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:

• 

  Not Enough Horsepower - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Johnny Vero - November 17 - 4:50 pm

  I own an 05 XL-7. I like everything about the truck except, the gas millage is not good, considering that its a V6 with under 200 HP. It only gets 17 mpg city and 21 hwy. Also, it should come standard with a luggage rack, but does not. Other than that, its a good truck for the money.

• 

  Terrible paint and warranty - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By homer1041 - November 17 - 1:46 pm

  I bought a 2011 around this time last year. From a mechanical and fun to drive standpoint, its great, but the painted metal surfaces are rusting and Suzuki is denying it as a defect, claiming instead that its an environmental. I havent owned many cars that rusted, let alone with only 6000 miles on them. Needless to say, my good will towards the company is lost and now it will become a legal matter. Its ashame really, as I did whole lot of research before picking this car.....so I really wanted it. Now Im not so sure.....and who really knows the extent of the rust....it could be encompass the entirely of the unibody. Beware as this isnt an isolated issue, just the responses vary.

• 

  Surprised by Suzuki - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Richard G II - November 14 - 9:13 am

  Being in a labor Union (local 1175 baby!) comes with it an unspoken rule to buy american. I went to dodge, ford, and chevy looking for a compact car to fit my needs (being 21, my dream vette is still a bit out of my league). After thorough review, I ended up in a suzuki dealership. The warranty alone justified me buying brand new (upgraded to 7/100k bumper2bumper) but the car itself was full of options! I couldnt make myself go back to the other dealerships and pay more for less!

• 

  Fun little SUV - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By turre_plug - November 7 - 2:26 am

  I originally bought my Sidekick to save some gas... But I have been driving it so much that I have not saved a dime yet.....! It is a fun, little nimble beast. It has a choppy ride on the road but, the 1.6 is peppy with the 5spd. Not a lot of critter comforts but the utility side is amazing. I fish a lot and the 4x4 , good ground clearance and its small size allow me and my little boat to go places no one else can go. Stay away from the interstate with this guy, its like riding a motorcycle out there. A great little car, manly enough to be seen in and is well made and tough... No repairs yet but I dont think it will be a problem thus far..... Dont be scared of the sidekick!

• 

  satisified - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By mamabare - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Good gas milage, just the right size for my family of 4. Handles well.

• 

  Best Deal Ever - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Pittsburgh Kid - November 3 - 2:53 am

  We bought this for my wife, after looking at numerous cars and sitting behind the wheel, she like this the best. She was happy with the styling, performance and handling. No other manufactor could come near the price and the warranty is great. I have owned Suzukis before and Im very happy with their reliabilty. She wanted the sunfoof model but they were sold out.

• 

  Suzuki 2000 Esteem Wagon - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Rich - October 27 - 5:33 am

  Only general maintenance since purchased 4 yrs ago. Will look to purchase another Suzuki in the future. Only drawback is the limited room in the front driver side. Seats are a bit low for someone under 6 feet, but some added car seat covers helped to correct this flaw while protecting the front seats. No problems with exterior to this point, no rust visible anywhere.

• 

  Best Bang for Buck - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By AerioSX in Edmonton - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car, I scoped out the Matrix/Vibe before settling on the SX. What sold me was all the standard features available on the SX model, which cost extra for the other 2. I opted for the AWD, which will be handy in winter time here in Edmonton, AB. Drives smooth. Handling is not as bad as some reviews might lead you to believe. A fine alt to the Matrix or Vibe, a lot less for more.

• 

  Good Cheap Car - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By craigch8 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Esteem sedan with 30K miles for $5500. What a buy! This is a solid little car that is fun to drive and costs very little to operate (30+ mpg). It has a very roomy interior, and a good sized trunk. The engines performance is good, however it strains occasionally when climbing steep hills. It cruises at high speeds rather easily and has good short range acceleration. Overall, this model is a great car for the money.

• 

  Good little SUV Bad Company relations - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Leo Cumi - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Rear main seal went out at 36856 mls but I drive it hard.(Took on the alpine loop in Colo.) as for squeaks and rattle its the hood hinge that rattles and the front fascia, made of plastic, is connected with plastic rivets: thatÂ’s where the squeak is. Mine vibrated every so often and I had the tires balanced and I brought it to the dealer who said its the tires the tire store said its the rims Suzuki would not replace the rims nor admit that they where out of round until my warranty ran out .