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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  The Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By shannon - May 9 - 6:40 am

  I live in the mountains with snow and fog during winter. I drive 65 miles a day to work in the flat lands. This has been the most dependable car that Ive ever owned. When I totaled it six months later, it had 134,500 miles on it. I cried. Im definately buying another Suzuki Grand Vitara!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jim miresse - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Have been driving high end cars all my life - never thought I would own a Suzuki but this car has put them on the map - price is hard to believe, warranty is the best - what else can I say?

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  Well Satisfied - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By David - April 30 - 10:53 am

  Purchased used 06 in Jan 2010 with 48,000 miles. Very pleased with 31 MPG. Seats are comfortable and supportive which I believe the tall cabin and upright seating contribute too. Mine is the basic model so no cruise. Wish Suzuki had cut cost on the “Auto” climate control system and made cruise standard. Also wish the intermittent wpers had more variation. One speed intermittent wipers just doesn’t cut it in the Northwest. Clutch is smooth and positive. Impressed with fit and finished of interior except for the carpet which is a bit thin. Large trunk area is nice and fold down seat add to the space but body structure intrudes making the opening behind the seat somewhat constricted.

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  Lots of SUV for the Price - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jay - April 28 - 6:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I did a lot of pricing and research, and found that the Grand Vitara XSport offers the best package compared to its competitors. I love how it drives and handles. The interior is very refined and classy, and it has a well-finished exterior. I am very impressed with my GV and I have noticed heads turn when I am parking or riding the vehicle. Family and friends eyes have popped when they ask how much this particular model goes for. All of them thought it should cost a lot more!

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  Great car! - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Laurak - April 27 - 5:33 pm

  I am the original owner. I bought it in 2000 as a dealer employee car. I paid $9,000.00 for it w/ 45 miles on it. It now has 138,200 and only thing it has had is brakes, battery & tires! Plus regular check-ups! I hate to part with it but the time has come. So will replace with another Suzuki. I am more than happy with the preformance of my Esteem. Great on gas. 36-38 mpg. I certainly got my moneys worth! Best car Ive ever owned!

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  Kizashi best hissen secret - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By kizashiowner - April 26 - 1:30 pm

  This cars rocks, I cant find anything wrong with it, design turning heads, amazing steering ration, AWD like no other forget Subaru which I owned 3 before, the system works like expensive cars, take sharp turns and let the fun starts as in the evo without the price,amazing snow handling, mine is the Metalic Black very handsome,time for us to join the world love affair with this car, perfect power dont need more HP all with suprsing 36 MPG in the highway was shoked as AWD listed for 29 MPG, love the leather with the Audi classy interior, check the quality of every part used even the tires.Best of all very few on the road , I will buy it again, dont you buy it as I want to be the only one:)

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  Good to drive - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By varadheesh - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Got a good deal on the price. Good standard features.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mani - April 22 - 9:06 pm

  The Grand Vitara is an excellent Vehicle. I had to buy one after the test drive. It has lots of cool features, like keyless entry, a 6 CD player with 7 speakers, ESP etc..

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  Unexpectedly Pleased - 2000 Suzuki Swift
  By Moes Mom - April 19 - 1:00 pm

  We bought this little car as a commuter for our teenager who had just gotten his first job. It was low cost, got good gas mileage, and had a primered front fender. Hes driven it for 3 years. Weve put new tires on it, had the brakes done, and bought a new battery for it. Thats all. Its been very reliable. Just for the record, the Metro and Swift are the same car. Chevy just put their name badge on the Metro after Suzuki built them. Id recommend either model for someone on a budget needing a 35 mpg commuter.

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  A wonderful SUV - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By shaun025 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle, I absolutey love it! It is fast and user friendly, fun to drive, and interior design is emaculate.