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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  good car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By zgody - November 19 - 9:30 pm

  200 miles and very good

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  Great vehicle - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By holleyhill - November 18 - 9:54 am

  comfort, style

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  This car seems nice - buy another - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By britton.peddie - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Suzuki of America is out of money and time, When I took my vehicle in for a warranty related repair, the dealer, who DOES NOT SELL SUZUKIS - told me they required a $1000.00 dollar deposit before they WOULD EVEN LOOK at the repair. This car is crap and they should go away [violative content deleted] where apparently they do OK selling crap product to uninformed individuals.

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  Solid Truck, Reasonable Price - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Steve - November 6 - 9:43 am

  A solid vehicle, good looks, powerful V-6, 100K powertrain warranty only available from Suzuki.

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  Suzuki Swift, not so Swift a deal - 2000 Suzuki Swift
  By Stephen Hendricks - November 4 - 10:00 am

  From the beginning there were problems with the Air Conditioning holding a charge. Last year with 27K miles the entire back seem of the muffler seperated. The printed warranty clearly covers the exhaust system. Yet Suzuki in Timonium Maryland wouldnt cover it and quoted a price of $1165.00 to replace it. Service is terrible. No Suzuki dealer EVER stocks parts. The mirror fell off last month (driver side). The Dealer wont schedule a repair and wont order the mirror. The car is going to be sent away as a wholesale trade in as a result. Id never buy another Suzuki product of any kind again.

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  Big Disappointment - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Notreallybeth - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new following extensive research. Thrilled initially: great performance, adequate gas mileage, able to be loaded up with STUFF and then coverts easily for passengers. And, FUN TO DRIVE. I began having mechanical problems around 40,000 mi. Front axle seal came out of position causing leakage--3X! (Very costly repair)Finally, root cause is determined to be ring and pinion. Dealer and Suzuki picks up cost. 3 months later, another costly repair involving the air conditioner. Love this car, but I will never buy another one. Too many problems. Dealer service was EXCELLENT. I guess I was lucky there.

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  great - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By CBB - November 4 - 10:00 am

  rides great and is a solid car, great value for money

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  Car is fair. - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By wayne6372 - November 4 - 7:21 am

  This is a nice car but parts are more expensive then usual.Has some major issues under passangers side dash that need fixing.Gas milage is very poor for a 4cyl

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  Almost an Accord - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Pittsburgh - October 30 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car new in 05 as a leftover. I was in the market for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. I put about 40,000 miles a year on my vehicles. I felt this car was more stylish and had more features for the buck than the other two. I have had some problems with this car. At 38,000 miles the top of the engine block needed to be rebuilt. There have also been some other small problems as well. The dealership has been excellent in working with me to limit my inconvenience. All that being said, this car is not a Honda or Toyota yet. However for the money I have been very happy with this car and would still consider buying another one.

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  Suzuki Aerio - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Amandam19 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my car! The only dissapoint I see with it is lack of storage. There is a CD player, but no where to keep cds! There is no center consol! That would be about the only thing! Its great on gas!