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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  my suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By paul yaffe - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my forenza in march i have had nothing but very good experiences with it. It is fun to drive and very comfortable. It is worth the price asked for it. I get really good gas mileage. It doesnt have alot of horsepower but enough for its size.But I could always increase the horsepower at any time that I please.

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  Excellent - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By shibu - April 8 - 8:20 am

  I have had this truck for two months and have found it fun to drive, very adequately powered and to have a very pleasing interior and exterior. The controls look as if they are frome a very high priced vehicle and it is an awesome SUV. Two thumbs up for this one from Suzuki.

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  Great Small Truck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By bossaboss - April 8 - 3:36 am

  After looking at several other small SUVs, the Grand Vitara was a stand-out. Suzuki was smart to be the only make to offer a true RWD-based 4x4 against the weaker AWD car-based competition. The fit/finish of the interior and exterior are excellent, and I often receive compliments on the styling. The 2.7 V6 engine has decent power if you are willing to keep the RPM up. So far I am getting about 20-22 MPG on mountain highways.

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  I like mine and Im a big guy - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By John Phythian - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Love the acceleration, and smooth ride, 100x smoother that Jeeps & CRX, gets 25 mpg on the hiways at 90mph with no hesitation/"maxing out". probably will do 120 mph if need to! Anyway, I feel very good about the price and performance. Great sound system with cd and tape player.

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  Great authentic SUV - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jared - April 3 - 9:30 pm

  Great little SUV. I wanted a compact SUV that was an actual SUV not a crossover so I took a look at this vehicle. Interior materials and quality is top notch and its very comfortable to drive in. Heated seats warm up nice and quickly. Great styling.Engine is nice and peppy. Gauges are superb and easy to read. Brakes are good. Drives like its on rails even in snow.Very maneuverable in tight spots.Takes potholes without worrying about getting a flat tire. I bought the GV because of terrible roads in the winter and the potholes that only seem to spread more and more as well as for off road and towing.Gas mileage is not bad at all, averaging 20 mpg so far.Take a look at it you will like it.

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  Suzuki Verona - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By allonmyon - March 31 - 4:00 am

  I love the Suzuki Veronas great feel. It has a great ride and a great price. It just needs a little more power and youll have a great car.

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  Great Car for a Great Price w/ toys - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Shelltop - March 30 - 9:43 pm

  I stumbled upon this car after looking at Hondas and Corollas with higher price tags but bare bone. I have been pleasantly surprised I got this car for $11k.. power windows, radio, large "roomy" interior feel. Im happy with the purchase. The extra window front panel was weird initially but I see more copycats out there. I recommend taking a look at this brand.

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  you got to drive one - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By mike hall - March 22 - 12:36 pm

  i am a mystery shopper full time and needed a car for traveling .i put the aero to the test first week of ownership with a trip from nc to fla 1000 miles roundtrip. first tank of gas i averaged 38 mph and the drive was quick and smooth.i do lots of stops in a day ,my husband drives so some days the car is not turned off for 10 hours i have found that the aero is up to the task and performs unbelievable .it was more than i expected and for the price i would say ,go for it

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  Excellent car. Nothing better for the price - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By ggms16 - March 22 - 1:39 am

  Ive owned and still own a few late Mercedes and Bmws Even with my german cars experience, I can definitely say THIS CAR IS AWESOME!. Period! Yes, a few flaws, there are no perfect cars anywhere. but for the price you pay, the thing is amazing. Suspension: PERFECT Brakes: ONE OF THE BEST BRAKES I EVER TESTED Driving dynamics: I wont say its a BMW or a Mercedes, but its close, its wayyyyy over what you get from Toyota or Honda, but its still not a BMW... The price isnt either. Steering: Precise and sporty, love it.!

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  A great AWD car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By noynoyjohn - March 20 - 6:10 pm

  This is a great car-nimble and fun to drive. Have it for 3 months and so far I have encountered no problems. I really like its keyless feature-you dont need to insert key to start the engine (like an expenssive car). Its highly recomended.