concerns. What ashame for a great, beautiful looking car that would be a great deal

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  dont be fooled - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By eduardo - July 1 - 3:03 pm

  Its a good around town vehicle for 4 adults, but for long trips. it does not have that much back room to carry a big load; its smaller than my old, old toyota corona. On a 4000k trip to California and back to Missouri I only average 25 mpg, which is bad for that small of a car; mileage was the main reason that I bought it. I think I would have done better with a bigger car or a wagon.

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  Loved Car @ 1st, Now Suffering Many Issues!!! - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By lml215 - June 23 - 2:18 pm

  We loved this car @ 1st. Weve had it 3 yrs. Its an 05 we bought in 07. Shortly after purchasing the back bumper was hit in a parking lot. Instead of only bending the bumper, a 2 1/2 ft. long piece of paint peeled off and fell. The check engine light comes on frequently & took it to the shop the first couple of times, to find out that "nothing was wrong". It still comes on and goes off all the time. A month ago it started jerking while driving, at random times. Sometimes within 5 mins, sometimes we drive all day before it happens, sometimes it wont at all. Now the key wont turn in the ignition 75% of time. After trying several times it finally will. Is this happening to anyone else???

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  Way to go Suzuki! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By John - June 20 - 1:06 pm

  This is a big car in a little package! It is fun, safe, and very roomy. The Aerio is very practical, especially if you have pets or children.

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  Love My "Super Suzuki" - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By llravon4383 - June 17 - 5:40 am

  We bought the AWD version of this car in April 2008. Love it! Fun to drive. Fits our growing family of 5 (4 adult size and one child)comfortably enough for short trips. Good on gas (getting 21.5 city driving). Lots of trunk space. Cant wait to see how it handles in the snow. For a 4 cylinder vehicle, it does great on hills.

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  XL7 - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By wolf6275 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  We have had some trouble with the keyless entry system 2 times and the door alignment. The biggest problem was the tires are already toast. They didnt last long. Other than that smooth sailing.

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  Why I DIDNT get a Reno - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By DC - June 9 - 10:06 am

  Although I was impressed with the Reno LXs ride, features, performance, and quiet cabin, the following items turned me away. 1. Very weak AC, which I found in all three Renos I drove. Sub-par at best. 2. Poorly designed sunroof operation, with no "one-touch" closing, requiring you to keep a finger on the button and your eyes on the sunroof as it closes, meaning having to take your eyes off the road to make sure it stops and seals where it should instead of going into vent mode. Frustrating, and a safety hazard while driving. 3. Tight rear storage. Not enough lateral room for my guitar cases without putting seatbacks down. That means no passengers. 4. Sub-par gas mileage No thanks.