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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  Great Car for a Low Price - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Wunderly - July 25 - 11:03 pm

  I bout this car used at 4600 miles for about 6 grand at an auto auction. I have had this car for almost a year and I have have no problems with it so far, engine is easy to maintain. one issue is that the dashboard can glare on to the windshield, but other then that small detail the car is a good one to own for high school and college age kids.

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  I love my Suzuki - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Chef - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with about 30,000 miles and I love it The only items that have really given me trouble was a tie rod end and 1 hub and that was at 100,000 miles other then that I have done nothing except a tune up and brakes on this vehicle.

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  I love my Suzuki - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By chef - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with about 30,000 miles and I love it The only items that have really given me trouble was a tie rod end and 1 hub and that was at 100,000 miles other then that I have done nothing except a tune up and brakes on this vehicle.

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  Poor tires, brakes, and shocks - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By BrianS - July 9 - 1:30 pm

  The car is amiable. But I had to change all 4 tires at 18000ks and the front disc brakes at 30,000k and I was told the rear shocks are on their way out. To say nothing about the sticking shifter. At 70 years of age, I am hardly a cowboy behind the wheel.

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  This car has been great! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Emily - July 6 - 2:00 pm

  I own the base model manual 5 speed when I bought it I compared most cars in its class. I found the brakes and airbags seemed to be extra on all the other cars. I needed a good reliable car to take me around the Western US. I am not technical or know much about cars but I think I did great for the cost, quality and warranty.

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  This is a great little car. - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By sr500mark - July 5 - 9:04 am

  I bought this for its mileage and 4 wheel drive ability. Fell in love with all of it. After 2 years of ownership I gave it to my son. He puts a lot of miles on it and has to deal with heavy snow. He loves it. Get one before they are all gone. Id get the manual tranny.

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  so far so good - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By guyver53402 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  feels solid, had no problems in snowy,slippery conditions with 4wd engaged. gas mileage i have been averaging is 21 mpg. i love the high beam s, they really light things up

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  Probably could have done better - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Carol - June 14 - 3:53 am

  I like the relatively quick action when I punch it, but Ive had it in the shop several times since the purchase. Usually theyre just small things. Currently, its the oxygen sensor. Ive had it in three times for that and its still not fixed. The interior is very classy and I feel "rich" but the other issues are annoying.

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  Great car - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Mike - May 18 - 11:23 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. They are built in Japan and I understand that they are very popular there. I have only had some routine brake work done and that is it. It just keeps going and going.

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  Fun driving Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Micchael Risso - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Small RV,offers more than enough storage rooms and it is fun to drive.