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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  THIS CAR OFFERS MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By dibick99 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON THE 21ST OF OCTOBER 2003 AFTER TAKING A TEST DRIVE AND AFTER 2 WEEKS OF CHECKING IT OUT. YOU CANT BEAT THIS CAR FOR THE MONEY. IT MAKES TOYOTA AND HONDA LOOK SICK. SUZUKI WENT ALL THE WAY ON THIS ONE.IT HAS FEATURES THAT YOU CAN ONLY PAY EXTRA FOR ON THE CAMRY AND ACCORD. WHERE WAS SUZUKI ALL MY LIFE

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  Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gary - December 17 - 5:16 am

  We are now on our 4th Suzuki. We love them, they are fun to drive and very reliable. 29 miles to the gallon isnt too shabby either. You get your moneys worth and more. I wish they would come out with a truck.

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  Listen to this - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By SMiller - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately, Edmunds missed the boat on their review of this vehicle, a common occurrence among their reviewers. They consistently are abnormal compared with more admirable magazines. Anyone who drives the redesigned for 2003 hence 2004 Suzuki’s would realize the major leap in every aspect that Suzuki has made. Edmunds’ reviews always leave a lot to be desired when it comes to vehicle reviews, they almost seem as if a reviewer has been paid off to endorse a certain vehicle over others. When is comes to researching vehicles, there are superior choices to consider.

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  A new Option by Suzuki.. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By sleek1 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  It looks like a winner! Suzuki has done its homework with a mid size option that doesnt cost the earth but has lots of features with no extra cost. The Verona surprised all with its roominess and neatly laid out controls on the dash. The Cars inline rides ever so smooth that youll wonder if its moving. The power on the car is OK but it does feel torquey. The design looks euro and unique and is generally liked by all. A very good option that you must test ride.

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  Exceeding expectations - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Brianhutchins - December 14 - 2:00 am

  After careful comparison shopping to the point of driving every car salesman in town crazy, I chose the Forenza LX . The fit & finish are better than the Nissan Sentra & the Honda Civic in this class. The refinement of the ride and smoothness of the engine, along with lower levels of wind & road noise, made the choice a no-brainer. I found the Sentra too cramped, the Civic was too sparse & noisey for the $$$. Standard 4wheel discs & steering wheel mounted audio controls are a big plus. Interior design & plastics are first rate. The Corolla was lighter on features for the price. Suzuki is well equipped to gain loyal repeat customers along the way.

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  Love it ,Love It, Love It - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Kathy - December 12 - 11:20 pm

  I purchased my Aerio after driving my sons 2003 Aerio. I love how easily it handles and boy what acceleration for a compact car! It gets great gas mileage too. The interior is redesign from the 03s, which is a real positive. Im very satisfied.

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  Best of the Best - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By O.J MOORE - December 9 - 8:23 am

  The Grand Vitaras new interior is one of the best-looking that I have seen in any Suzuki. The dash has nice textures and flowing lines, and the gauges are attractive three-circle fashion with faux aluminum trim. The center stack is bordered by aluminum trim and the stereo controls are more upscale. Theres 68.9 cubic feet of cargo room available.

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  Cool - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By US Family Robinson - December 9 - 6:33 am

  We traded our truck, which was roomy, powerful, and comfy for our xl-7. The truck also stayed thirsty not to mention the warranty was long gone. The Suzuki had all the things we were looking for and then some. We went shopping on the basis of warranty and service foremost. We tried the Kiabut the Suzuki won out with more room. We also got the 3rd row seat. The suzuki is just overloaded with options that came with it standard, where others, these cost a consumer extra. I agree that the seating in the XL-7 is cramped, but we knew this from the get go and we love that we can fold the seats down for cargo space. Our XL-7 isnt very old but we love it.

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  Turning Out Very Nicely - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Rev320 - December 7 - 9:36 am

  I nead headroom, so my choice of cars is limited. The Forenza wagon fits me just right. Loads of features for not a lot of cash. Nice styling. Great interior. Decent handling. Great stereo. Very practical. Dealer is super helpful. Im really picky and found a couple of small problems that were fixed easily. Its made from very proven parts from the world wide parts bin, so it should hold up well. Some people complain that the engine sounds like a 4 cylinder and that the car doesnt handle like a Porsche. The same folks would complain if they bought a cheeseburger and it didnt taste like a t-bone steak. This car is a very tasty cheeseburger indeed.

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  Perfect car for first time buyers... - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By wilvalentin - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Suzuki. I am enjoying this car so far. things that I like the most are color(blue), style, comfot and reliability. But I am a sthrong beleiver that this car would be better with a bigger engine. That is my only complaint, it should be more powerful. After that I like my car alot.