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 has been Good to Me - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Kerry - March 22 - 7:36 pm

  Yes, this is a cheap car, but I paid a cheap price. I got what I paid for. Never a break down, always reliable, NO problems at all and I have driven this car hard since Nov 2006 when I bought brand new. I didnt know there was a recall on seat belts, was not notified. Guess I should check on that. I have never had one single problem. Not sure why everyone else is.

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  ZOOOOKI - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Clams - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Strong solid car with an expensive ride and feel. Good on wet pavement. Better power at higher speeds than t lower speeds. Could use some low speed power up grades.

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  Great Start Suzuki! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By naima - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The small footprint makes it easier to park and to get around. Even though its small on the outside, theres ample leg and head room and plenty of space for hauling people and stuff inside. The engine is quite peppy. I have no problems merging on the highway or passing others. Some might find the digital dash a little distracting but its easy to get used to. All in all, I find my SX to be a GREAT car for the price. If youre in the market for a great vehicle with lot of standard options, awesome safety ratings and is inexpensive to boot, the Aerio SX is a fantastic buy. Its a nice for a new family too. Hopefully Ill be driving my Suzuki for years to come.

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  2001 suzuki swift - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Chris - March 2 - 2:26 pm

  I have had problems with the A/C ever since I bought it, maybe its because the tiny engine cant run an A/C very well, but when the temperature outside gets over 100 degrees it barely works. Other than that the car is flawless. I previously owned a 94 swift and after 155,000 miles I never had a single problem. These cars will run forever.

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  Best car ever, buy one if you can! - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By LC - March 1 - 2:00 am

  We had our Esteem wagon for 9 years and 168,000 and never regretted buying it. (It was recently totaled in a bad collision, no fault on the Suzuki and we miss it so much!) In those years we had no break-downs, excellent gas mileage, and awesome ability to bring tons of gear (the rear seats lay completely flat). The only problem we had was the outside door handles snapping some piece when it was very cold outside - it was an easy and cheap repair, but you can try to avoid it and just be very careful opening the doors when its cold. There were no engine or any other problems. Highly recommend this car, even though it is 10 years old.

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  Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By c.lee - February 27 - 6:23 pm

  Would be even better if it offered better fuel economy and more speed.

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  upgrade - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By jafm50 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  It has a big turning radius. That is the only negative. It handles well and the fuel economy and acceleration are acceptable. Excellent cockpit design, radio and cruise controls are on the steering wheel. Leather is nice and comfortable. It is fun to drive.

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  Great first car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By NIUman - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. It is fun and easy to drive. I do not like the gas milage, but I guess that expected when I drive 80 miles a day. $20.00 a tank every four or five days is pricy, but the overall price of the car is unbeatable. It is not much more than to buy a quality used car. Great car, I would definatly buy another.

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  decent for the money - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dfr - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car was a decent buy for the money but has an annoying squeeking that the dealer cant fix! Its not heavy enough and bounces on the road. The car has good amounts of power with 5 speed. Very good lights. Smooth interstate driving. Inexpensive suv if not cheap small suv, you get what you pay for.

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  Loved my Forenza (yes LOVED) - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By DF - January 14 - 1:30 am

  I bought my Forenza new and have had little problems with it. Replaced the headlights within two years and just recently one taillight. The reason I say loved, is that I totalled it this past weekend. I was involved in an accident and the whole front end of the car whas demolished. Yes this is good news, the whole passenger compartment was fine. The officer said he was amazed that the four of us walked away. Ive heard good things about Suzukis safety and now I can say that they are true.