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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  after one year... - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mtaylor3 - March 15 - 9:48 am

  and 15K miles, not a single regret. The car has been completely problem free and remains a joy to drive. If youre looking for a fun-to-drive, economical, comfortable car, then the Kizashi is tailor-made for you. Many people want to compare the Kizashi to the Civic/Mazda3, but Suzuki has in reality created a bargain alternative to the Acura TSX or even Audi A4. Best seats, handling, and build quality of any car Ive ever owned. Why Suzuki isnt selling more of these is a complete mystery to me. If folks would give a test drive, I think theyd be shocked at what they can get for their money.

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  2004 Suzuki Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Roberet F. Breton - March 13 - 1:46 pm

  I am very pleased with the overall performance and quality of the vehicle. I have owned or driven several Nissan Altimas and this car performs as well. A great car for the money. I would not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone.

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  Sporty, yet practical - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Kevin - March 9 - 1:40 am

  So far I have almost nothing but love for my new SX4. It is very fun to drive. Low displacement allows for high reving with good mileage. It also corners very nicely and has many comfortable features.

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  SX4 sport, great car at great price - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Tom - March 3 - 4:26 pm

  Use it for driving to office, half highway half local. Got 28mpg (with 2wd). Feel a little noiser when speed up before get to 50 miles. SX4 is for people would like to have a small car but also have trunk space, and can have 4wd on a snow day. Small car? It actually is not small at all. 6 man sits in from seat very comfortably. It weighs a bit heavy but very stable when driving.

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  Love It! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Aerio_Owner - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Aerio for 4000 miles now, and driven in many different situations - road trips, city driving, 5 passengers - it conquers all with aplomb! My backseat passengers over 6 feet love the legroom of the adjustable back-seats. I love the versatility - I carried a 32" TV IN THE BOX in my Aerio - no problem. The stereo sounds great and is easy to use. It starts quickly and runs well. My only gripe is that the HVAC is a little wierd and takes some getting used to.

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  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By McPeek - March 1 - 1:16 pm

  I love this car and with gas prices continuing to rise it is very affordable!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By cathie1 - February 27 - 4:16 pm

  It is a great car. It is extremely comfortable. When you are driving it, you feel like you are driving a SUV. The car does not have great initial pep, but once you get moving it takes off. It has a very smooth ride even on rough roads. Everyone I have taken in it likes it also. Even the people who sat in the back seat which is also very comfortable. It is more comfortable then the Honda CR-V, which my brother owns. I only paid $14,900 for it. It is not a $17,000 + vehicle like someone else said (unless you get a lot of upgrades) and on an empty take it cost $19 to fill up at a cost of $2.23 per gallon. It even comes with a great warranty (7y, 100K bumper to bumper) which gives you confidence.

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  XL7 a deal - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Maniac - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Originaly I did not find much info when I purchased my XL7 in 2001 so here goes. I would purchase another for the same reasons. My four children and Spouse are able to go anywhere the larger SUVs tread, yet we find parking not a problem due to the layout and size. Economy could get a boost yet, I pulled a 2000lb trailer with ease and yes, all four children and Mom were present. If you want a rugged and refined SUV that delivers towing capacity and looks great at the theater which fits in a parking lot, than go buy one. 0% financing was a fabulous bonus. You wont regret passing up the Blazer for it. Ask for the Fuel warning light, I still cant locate mine.

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  XL-7 - GREAT RIDE! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jeff Towry - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Five months and 7200 miles and were still in love with our XL-7. Wife had reservations about SUV (previously drove Cutlass), but now says she will never drive a car again! Truck rides and drives GREAT! I no longer get tired on long trips! Daughter loves the rear air, extra leg room, and reclining rear seats. We didnt need third row seating, but had to buy that way to get rear air. We removed third row seat cushion and that provided flat load floor. Still needs cargo net to keep groceries from falling out on feet when rear door opened. Truck has not been back to dealer since the day we left. There has been no need!

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  Great little Car!! - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By Chels - February 14 - 8:26 pm

  I just bought this car about 2 months ago. I got a great price for it and it only had 49000 k. The gas mileage is amazing! (coming from an 89 oldsmobile). It is so much fun to drive! The manual transmission is just fun alone but zipping around in this car makes it better! I love to just open the sunroof and unzip the back window. Sits like a truck but drives sporty.