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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  You Cant Go Wrong With This Car! - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Trevon M. - June 3 - 5:36 pm

  My fiancee and I were looking for a new car and were actually were looking at a Kia Optima. But once he offered to let us test drive a 2005 Suzuki Verona, we both were drawn to it because of its design and features. It shares its lines with Toyota Camry, but is indeed a Suzuki! I was impressed with the woodgrain accents, as well as the placement of the easy to use controls in the cars interior, but was even MORE impressed with the cars handling during the test drive. It has plenty of power and a very smooth and quiet ride. The keyless entry and trunk release built into the key itself are also a plus. This is a must have ride! This comes from a die hard GM owner, whos just been turned to imports!

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  unbelievable car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By rnf - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 1990 Suzuki Swift for 14 years and just bought a new Forenza. It is an amazing car. Beautiful design. Sits higher than most cars. I really like the S model since without the sunroof on the higher line models you get many inches of additional headroom. Amazingly quiet; no wind noise at all. I cant imagine anyone buying a Civic, etc over this car.

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  I love my yellow duck - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By rkymtwoman - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I was planning to buy a Ford Focus but stopped by the Suzuki dealership on a whim. I was blown away by the extras that came with the Suzuki Aerio SX and I loved driving it. When I took it out on the interstate I was sold...lots of power to accelerate. The price was right and I love the bright yellow color of my car.

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  Great for the price - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By dbell - May 28 - 10:00 am

  30000 miles and not a hiccup. Performance has been great. Tows my fishing boat with no problem (2000 lbs,) Wife loves it!

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  my XL-7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By safontana - May 23 - 10:00 am

  i purchase it in janurary of 2004 and have 12000 miles on it im very pleased with the suv and am thrilled to drive it on long road trips. i enjoy the roomness of the three rows of seat. i also like the idea of folding the seat down when im making a trip to be able to lay out fully in the back. i bring a blanket and pillow and take a nap will on the highway. i also love the rear a/c that allows the passangers to conrtol how much a/c they want. ive taken several trips from new orleans to nashville and dallas and have est. 24 miles to the gallon. i researced this suv against outhers like the kia , hynudia,toyota and rear a/c is optional .

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  2007 Suzuki Forenza - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By BB - May 22 - 7:20 pm

  I needed a car that was reliable and I didnt have to spend a fortune on. While browsing for a few days I came across this car that only had 8500 miles on it for $9980. One reason for the price drop was they dealer took the stock rims off and replaced them with 15 inch black rims with hubcaps on them. That was alright with me though because I can always replace that. My Forenza is a manual transmission and unlike what other reviews have said on some Forenzas mine accelerates perfectly fine. The one and only complaint so far that I have about this car is that if the tires pressure is not perfect I get a light on in the car because of the TPMS. Overall though, good car so far!

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  Wow talk about bang for my buck!! - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Richard Steere - May 21 - 10:43 am

  Lets start with options that are worth my money. I went with the base model and theres nothing base about it! Almost power everything, an unbeatable warranty, after I compared it to Hyundais. Its dependable, comfortable and affordable, I couldnt ask for more in quality and in service! Thank you Suzuki!

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  Almost perfect - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By SuperHippo - May 21 - 7:00 am

  Interior: The driver seat is big and extremely easy to get into and out of, something that Ford has never been able to accomplish. All controls are within easy reach, and spread out enough that they are easy to find without loooking. Air controls are straightforward, and easy to use. Exterior: I like it. Nowhere near as cool as the Saturn VUE, but you get what you pay for. I prefer the side opening rear tailgate rather than the hatchback style.

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  Check this truck out! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rafael H - May 19 - 11:23 pm

  I just got the 2006 Grand Vitara. I am amazed at all the stuff that comes with this truck and the price! I got mine with the premium package. I love the keyless entry system. The stereo is relly nice. The leather and the wood panels make it feel more expensive than it is.

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  Off-Roading Queen - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By salah el asmaay - May 14 - 1:30 am

  My experience with the 2005 Suzuki XL-7 has been positive since the start. I was able to negotiate $4,500 of its MSRP which was already low, using a $2,000 suzuki rebate and a $2,000 down payment match from dealer. I paid only $20,450 for a 2005 LX-4WD 7 seats with an automatic transmission. I was mainly interested in this truck because of to my loyality to its sport bike line of products, which are the best in the industry. I went on to discover that the quality engineering and stylish design of Suzukis bikes carries over to its SUVs. After folding the two back seats, I had enough cargo space to move everything that I needed for my dorm room. This truck Drives just like a luxury sedan with off-road capability.