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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  2000 Esteem GLX Wagon - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By chaser - October 24 - 6:06 pm

  Since I purchased my Esteem Wagon in July of 2001, I have had one problem. About a week after I purchsed it (it had only 10k miles), the passenger seid front brake pad "de-laminated" itself from the mounting surface. The dealer covered it under warranty and not one thing has gone wrong with the car. Although it has a propensity for blowing brakelights. I have put 12K miles on the car since purchase and it has been a pleasure. Better than any US brand I have owned in the last 10 years.

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  Dont buy it - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By junit483 - October 22 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after I had my first child. Two weeks after purchase it had to go into the dealership for repair. The rearend came loose. That repair took three days to complete. The next problem was some wierd eletrical disturbnce. The radio would come on and select a volume on its own. Not exactly an easy way to keep an infant asleep. That repair took almost a full week to diagnose and fix. After that the transmission went, Engine blow (note: no oil was missing and after they checked the computer it wasnt abused) no explaination was given to why it went. Between the tranny and engine going the car was in for repairs for over a month and a half. The dealership did get me a rental.

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  Overall satisfied with my purchase. - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GVL - October 21 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought my Limited Grand Vitara, I felt like it was designed for me. A year and a half later, I still feel the same. Its a Cute Ute, with some nice features. For driving from A to B, it is a nice little package.

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  Best Choice - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By MyWifesNewCar - October 20 - 11:40 pm

  I really like this car. I happily recommend it to any one considering a new small car purchase. It beats the competition hands down on content and features. The little car is a pleasure to drive, now I dont mind Walmart parking lots. Give it a try Im sure youll be suprised.

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  Super Little Car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By mcidriver - October 20 - 4:50 pm

  Very nice little car. Love the AWD with ESP. Pay the extra for the top of the line model. You wont be disappointed.

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  Really Not Bad - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By really not bad - October 17 - 7:36 pm

  Edmunds.com really described the car in their review pretty well. The acceleration is a little on the poor side, but it is quite smooth and going high speeds is no trouble. I have to step on the gas when I start it because it is so quiet. but remember it is a luxury sedan, not a sports car. I also do not hear any wind noise whatsoever. On the handling you have to drive the car for at least 600 miles to get the feel for it. I can handle mine pretty well now. I went from a Volvo to a Suzuki. Overall it is different and I do like this car.

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  Wear your earplugs!!! - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By terpr - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Vitara with the hopes of having a fun, dependable ride. What I got was a car that constantly creaks and makes noises. Ive taken it in twice for the same problem and it still makes noise! Its the most infuriating thing! I dread going over a speed bump or an uneven road. It sounds like my car is going to fall apart!

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  love this car - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Jack - October 14 - 1:10 pm

  I have seen this car on road and at traffic stops. Looked at other cars- compared price, reports/reviews, recalls. Shopped 4 dealers with my trade-in,got the best deal at my local dealer by $600 and within $300 of what I wantd. The dealer-salespeople were fantastic. was going to pay for it but 0% financing-ok/ The car is really great-fun to drive-more than enough headroom-free Garmin-car loaded w equipment.Dont wait! good pickup and passing-26.8 mpg n town so far. Going on trip this weekend!! Car is quiet, no road noise,will pull out in front of traffic from red lite-corners good- give it some gas going around corner- like on a motorcycle,no body lean,stops quicker than on a dime!!!

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  Great looking, but whatsup with the a/c? - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By sweetwolf54 - October 13 - 8:33 am

  I really enjoy this car in just about every department,except the air conditioner. I have had it back to the dealer twice and it doesnt COOL the interior unless its UNDER 80 degrees. Has anyone else had a problem on warm/hot days getting this car cooled down INSIDE??? Im really frustrated..

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  My 06 Manual GV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mjss25 - October 12 - 7:10 pm

  Very nice looking car, had some issues with the tires, shock absorber and skid plates as well as the fuel comsumption. Other than that, I feel very happy with my car, specially the "looking good" factor. The 4x4 capabilities are in no doubt, very well capable in deep mud, dust, hills and other obstacles.