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 Deal - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Dave - September 12 - 1:23 pm

  I bought my 7-passenger XL-7 a month ago and the only disappointments are the dumb reviews. This truck is great, not cheap looking inside and has much better 3rd row seats than the RAV4. I dont understand where these other reviews Ive seen are coming from. In all my research (and I did A LOT) I never came across anything about this vehicle being unreliable over the last 5 years, which is pretty darn good. It usually does not have any defects or people complaining about how they had to get this or that fixed as in MOST other consumer reviews. I mean give me a break, its nice inside, the woodgrain looks expensive, and it is comfortable...but probably not for larger people. I love mine, and I got it for a great price.

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  SuZukI Verona the big "S" - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Douglas Arthur - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is great, what I like the most is that the engine is realy smooth like driving with an electric motor. One you have experienced the smoothness of the motor you wont want to go back to a V design. At first I thought the car was weak on power, but once the engine broke in the power was acceptable. I realy wanted all the options but wanted the best bang for the buck and I believe I got it with the Verona instead of a Honda, or Toyota. We got our Verona with 1500 Dollar Factory Rebate and 500 Dollar Suzuki Loyalty discount. Being a big guy the width of the car is much appreciated. Handling is good and could be realy fun with the right set of tires.

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  3Bs: BEST BANG for BUCK - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By veronaowner04 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Suzuki Verona EX fully-loaded from Passport Motors and Im still happy one month later. The acceleration wasnt great for the first week, but it adapted to my driving habits and now I can accelerate fine. I love the interior design and it looks very classy! Ive only gotten one recall on this car, but then gain what car hasnt this year???

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  Couldnt be happier - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By lovingmyforenza - September 11 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the Corolla, Civic, and 3 sedan I decided to choose the Forenza because it had a better interior than the Corolla and Civic but was cheaper than the 3. While 120+HP doesnt seem a lot, its plenty for a compact car this size and I have no problem accelerating to 75 on the highway. I absolutely love the interior design which looks fabulous and from a car twice this price! So far have had no problems and I am really impressed with GM Suzuki!

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  Awesome value! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By xl7is4me - September 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought a brand new 04 XL7 EX3 fully loaded to haul our 2 kids around. All I can say is that Im surprised that it offered the same things as the Honda Pilot! Plus, the interior design is nicer, theres standard wood trim, and the leather is softer too. 185HP isnt a lot in the midsize class, but if you need basic transportation and dont need to tow youre absolutely fine. We recently took a 200 mile trip with our kids and a crowded trunk with luggage on the rooftop and I can safely say this car never ran out of breath. Im glad I found Suzuki!

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  My XL7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jay Sargeant - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Years ago I owned a Geo Tracker which up to that time was the best vehicle I ever owned. Of course it was a Suzuki. I am pleased to say that I love this XL7, and though Ive only had it a short time, I believe it will be a reliable, capable, and versatile car for years to come. We love all the standard equipment for the price, it drives and handles very well, and I particularly like the body-on-frame construction as opposed to a car-based unibody. I recommend this vehicle to everyone in the market for a small suv.

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  A terrific SUV at a bargain price - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By thunderofzion - September 10 - 8:06 pm

  A good looking, reliable, inexpensive, fun-to-drive SUV (with the 5 speed).

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  Love this car! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By flboy_2008 - September 8 - 12:10 am

  I bought my car in October of 2004. It had about 22k miles when I bought it and currently has 114k. I really love this car. It drives like an expensive european car. Since I bought it I replaced the battery in the keychain and the cars battery. I also flush out the transmission ever 40k which I do to all the cars I own, and I change the oil every 3500 miles. The car requires low profile tires (because it handles like its on rails), I recommend Goodyear traction t/as. Ive been able to get 70k miles on them before replacing them. The original tires only lasted about 30k.

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  My thoughts after 20 months of ownership - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ms MD - September 7 - 2:00 am

  My husband purchased this XL7 For me new on 5-01 Price was my original strong motivation to buy. For twenty thousand it is a good deal.Only small details have been noticed. Such as the lack of useable arm rests,seeing and using the radio are not always easy. My husband is an aircraft enginieer. He on the other hand found other small problems that i never noticed. He advised me that the tires are shot after only 16000 miles. This is after two tire rotations. Also the defroster funtion is inadaqute when the vehicle is filled with passengers.Overall, Fully loaded four wheel drive still cant beat it for the price!

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  Much more than expected - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jess - September 6 - 6:16 pm

  I bought the Aerio SX after surgery because it allowed easy in and out access, and have ended up falling in love with it over the last four years! This car is exceptionally well made (the Japanese are famous for this!) and outperforms many of the more expensive autos Ive owned such as Volvo, BMW, Cadillac, VW and MG. Great gas mileage, ultra reliable, has remained tight and rattle free, and shows little wear over the years. Yes, the front bumper is low, and Id prefer larger tires, but hey, overall no complaints at all with this little gem! The anti-lock brakes and AWD are life savers over and over again. Transmission smooth as silk. Best value for reasonable price!