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:

• 

  A Great Performer - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By napagreg - July 15 - 7:00 am

  I test-drove the Chevrolet Cobalt, Mazda 3, and Nissan Sentra. For the money, the Suzuki SX4 Sport is the best. The Cobalt would have cost $20 less a month (purchase), but was the no- options, manual-windows-and-all version in white (no other colors available at that dealer). The Mazda 3 was fun, and well optioned. But it was $20 more a month. The Nissan was funny. Neat interrior, but weird seats and looks. And it was about $30 more a month. Now, the Suzuki SX4 Sport had all the options of the Mazda 3, the cool interior similar to the Sentra, and only a little more expensive than the base-model Cobalt. The paint is fantastic, I got the dark grey. And it drives like a sport sedan.

• 

  Mixed emotions about the 2006 Suzuki Forenza - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By mbrown282 - July 11 - 3:50 am

  As I read other reviews, I noticed a trend. There have been a lot of issues with the Forenza. I dont disagree with any of them. I got mine with 55,000. 34 months and 55,000 miles later Im now looking for a new engine. Like a previous reviewer experienced, I too had a problem with the shift switch. Next to go was my transmission. Those were replaced under warranty. Other than that I was getting new rear pads almost twice a year. Thats until water all of sudden showed up in my oil. Despite the issues, I like the way the car rides. Call me crazy, but Im putting another engine in and driving it until the wheels fall off.

• 

  great bang for the buck - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By mike czebotar - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Close to the first but im sure, not the last. Suzuki has fit a home run with this one. What a value. Compare to cars selling in the high 20s. I dont know what other features you could add. So far only 3,000 miles, all trouble free. The selling dealership rates very high also.

• 

  XL7 Touring - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By G. Kimzey - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall. Good power and mileage. We use it for touring, back road 4wd. It is towed behind our motorhome. Off road and on road, it is easy to handle. We are amazed at where we have taken it in 4wd.A truly great all round suv. Will buy another when this one is several years old. Reliability is unsurpassed as is the quality. An excellent buy.

• 

  I wish I would have known o_O - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jenny - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I wish I would have known that this car is the cheapest car there is! My SIL had this car (2004 version) and I really liked it. I asked about the reliability and heard it was good. Well, the only thing I had wrong with this car so far is the gear change. Knock on wood. Thats all. I drove this car from Lawrenceviile, GA to Houston, TX twice (so you get the ideal miles I put on this car). I only now use this car to and from work. The tire pressure is low for some reasons. I get what I paid for. Errgghh.

• 

  Great truck for the $$$! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By imadad1st - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Suzuki truck, and am expecting a similarly positive experience with this one. The features vs. cost of this truck far exceeded anything else I was considering. My truck had only 2 defects so far, requiring a wheel alignment, and replacement of the transfer lever.

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Charles E. Smith - June 28 - 1:16 pm

  Since we have had this vehicle I dont know why we didnt buy one sooner. It has great acceleration, break stoping power, and has a very smooth ride. It corners easily.

• 

  Cant beat it for the Money! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Jonathan123 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  After four months of searching, I finally went with the Verona. During my arduous search, I compared Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, Kias, Hyundais, and all the american offerings and could not find a better car for the money. Though not as peppy as others, the comfort level and trim features placed the verona well ahead of the competition.

• 

  Do Not Buy! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By onesorrysuzukiowner - June 26 - 6:03 pm

  Living on a tight budget and needing a new car, I selected the 2006 Suzuki Forenza. I bought this car new with only 63 miles on it. After owning it for three days I have had rough idling / no start problems, the engine intermittingly trying to die while driving, and warning lights that appear then disappear. Please think twice before buying this car. I have had to get spark plugs and my new cars computer replaced only now to find out there is a glitch in the software program that downloads data into the cars computer. The company says that there is no fix for my car yet I have had to be the one to DEMAND a refund. I have had to get a rental and pay for their costly insurance . This car is no value for the money. Please be wary of this car!

• 

  Why the bad Rap? - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By Jen - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe all the negative reviews! Ive had mine 3 years and other than the occasional maintance and odd adjustments Ive really enjoyed driving this little beauty! Same problem with the locked Park they did a recall. I also had a problem with the convertable roof but with any convertable you can expect problems. I think overall the reliabiliy of the vehicle comes down to with a reliable dealership, quality of the vehicle and how well someone looks after their vehicle. You really have to think about what you are buying and why. If its a fun convertible that is great on gas - this is the vehicle for you!!