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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  Please dont waste your money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By lilyj - November 27 - 6:25 pm

  I bought this suv brand new with 7 miles on it, its horrible there has been muilt recalls, ive had to put money into repairing it month after month... complete waste! ( only 50,000 miles)

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  My cars performance - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Yvette Perez - November 26 - 9:56 pm

  I like to drive my SUV because is light and confortable. But at the same time it is big enough to fit my groceries and mechandise that I purchase.

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  2007 Grand Vitara auto 4x4 Xsport - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Filete - November 25 - 7:06 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and although it could use better gearing, it does handle very nicely around curves and in the city. Love the real time 4x4. Improve gearing could also improve performance during highway driving. Gas mileage is the worst feature. After almost six months of driving, I have not been able to get more than 20.8 mpg. Built quality and seating comfort are both extremely good, much better than its bigger brother the XL-7. If it were not for the gas mileage, this would be a great commute vehicle.

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  Just bought! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By KillerInstinct - November 25 - 5:13 am

  We needed a small car with some features for the son, and we found it to be an attractive vehicle. The Verona looks good. It doesnt have too much horsepower, but it has a nice body style and its good on gas. The premium package has a power sunroof, alloy wheels, fog lights and remote keyless entry. Plus a big trunk for storage. If youre lookin for ecomony, this is the car, if youre lookin for power, this isnt the car. The 3yr/36,000 mile bumper to bumper and 7yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty are great. Its an affordable car, good for first time buyers that cant really afford a whole lot. The dealership offers free tires for life. The was kinda the kicker! ) Enjoy your new car.

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  My Baby! - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By SCtoHI - November 22 - 12:53 pm

  Have owned this car since 2003 and love it. We bought two to replace an Avalanche since we both needed cars in the snowy Appalachians, and mine got to be the 4WD! (Grown son is still driving #2.) I have driven the heck out of this thing for 111,000 miles, and the only thing repaired has been a brake switch (wouldnt allow me to take it out of Park.) That was a mystery at about 60,000 miles. Gas mileage is mid 20s, it has the perfect amount of cargo space for my small family, and the vehicle size is perfect for heavy traffic and parking garages here in Hawaii (yes, we shipped it from the East Coast; couldnt bear to part with it!) I wish these were still available. Im hoping for 100,000!

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  SLS AWD 2010 KIZASKI - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By babygirl - November 22 - 12:43 pm

  GREAT CAR... has everything that is needed and more. push button start, rockford stereo system,leather, a lot of space for comfortable seating, great braking system, sunroof, bluetooth, quiet engine, super power for a 4cyl. large truck.. spacious. VERY SPORTY, perfect car, no regrets.

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  Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JB - November 22 - 5:13 am

  Love the leather, heated seats and the way it handles on hair pin curves. Needs more cup holders. There have been some serious problems with it, so far most have been resolved with warranty (100K warranty thankfully!). For resale though, I sure wish I would have bought the Camry.

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  Good value for the price - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By gibby12 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Im also a Honda devotee who wanted more features for the money this time around - we have a CRV and wanted something similar but with a V-6 b/c of how dangerous it is to drive I-35 down here. You have to be able to punch it and MOVE! For the most part, were happy with this lil SUV.

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  ARIO SX RULES - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By ROCKY - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a great looking sporty car that has plenty of room for cargo and passengers. Great gas mileage,easy handling with rapid response for power and maneuverability. Very comfortable whether you travel interstates or around town stop and go traffic.

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  Fun and Practical SX - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By misterc - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Electric Yellow SX for about 3 months now and for the most part I am quite happy. Definitely a great value, lots of fun to drive and lots of room for 4 adults. Seats are very comfortable, acceleration is good although it gets a little noisy in the higher revs. 5 speed isnt as precise as Honda or Toyota, but its not bad. For the money / features - cant complain!! Much less than a Cruiser or Vibe / Matrix and more features. Have added console, dash cover, front air deflector, door protection mouldings, rear cargo carpet and bumper strip - looks good !!!