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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  Scooter car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By lexie0199 - June 8 - 4:53 am

  A practical car, not a head turner, I bought it for just that practical with decent gas mileage. At 79,000 miles there has been no problems, the 5 speed is great and the sound system for the quality of the car is awesome. I dont like the windows, when they are down they vibrate something fierce. Outside of that great little car, and of course I put the spoiler on, lights inside and options that were available. I would buy another one.

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  Good / OK - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By jim - May 30 - 11:33 am

  The Suzuki Verona is a thrilling car to ride in and see out of. It is a little more rare because you do not see many of them out on the road. All in all I would give this car a 7/10 for performance, a 5/10 for luxury, and a 6/10 for style. So overall, this car gets a 12 out of 20.

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  Satisfied after 6 years - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mike - May 20 - 9:20 am

  I bought the Suzuki new in September 2002. I thought about buying a Jeep Wrangler but the Suzuki was less expensive and had more bells and whistles for the buck. After 96,000 miles it is still tight and runs well. I got 24 mpg on the hiway this summer. Best of all its paid for!

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  A Few Minor Issues - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Landon - May 11 - 3:13 pm

  I acquired this as a used car with only 11,500 miles, and loved the aesthetic value. It looks wonderful, inside and out! But this past January, I had to have to the transmission completely replaced. Ive also had my doubts about the axles and CV joints, though the dealer hasnt found anything wrong. The "check engine" light has come on a couple times over false alarms and Ive noticed that the transmission can be quite sticky when switching out of/into reverse gear. I also have some concerns about whether the Verona couldve been designed with better fuel efficiency. Lastly, Ive abandoned using the wheel-mounted stereo controls; they dont respond accurately at all.

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  First three months - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ray Suryadinata - May 9 - 12:33 pm

  We bought the car in 2007 and got an end of year discount on this 2006. The 2007 is bigger with larger engine and built in Canada. But this 2006 is the last import to Canada still made 100% in Japan. True the 2006 is less spacious than the 2007, but the 2006 seems to be built more solidly and has better standard features. Just came back from 1000 km trip. The highway mileage was pretty good, better than expected considering still in break-in period. We havent used all seven seatings, but had six people several times and smallish adults in the third seat row had no complaints.

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  Value is Key - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By badandy - May 5 - 2:33 pm

  If youre looking for value, then this is your car. I found an internet special for $10,400, minus a $500 military discount and I paid $9,999 for a well equipped small car. Pound for pound the Corolla / Civic are a better quality cars, but in terms of value....my Forenza is the winner. It looks good, rides well, and has adequate power....what more do you want, unless you want to pay more.

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  Great Value - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Alex - April 26 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car from my cousin in 2006 with 69,700 miles. The car has been very reliable with some problems here and there, but its mostly due to age. The transmission has never given me any problems. Its amazing in the snow; after 10 years of ownership, this year was the first year it got stuck in the snow because the street wasnt plowed and the vehicle got high centered. The snow was up halfway to my thighs (Im 62). Recommended transmission fluid change for the A/T is at 100,000 which I reached 2 years ago. No problems with the transmission even though it had the original transmission fluid for 16 years. This car has a rust issue, but it has seen very severe winters over the years being in Boston when my cousin owned it and now here in NY with me. The rust has gotten so bad that the part where the chassis meets the bumper is has almost completely rusted away on one side. The most expensive repair has been the 4WD auto locking hub in the front left wheel that slipped out of place which was due to my dad accelerating too hard when he engaged 4WD; that part cost around $450-$500(labor inc). The other two expensive repairs was the EGR valve and alternator that each cost between $200-$250(labor inc). The car has been very reliable over the years. Being in NY it doesnt feel as solid as it once did because the potholes in my area are horrendous, at one point even loosened the plates in the muffler which caused it to rattle. We average about 12 mpg city because of the heavy traffic in our area and about 25mpg on long interstate stretched. The car has been great, but it is now 19 years old and its time for a new one.

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  2007 sx4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By bill varnell - April 21 - 4:56 am

  We have owned this car since 2/2007. It is our 1st Japanese vehicle and we like it very much. It is great in the snow and quite comfortable on long trips. We even tow our two jetskis several hundred miles on vacation without a problem. The cons are the fuel mileage and poor quality interior. I would buy this model again but would like to see several improvements.

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  What the VWs GTI should be. - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By EC Transplant - April 10 - 3:46 pm

  I bought this car as a replacement to my 2000 VW. Value for the money, you cant beat this car. No problems whatsoever. I have entered this car in several autocross events and it has shamed cars costing at least twice as much. The styling is distinctive and euro, a nice touch. Interior is simple, the way I like it with just the right amount of convenience such as power windows, mirrors, and locks. Although the cars suspension is soft (see below), the overall balance is great. If Suzuki can bump the car up to about 150 bhp and stiffen up the suspension at least 50% the car would be a hit with hot hatch enthusiasts everywhere.

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  Nice Car - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By NaderTader - April 4 - 7:00 pm

  Very reliable, i tow my boat with it and no problems, good gas mileage on the highway, easy to park. The only problem is that it doesnt have much trunk space or leg room in the back. It runs good