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:

• 

  air bags - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By morningstar44 - January 11 - 6:01 pm

  I own a Suzuki sx4 2008 model, I always like my car until I was in a wreck, from the wreck I broke my neck and mess up my back. I was T-bone on the driver side and the side air bags did not come out the front ones did but the one on my steering wheel shattered as it deployed, I was hit from the side so my side ones should of came out, these model cars needs too have a check on them before someone else gets hurt like me the doctors said I will never work again

• 

  Saved My Wifes Life - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MOdriver - December 28 - 10:00 am

  We owned this little car for a year and a half. I took our 2WD through fields, used it to haul hundreds of pounds of landscaping material. Pulled a trailer with it off a tow loop, no trailer hitch. Through all this abuse this car always started up, ran straight, and pushed through everything. Its a tough little truck, tho underpowered for highway speeds. It has strength, but youll be downshifting up hills and its not too soft about it. 2 weeks ago my wife swerved to miss a raccoon, flew off the road, flipped and rolled 6 times. The air bag deployed and this little car landed upright, my wife is alive along with two dogs. We just bought a new Suzuki to replace this one. Great Car!

• 

  Worth a test drive! easy to own - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4dude1 - December 26 - 7:40 am

  This is my second Suzuki and I am rather impressed I purchased a Forenza and I will say the SX4 is a huge improvement in so many ways. The car is actually fun to drive with unique style and its easy to own I have had this car for about a year now and I have had no issues with the car so far. This has been one of my favorite cars to own so far. The 4 speed auto is a bit sluggish to respond and the lack of an auto stick type trans was a bit disapointing but it still gets the job done. There is just enough horse power to get you onto the highway and above legal posted limits quickly so this car is no slug. From a red light the car may not seem to be to impressive just wait and see

• 

  solid Jap sub-compact - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By rr - December 24 - 2:00 am

  i like this most popular sub-compact (in Japan 2002-03) Japanese car though it isnt a real sporty car. The design and the material quality stand well after a year and a half. I drove it to Vegas twice. The car is also my daily working transportation. So far except routing oil changes, i have no other expenses yet. However, the rim and tires can be enlarged one standard higher. The aired suspension can be improved if the sporty feature isnt upgraded in the future...Suzuki should changes its marketing strategy, and more aggressively competes with other top brand names.

• 

  Very nice and affordable - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By ZUKI FAN - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very nice for the price.I havent experience any problems with it,although it was recalled twice. Mpg has been about 18, and maintenace routine.I love the interior and features.I have the five seater limited so, I really enjoy the flat load floor.

• 

  Alright - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By yooperkate - December 11 - 5:00 pm

  Pretty decent vehicle for the price! We have a sunroof and a few of the extras and its a good car. Pretty good fuel consumption compared to my old Ford Taurus and handles pretty well. Find a good deal on it and yeah, good! Good visibility on driving, only a couple blind spots. Have had only one real problem with the car - it didnt start once in P but put it in N in it started.

• 

  2003 XL-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Brownybros - December 5 - 2:00 am

  It feels very strong and mobile. It takes turns very well and the drive seat is comfortable and roomy.

• 

  OK BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By MONSTER - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I WAS ACTUALLY DISAPPOINTED AND SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE MITSUBISHI LANCER

• 

  One of the best cars I have ever owned - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By woodinhills - November 20 - 3:42 pm

  Bought new in Denver, in 3/2006. Is turning 100,000 tomorrow, so heres a review: Very fun to drive, "tight" feel, firm but not overly so suspension, decent ground clearance. TRUE 4x4, with Low Range- EXC! I lived @ 8,600 elevation for 7 years, and this little beast will climb thru 3 of powder snow with mud and snow tires. Decent sound system with subwoofer, CLIMATE CONTROL is really terrific! Comfy seats, but the drivers is coming apart a bit.

• 

  Nice Little Car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By robarr - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my Aerio. Although it has had a few problems that the dealership could not fix. So now Im stuck with a car that hummmms when I step on the gas and when I come to an idle a rattling sound comes from the front of the car. Very disappointed with the dealerships mechanics and i now have to take the car which is still under warranty to my mechanic and pay out of my pocket. Thanks for nothing Suzuki Techs!