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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  No Problems Here - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Phil - February 14 - 8:10 am

  Great small SUV thats fun to drive. Have had it just a few weeks, but have had no problems with it. The only thing I dont care for is the gas mileage, seems Im stopping more often than i use to with my Olds Silloutte I traded for it. It however does have smaller tank too. It is very peppy though when it comes to getting out on the highway which I like.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Paul - February 13 - 8:56 pm

  I am really impressed with the Grand Vitara. It is a well built vehicle. I like the interior and exterior styling. It gives a solid sound when the doors are shut. IThe interior controls are well thought our and driver friendly. Its good handling is a plus. For anyone looking for a small SUV, take a minute to check out the Grand Vitara. You will be gald that you did!

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  Love that Reno! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Bob Figuly - February 7 - 12:40 am

  This is the second Suzuki I have owned in the past four years. They are the "smartest" and best designed cars ever! I was considering a Toyota, but the test drive of the Reno sold me. Smooth, quiet and powerful, the Reno won on all accounts. When I drive the Reno, the people driving the Mercedes and BMWs all crane their necks to see what Im driving. The dealership was great and helpful also.

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  Excellent Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By realitycheck1 - February 2 - 5:55 pm

  I bought a white Kizashi 2 months ago and I could not be happier. This car has the most fluid steering I have ever felt in a regular mid sized sedan. It has a very expensive feel to it in how it drives and the interior quality is excellent. Very quiet. I average 27 MPG around town and Ive got 32 MPG on the highway. No problems as of yet, but of course the car is still brand new so I dont expect any. I love how few people own these and I get inquires all the time about it. Fantastic car.

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  The only import I can fit in - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By TA62 - January 31 - 12:33 am

  This car is great on gas, very quick, and the room inside is awesome and comfortable. It looks good and it has more power and room than those honda sardine cans(civic).

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  Great car for the price - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Vitara Pimp - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Lots of pick-up tons of fun to drive only real complaint is crammed back seat and trunk space. There is plenty of trunk space but only if you put the back seats down. Also the chrome hub caps that they used to come with should be put back on I had go to an after market dealer to get them. Also living in Florida the windows are just too clear and the air conditioner cannot keep up with the heat that comes in through the standard windows so window tinting is a must down here. Other than that a great car for the price there is no better made SUV on the market. To get something better you have to be willing to spend more money.

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  What a fun car!!!!! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By das12477 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe how much room there is in a car that looks small. I love my Aerio!!!

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  Cant fFnd Parts! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Billy - January 27 - 2:53 pm

  Ive put about 36,000 miles on this car and would have recommended it to anyone looking for economical yet fun transportation. That is, I would have right until I found out nobody sells parts for them but the dealer. Before you buy one of these give your local parts store a call and ask if they carry Forenza parts. Anything beyond something simple like an oil filter and its back to the dealer youll go, and you know the prices they charge. Yup, I love the car all right, but the lack of repair parts means Ill get rid of it soon, and I wont buy one again unless that changes. Too bad...

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  First Time Suzuki Owner and Lovin it! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Frank Markowitz - January 26 - 12:53 am

  We had been researching available SUVs in the "compact" class for about two years. I needed reliability and some ruggedness for driving in the E. TN mountain roads, yet affordability with increasing gas prices in mind. At the last minute I passed by a Suzuki dealer and stopped in by chance. Wow!..I loved the truck..and REALLY loved the price. I bought the SUV without knowing anything about Suzuki cars,..and have come love it. I got a this luxury model loaded...and got it for about $15,000 less than a comparable Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. They are both good vehicles, but not any better than the Grand Vitara has been for me so far. I took a chance...and I got great value at a great price!

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  BEST COMPACT SUV - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By RIVERAS - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I PURCHASE IT NEW ON 8/2002 AND NEVER HAD ONE PROBLEM EXCEPT FOR A RECALL THAT SUZUKI STATED ABOUT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.ME AND THE FAMILY ALWAYS USE IT ON TRIPS.FOR A SMALL SUV ITS GOOD ON GAS,GOOD POWER,AMPLE ROOM AND VERY ATTRACTIVE.I INSTALLED A TV FOR MY SON AT THE SUZUKI DEALER WHICH THEY DID A PROFESSIONAL JOB.