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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  The Bigger, Small SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By SuperDon - October 16 - 10:00 am

  It handles very well for its size and weight. It is very easy to park especially with the bigger side mirrors. Roomy enough for our 4 kids and they can handle flipping down a middle seat to get into the rear. Exceptional sound from the 4 speaker/1 subwoofer CD player. We added chrome nerfbars to help with the kids getting in and out and helps prevent door dings. The driving lights really help in rain and foggy conditions and help shine where the headlights (very bright) cant. Heated side-mirrors are a must. With the rear air/heat vents, warming up and cooling down is done quickly. Uses 5.8 quarts of oil.

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  I love my Suzuki SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By MELYNDA - October 15 - 5:43 am

  I had a lot of expensive cars and fast cars. I compare the turning ratio on my Suzuki to my BMW 525xi. I love the stylish interior it reminds me of an Audi. I get great gas mileage. I live in south Jersey and I go to New York every weekend. I can fill up my gas tank on a Sunday and still have a quater of a tank left by Wednesday. For the price you cant beat all the features and benefits that comes with the SX4

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  Not as Advertised - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bob - October 14 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased the Grand Vitara Limited V6, the salesman advised me that the premium audio system was XM ready and had an interactive IPOD device to show songs, etc. on the screen. When I got it home, I discovered that neither was included, and that the "premium" stereo system sounded like an old transistor radio even at low volume. I am disappointed in this feature of the otherwise nice vehicle. I wish I would have known this ahead of time because this is an extremely important function to me, especially since that is why I purchased the Limited Edition in the first place.

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  Excellent Vehicle!! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Kelly - October 13 - 10:26 pm

  My boyfriend and I bought our Suzuki Forenza about a week ago and I love it! Although ours is a 2008, its still similiar to the 2007. Its a great vehicle. The exterior design of the car is excellent, and the interior has more than enough room. We have two small children and we are both still young ourselves, so the exterior and interior fit our needs very well. Its a great vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone!

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  Two Forenza family - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By tedrik - October 11 - 1:46 am

  I am writing this review for my wife who was smarter than me and bought a 2005 Forenza LX for less than my 2006! Oh, well -Suzuki had better discounts on its closeouts! Anyway, the car rides and handles like a larger sedan - it is very quiet with and attractive design in and out. it has a great sound system that is usually an option in higher priced cars (140 watt CD / Cassette system). I am totally happy with my purchase.

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  My Little Tomato - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By little red tomato - October 9 - 6:56 pm

  I like my little red tomato. Its great on gas, I went from Patchogue to Riverhead everyday and it costs me $20 - $25 filling at 1/4 tank, depending on the gas prices for the week. For the price its a good car, I havent had any problems.

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  Love it - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CraigB - October 9 - 5:03 am

  We traded my wifes Murano for the GV, she wanted something smaller. We spent 3 months researching every small SUV on the market. Test drive and features sold us. This is a great suv and a great value. Handeling is marvelous, and the ride is solid. Could use a tad more power. Smart key took some getting used to, but love it now. Everything about this little truck rocks. I want to drive it, and leave my Lincoln in the garage!

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  Practical Fun - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ellesmere - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchaced the Aerio one week ago. Very sporty car with lots of internal storage and space. Handling is a little wobbly, probably due to the height and light steering. Transmission shifts very well and the cockpit is remarkably quiet. Have found some vibrations when going over bumps, that I will need to get fixed.

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  First New Car and a Joy to Drive - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Richard E Gugula II - October 4 - 4:53 am

  My Suzuki Forenza purchase so far has been a joy. I got a good deal on it and am impressed at both how nice the car was on the inside and how cool it looked on the outside. I havent had a single problem with the car, save for the constant stops at the pump. With recent hurricanes making gas lines long here in south Florida, having a 300 mile limit on a tank stinks. Another selling factor had to do with the insurance rate that I recieved from AIG. Full coverage on a financed vehicle for a 21 year old male was actually cheaper than minimum coverage on my previous 2002 Mazda, which is very cool.

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  Fabulous and Affordable - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Happy2 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Lots of room, comfortable , cute and affordable. I Love my new Forenza. Great gas mileage and lots of trunk space. The armrest with the cupholder on the backseat is great for kids to put drinks in. Less accidents. Very family and Pocketbook friendly car.