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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  Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By txk209 - November 27 - 5:10 pm

  I love my Grand Vitara. As of today, 9/7/05, it has no problems other than a minor one with the CD player. I will go back to dealer and have them to fix the CD changer. This is an excellent little SUV to keep if you tend to keep the car 6 years or longer. Its fuel enconomy is about 19.50 ~ 21.88 mpg in my area. Mine is a great color (I have the blue bi-tone). I suggest using Mobile 1 sythetic oil for motor oil, differential and automatic transmission for long lasting lift of vehicle.

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  Good car for low budget buyers!! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By tom - November 24 - 3:53 am

  Im using this car for the last 4 years. I drove 62000 miles on it. Running good, never gave me any trouble. Im glad that I chose Suzuki Forenza.

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  2004 Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Ladyb - November 20 - 6:46 am

  I love this vehicle, I did have an issue with it stalling on me, however, my dealer, especially the service dept go above and beyond to correct the problem. They make sure each time it is there whether for inspection of general maintenance, that they check the whole vehicle.

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  Love My SX4 Sport! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MySX4 - November 18 - 6:10 pm

  I drive my SX4 about 30 miles to and from work. I havent had any problems.

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  Awesome Buy! - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Sara - November 8 - 10:36 pm

  I researched many midsized SUVs before choosing the Suzuki XL-7. The selling point for me was all the options for the small price. I would have easily paid at least $7,000 more for a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. We also have a 92 Suzuki Swift that has never given us any problems, so this was an easy decision for us. I drove it in the rain for the first time yesterday and it handled quite well. I didnt feel that safety in my previous car. We are going to Lake Tahoe for Christmas and cannot wait to use the 4 wheel drive. We have no problems manuvering this SUV in busy parking lots and tight spots. We are verrry satisfied with our new "Zuke"

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  Well-built for the money - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By Steve Caruso - November 8 - 8:03 pm

  So far, this small SUV has been very enjoyable to drive. The vehicle handles well and it accelerates into traffic very well, though it does seem to lack power going uphill. Overall, I am very satisfied with my new SUV. Excellent value for the money.

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  Great car with great mileage - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By John - November 3 - 5:43 am

  This car has been great. I bought it three years ago with 32,000 for $4500. I am now at 180,000 and still going strong. The only problems I have had is struts and CV axles, nothing else. I would recommend these cars to anyone wanting a cheap transportation option.

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  Mileage - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By marvgolf - November 2 - 8:03 pm

  Estimated mileage, 17 city, 22 hwy. More like 14 city and 19 hwy. Trying to be very careful with speed and acceleration, does not help. Very unhappy with situation. 1800 miles so far, and no improvement. Would find it very hard to suggest this vehicle to a prospective buyer. My friends v-6 Toyota Tacoma gets better mileage than I do.

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  In a Class of it own - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Luxury & Performance - November 1 - 3:53 am

  After searching and testing driving so many SUV, I turned into my local Suzuki dealer and took the GV out for a test drive. With in 24 hours I purchased the GV. Everything about the GV is luxury, both the exterior and interior has been well designed, the leather heated seats a major bonus. Have the 4 Mode for off road is excellent. Amazing in snow, took it out in 20" of snow and the GV handle it like a pro. ESP feature is another excellent feature. I have no regrets on this purchase.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By KP - October 30 - 8:30 am

  Fantastic value--I paid $14,999 for my EX. You just cant get more for your money than that. Interior is as fine as anyone needs, really nicely trimmed with high quality materials. Performance is exciting for someone used to a minivan. Lots of big car features. City mileage so far is about 21.5 mpg, a little better than the EPA estimate of 20. Car even looks better in person than it does in pictures. Exterior door handles are made of metal, not plastic--nice quality touch.