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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  Love My Reno - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By devbot - June 1 - 3:56 am

  I purchased my Reno as a birthday present to myself. I love my car, and how it hasnt broken down yet. Ive owned mine for about six months now. The interior is very roomy, and the instrument panel is very simple and logical. Styling is very European, and theres plenty of space in the trunk. My only real complaint about it, is that I wish there were a more powerful engine option. I know this is an economy car, but I really wish that it had like the SX-4 engine option. The suspension could be a little stiffer, I mean it handles well, but Id like less body roll. Again I know this is an economy car, but sometimes you may have to do some avoidance maneuver.

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  Decent.... - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By MIke - May 24 - 3:40 pm

  This car is very fuel efficient. I can usually get almost 400 hundred miles on a full tank of gas. The engine is a little rough, but its only a 4 cyclinder so that is expected.

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  Great little wagon - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Cindy - April 25 - 3:53 pm

  I have had my 2000 Esteem for over 5 years and have had no problems with it. I had the brakes replaced in 2005 but nothing else other than normal oil and filter changes have had to be done. I do not drive as much as most people but with over 76000 now on it I am still not finding that there is a problem. The back seat has been able to sit three kids on a regular basis even though two of them have been adult sized or nearly so. We do not take it long distances and I am sure that would get old with everyone in it but for distances up to an hour this car does fine even with my sons who are 6 tall sitting in the back seat. Fuel economy has a large range but it gets no less than 25 MPG.

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  Happy Aerio Owner - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Pastor tom - April 20 - 3:16 am

  This car is a joy to drive. It has handling on the highways I drive that is comporable to the European cars I have owned in the past. It has plenty of get up and go, the gas mileage is not as good as my Swifts was, but it doesnt do badly at all. I get about 32 miles per gallon on highway. I live in the desert and I drive the state highway all the time. I do not do any city driving at any length. I have had no repairs done except for scheduled maintenance. I now have had nearly 50,000 miles of touble free driving, which is very important in the middle of the CA desert.

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  whoa......boy she is trick! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Gadzooks its neat - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Good little truck for the money. It runs well, is good on gas, it draws compliments everywhere I go

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  Chevy Optra = Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By GuyT - April 10 - 2:00 am

  After comparing all data the Chevy version of the Susuki Forenza ( Optra LS ) in Canada. The choice was easy. The most for the $: 1- Best Price for the fuly loaded. Sun roof Audio MP3 Mag Leather Fog light, electric mirrors Steering audio control, electric doors AC Automatic Trans 4 disc Break etc... With GM rebate $1000 loyal customer and 0% financing. Best price in town. 19,000.00 CANADIAN dollars 2- The ride: Quiet car on highway. Transmission feel as it is electric motor driven. Sussp like a mini Cadilac Break very well. 3- This not the best acceleration but is well enough for city driving.

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  Nice, reliable SUV. Lots of space. - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By gustavo140 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Nice, reliable SUV. Lots of space. My wife pushed for it, and I got a pleasant surprise. Highly recommended if you you look for space and your budget is tight.

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  Decent Car for the value - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By Ken - March 31 - 4:10 pm

  I found my Verona to handle fairly decent on the highways. It sits well and it feels a lot heavier than any economy car out there. When driving at high speeds the Verona is as good a ride as you will get with some of the better known sedans. Additional interior features like stereo controls in the steering provide an added bonus to owning this car which lacks popularity and resale value. However, I have to admit that the transmission shifts awkwardly when decelerating sometimes and its really not that great on gas. Overall this car is a decent buy if you can get a great deal on it. Otherwise, if you have a few hundred dollars extra to spend, Id suggest you get a more renowned car.

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  new car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By njacks - March 28 - 2:00 am

  It is a fun car to drive, has alot of power for the cars in its class. I have yet to see alot of aftermarket parts, but im sure there soon to come. There is alot of room, Im 64" and i fit in this car pretty good. The resale value is not that good, but its not a civic.

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  Could have been better - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Bandguy - March 26 - 10:43 am

  While it is fun to drive, the sound system needs upgrade in speaker placement and sound quality. The cup holders in the front only hold a 12 oz can securely. Anything else will spill all over when accelerating or braking. The seats are comfortable even over long distances. Im very disappointed with the gas mileage. Im getting only 22 mpg. A little car like this should get more like 30 mpg. Perhaps a larger fuel tank so it will go farther. The new Camaro gets better mileage. Cargo area is excellent and the area under the floor is very convenient.