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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  A great little CUV - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Gregg - December 25 - 12:43 am

  The SX4 crossover has mostly met my expectations or in some cases exceeded them. I have read lots of complaints about road noise, for example, but I find it to be a quiet and smooth cruiser for its size. Careful driving has given me an overall mpg of 30. (Quick starts and remaining in a lower gear will drop the mileage quickly.) The instant mpg readout helps you re- adjust driving habits. Staying under 70 on the highway also yields very good numbers. It handles great and is "toss- able," adding to the fun factor. Plus, parking is a breeze.

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  Excellent choice in SUV - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By aly0705 - December 23 - 9:16 am

  After driving smaller sports cars most of my life (2 Toyota Celicas, 1 Mitsubishi Eclipse), it was time to trade up in size. I needed a larger vehicle for business, and wanted something people didnt have to climb in and out of, me included. The Grand Vitara is fun to drive, handles beautifully, looks great, is designed very well. People stop to ask me about the car when they see it - few know that Suzuki makes cars, not just motorcycles!

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  Edmunds, get your facts straight - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By kingston4 - December 21 - 5:52 pm

  I bought this car back in APR 2012 with 61K miles. Ive now got 81K miles on it and Im lucky enough to have 2 relatively close Suzuki dealerships that still honor the original warranty on it. Edmunds says this car has 127HP, no, it has 137hp. Edmunds says this vehicle has a loose handling system, NO, it has a McPhereson (one of the best) strut system up front, and multi-link in the rear with SSPS, being a test/pro driver for 2 years I find this suits the FF layout of this vehicle perfectly. Edmunds states all these strange facts yet they have no road test review, nor do they have any proof that anyone even drove the thing!

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  Love It! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Sinjin - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a multitude of 4x4s over the years, but overall find my XL-7 one of the very best values. It may not be the fastest, most off-road worthy, get the best gas mileage, or draw the most looks but it has never let me down, even during -15 degree Colorado winters. You wont go wrong, but keep in mind it is not a $50k vehicle, so dont expect one.

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  The fun 4 wheel drive - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Bernard - December 20 - 3:40 pm

  I was looking to replace my Geo Tracker and wanted to have a 4 wheel on command with manual and excellent fuel economy. The SX4 stuck out as the smallest most fuel efficient in this class. The purchase price was another major component. I have the car now driven through one of toughest winters the Midwest had in a long time. The car performed without a glitch and I am very happy with y choice.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By rey - December 20 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased my Suzuki Grand Vitara Xl-7 brand new in 2003.. I depend quite a bit on my vehicle for work and require a reliable vehicle that I know I can count on. this vehicle has been a great find and has surpassed my expectations. with over 100,000 miles I have yet to invest in any repairs or huge maintenance costs. good quality vehicle that you know you can count on for many years to come.

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  My Yellow Submarine.... - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Florida_AerioSX - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my car two months- but its been a great "ride" so far. Im finally getting used to the stares that my "yellow sub" gets. I love all of the standard equipment and the power that the engine has. I wish it got better mileage (appx 25 mpg mostly highway), but I guess if you want "pep" something has to give. It feels very stable on the road and seems well built. I cant wait to several years of fun with this car.

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  I tired of it - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By jody - December 19 - 12:23 am

  Door handles broke off, needs constant tire balance, rotation, alignments. Interior lights quit working, passenger seat airbag sensor quit working. Cig lighter quit working. Car is only 3 yrs old (Dec 2007 purchase date). Been through more tire and alignments in 3 yrs than I did in 10 yrs on my Chevy 1500 used to pull horse trailers and hauling hay and driving dirt road looking for a camping spot.

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  Great Car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Dave - December 18 - 2:50 am

  I love my car, its fun to drive and looks good as well.

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  1998 SUZUKI SIDEKICK 4DR SPORT JLX - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Barry Alderman - December 17 - 10:00 am

  THE SUZUKI SIDEKICK HAS THE FEEL OF AN OPEN AND ROOMY PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.THE RIDE IS NIMBLE ON BACK COUNTRY ROADS AND SMOOTH AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE 1.8L L4 MFI DOHC 16V ENGINE COULD USE A LITTLE MORE PEP BUT MAKES FOR GOOD FUEL MILEAGE.