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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  Love this big little car - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By bonnie - December 16 - 10:53 pm

  After driving my saturn for 4 years, I went to purchase another small vehicle due to my long working commute. But, I live in Pa and the weather can be harsh at times...this car got me through the mountains, the horror of driving the highway with all the 18wheelers!! This car is fun, turns the heads of drivers on the highway..and I feel totally safe inside

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  All good but the 4wd - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By giraffedan - December 11 - 3:49 pm

  It is overall very reliable, and works well. Power wen I need it, fuel efficient for its size when i baby it. 4wd on the other hand failed. My mom complained about the 4wd for years and mechanics said thats just how suzuki 4wds work. I finally brought it to the Suzuki dealership where they said the same thing. i asked them to just take a look. Their senior mechanic said he has never seen a 4wd fall apart like that. He said it would cost at least $800 just to take it apart and see what is wrong. Only other complaint is that the belt they used is too skinny so it squeaks every morning if it is under 40 degrees. If the 4wd still worked it would be a perfect car. Suggestions would be great

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  NICE TRUCK - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By jflippy - December 8 - 6:40 am

  We have this truck about 4 months and it is pretty nice. We have the Luxury model with all the bells and whistles.

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  So far so good - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By so far so good - December 8 - 5:43 am

  This truck is holding up well.The first thing I did was change the tire package. Changed to synthetic oil and gear oil And upgraded the stereo. It has been a good truck my wife likes the comfort the truck offers. The engine is noisy but produces just enough. A bit more would be nice. We like this truck so far. 23500 miles and still going

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  Snow Eater / Summer Racer - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By IBOT - December 8 - 5:36 am

  I love my Suzuki Aerio. I have not had any problems with it. We had snow last week it is fantastic in the slick stuff. I wish the interior came in a differant color though. More storage would be nice as well. The climate control works very well. The heated mirrors are a very nice touch. For the price no one can touch it. Plus it has a great warranty.

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  So far, so good.... - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jontyrees - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Im finding my 02 Aerio SX, (wagon), to be a very pleasant companion so far. I have the 5-speed, 0-60mph in the 8.0- 8.4 sec range will let you scoot past most of the behemoths on the road. Its incredibly manouverable, and the handling is ok if a little bit too softly sprung. Interior design and space management is excellent - with cargo space matching that of small to mid-size SUVs like the Saturn Vue and Nissan Xterra. The seats are comfortable and supportive, controls are well placed, and the digital dash is terrific for visibility and speed of comprehension. Overall, I really like this car.

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  Fourth New Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Phil - December 5 - 10:16 am

  My 2006 Suzuki Aerio is my fourth new car purchase and fourteenth car purchase ever. For a small, low-priced and economic car, the handling, power, and comfort are excellent. This line of cars will catch up to the other Japanese car-makers in a few years and will probably become like-priced. Buying now gets you a super-bargain.

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  Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Patrick - December 3 - 10:36 pm

  I had a couple of TSBs to take care of on my Suzuki Aerio, but since then the car has been great! I am getting better than the rated mpg and I love the amount of room it has for such a small car. The interior is a little weak or "cheap," but the rest of the car seems great.

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  What a Big Surprise in such a little Car - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By What a Surprise - December 3 - 9:40 am

  The car performs well, and is quite comfortable - even for my 61", 250 lb son behind the wheel. His girlfriend is 59", neither of them could fit well in my Sebring. Acceleration is impressive for such a small car, and with the italian styling, Ive had people ask me what type of car Im driving. With a 100k 7 year warranty, I know I can drive this car for years without a worry. Its definitely worth consideration.

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  2009 Suzuki SX4 crossover vs. 2008 Sedan - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Jaysx409 - November 27 - 7:00 pm

  I bought a 2008 SX4 Sedan last June that got totaled when someone rear- ended me on April fools day. So I get a 2009 SX4 Crossover with navigation, and would like to point out the differences I noticed from the 2008 Sedan, which I put over 13,000 miles on. 5-Speed: Smoother clutch action, easier to make smoother shifts. Shifter works smoother too. Ride: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is also standard. I noticed less body roll in sharp curves and a more stable ride quality. More fun to drive! Interior: Controls a little smoother, interior panels seem to be of better quality. And I cant help but love the hatch with the fold-and-tumble seats, along with a rear window wiper.