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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  Has held up well - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rey - March 28 - 12:43 pm

  Have owned my GV since October, 2005. It now has 52,000 miles. So far have only replaced front brake pads once, power steering idler pulley (under recall), oil changes, coolant, wiper blades, headlight bulbs (twice) and a new set of tires at 40,000 mi. The vehicle has been trouble free minus the recall above. I have no real complaints with reliability/durability. Wish fuel mileage were better. Has held up quite well.

• 

  handles nice - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By coleman - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a month ago and pleased with the overall ride and handling of the XL 7. Needed a larger SUV with more features. Would recommend.

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  XL-7 Great Little Truck - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Dep02 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with this truck. It has performed flawlessly.it has REAL 4wd. Great in snow. 19mpg. The only defect I encountered was that the timing chain cover was installed with prc instead of a gasket. It seeps a little oil. I was called at home by the dealer as a courtesy and informed of the problem. It is covered by the warranty.

• 

  Little Fun Car! - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Mary - March 11 - 5:40 pm

  Its a very economic and reliable little car. In almost six years the only problem I have had with it is the A/C, that it has to be recharged once a year.

• 

  Paint Problem - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By suzcust - February 9 - 6:20 am

  There is a problem with the paint on these cars. At first I thought it was rock chips but the more I paint chips I find on my car it appears to be a defective paint job...paint lifting off the car and flaking off. Suzuki must stop ignoring the problem and come clean that there is an issue

• 

  Listen to owners not reviewers - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Luka - February 3 - 10:00 am

  The reviewers seem to have a bias against the XL7. Many of their criticisms are accurate, but of little significance if you are purchasing this vehicle based on needs rather than on how it stacks up against a Lexus or BMW car-ute. This is a little truck that will tow 3000 pounds and handle much more rigorous terrain than the AWD "car-utes". Im stepping down from a 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser with 210,000 mi. This was the ONLY little ute to meet my criteria between a mix of true truck-like utility and durability and on road manners and economy. Check your needs, not the reviews...and see what owners think of this totally under appreciated vehicle.

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  Into the Unknown - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By paul rush - January 27 - 8:40 am

  We originally owned a 1995 Suzuki Wagon 4WD and liked it very much, with the exception of slightly uncomfortable seats. We now have an XL-7 with all the toys including steering wheel radio controls and heated leather seats. We are recieving 20 mpg out of its V6 engine. The 95 Suzuki would give us 23 mpg with a 4-cyl. We find the seats in our new XL-7 comfortable. I think this car will hold up.

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  Suzuki Aerio 2002 GS - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By blubaustin - January 25 - 1:36 pm

  Pretty cheap car to buy bought one for $1400 with 95k miles, currently has 98k miles. Pretty good starter car if you can invest the money in it to keep it running. For example: a person who cant consistently pay a car payment ontop of full coverage insurance but can afford to save up money and eventually fix stuff. Car is pretty peppy so I dont know what other people are talking about on the car not having pep. Also seems to get pretty good gas mileage. Hwy it averages about 35mpg city, I havent really measured.

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  Just bought it - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Mike - January 24 - 12:36 am

  It was okay when I test drive it. The sales manager accepted my offer and I paid really cheap with very low mileage. The following day "engine check" light came on, but the car is still running. I hope nothing major repair and more to come.

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  Good Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Connie Mellein - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Lots of extras come standard with this model, I cant think of any other option I would even want. I dont know if there even exists a better deal out there for the money especially with this kind of warranty. Very nice handling car!