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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  Best in the Class - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By thomas - October 18 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased my Suzuki after looking at and comparing many vehicles in this class. Mainly I looked at the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. I love Suzuki because it has plenty of power, its fun to drive, and it has a cool audio system with MP3 standard. The best part is the warranty that comes with the vehicle. It has very nice handling.

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  My Reno - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By Dewalt - October 18 - 12:43 pm

  First off, let me tell you that I am one of those guys that races every car I buy. I am a mechanic as well so I do all my own engine work. I have modified my Reno with minor modifications and I do pretty well at the track with it. Because of the type of car that it is no one ever sees it coming and they underestimate it. It does great on a drag strip but the handling leaves a lot to be desired. I bought the car for a work vehicle initially but then my curiosity got the better of me and now that I have raced it I am thoroughly impressed with it.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Cold War Vet - October 18 - 2:53 am

  I live in an area were temperatures fall below -40 and the roads look more like horse trails because of its body on frame design it handles the punishment with ease. It has yet to get stuck in snow or on off road terrain. The build quality is superb.

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  Great look,great value! - 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By johnny89 - October 16 - 9:41 am

  If you want a vehicle thats value-priced,good to look at,and fun to drive,I highly reccomend the 2011 grand vitara.Ive owned mine for 2 weeks and I love it!

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  The Grand Vitara is GRAND - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Brian O - October 11 - 1:10 pm

  After owning a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, I was very pleased with the quality and capabilities of the Suzuki SUVs. My Sidekick, which I refuse to sell now serves as my daily driver and offroad trail vehicle (extensively modified). The Grand Vitara took the sidekick platform and made an already great vehicle that much greater. A more plush ride, major interior improvements and amenities, as well as a highly upgraded engine all make the Grand Vitara awesome. There are a plethora of other Mini SUVs out there. What you wont find on about 80% of the others is a true 4x4 (not AWD), a low range transfer case, and a body of frame. If your travel offroad, get the Grand Vitara.

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  Brilliant Car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By gardengroveguy - October 8 - 12:36 am

  I bought a Suzuki Grand Vitara, but bought my wife the SX4. We loved with the unique and well designed body, the fully equipped interior, and the 4 wheel drive. All the safety equipment, all the amenities, and quality that you can see and feel. Fiat helped to design the body, so it has a true Euro look, sets it apart from the ugly "econo-boxes" out there. It has spirited handling and an engine that sings to you! Its gas mileage is so-so, but we knew that before we bought. We got it in the copper color, it really stands out and gets stares! The sound system is great, the seats and comfort are great, and everything is as tight as a drum. It is built in Japan, so the assembly is laser accurate. And check the long, no deducible warranty!

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  A happymobile! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By e. wood - October 3 - 4:40 am

  The fit, finish, controls and sound system are excellent. I was initially disappointed with town mileage (17- 19 mpg), but it was winter and the car was new. The occasional use of AWD was handy. At 2500 miles I took a trip to Florida, got 26.1 mpg. The transmission would downshift twice climbing some of the overpasses on I- 75, to maintain the 75 mph speed limit. At 7500 miles, a trip to south dakota and colorado, got 28.2 mpg (I hung a sign, "60 mph" in the back window. Worked okay on the interstate). The wagon held all my gear (camping), and the (2-wheel) bike module is quite stable, although I took a folding stepstool to ease its use. After 14,000 miles it gets 20-21 around town.

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  Great buy for the money - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By 491965 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Bought new, had for over a year. Comfortable, fun to drive, fun to off-road with. Taken many out-of- state road trips and it has always been reliable and ready to go. Great car for the affordable price. Wouldnt hesitate to but again.

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  my experiance driving the car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By allen eberman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive and and satisfied with the pep and handlang.

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  Check Out The Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By PAnthony - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This Suzuki is pretty nice. Euro styling in and out, looks better than most of competition. Also the good price doesnt hurt.