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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  Awesome for the field - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By arcy - September 3 - 7:20 pm

  I bought the SGV for its "bring-it-on" performance and it delivers. Nothing can match the looks and the 4-mode drive-- having AWD and low range-is awesome. The SGV is at home in the city or for light off-roading. Its handling, build, safety, fit and finish are at a par with its closest competitors.

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  Love My Suzuki Aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By CrazyKitten - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Aerio, its a great car, big enough to move anything I need to but small enough to be cute. I would recommend them to anyone.

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  I love it! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Gerardo1967 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  September 2004. We choose this car mostly for the price/features offered. We already put 3500 miles on it and is great!. At first the transmision drove me crazy but after a while, it "learned" and is working fine now. Gas mileage is another history. Driving Hwy between 80 and 90 miles/hr cant get more than 21MPG.

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  Blends Sportiness, Utility, Economy, and Safety - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Wayne S - August 27 - 6:20 am

  I have 1,300 miles on my SX4 Sport, manual. It has been getting 23 to 25 mpg in town, no stop n go for my town. I have not taken any long trips in it, but get ~26 mpg at 75 mph. Its ride, handling, noise levels are all very good for its class. Its snow performance over the past two days was very good. The stereo system for 50 year-old ears is more than adequate. the ease of getting in and out is wonderful for this class. Its visibility is generally very good. Its storage / hauling capability should cover 95% of my needs. I traded in a 2001 Honda Prelude for it. I gave up the sweet Honda engine performance. I gained all weather capability, easier exit, better visibility (seeing / being seen), quieter, conveniences, safety, and passenger / cargo space. Its gas mileage and handling in normal city / highway conditions seem essentially equal.

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Carmelo - August 21 - 6:40 pm

  I normally drive a Dodge RAM 1500 with a Hemi. I was very skeptical about going to a small car. This car was the funnest to drive in the class and also the most competitively priced compared to Honda and Toyota. I got the bluetooth, Ipod, and XM adapter as well. That was what sold me on this car. It had all the electronic gadgets that i need for the car. Overall it is the best in class for sure.

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  The Little BIG Car! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jess - August 20 - 9:06 pm

  After renting two Aerios, once to drivefrom Seattle to Portland, OR, and back, and second to use for a week in Palm Springs, CA, I literally fell in love with this powerful, frisky, solid, and adorable car! I owned a high end Cadillac, and longed for a reason to move to Suzuki. Even bought an extended warranty, and plan to drive this equisite and personable charmer as long as its willing to go . . .It sucks up everything on the highway, and also slides easily into tight city parking. Heartily recommend!!

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  02 XL7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By gbt - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have a 02, not a 03. Handles great. My last two SUVs were Jeep Grand Cherokees. Jeep obviously roomier but XL7 handles much better and fun to drive.

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  Good Alternative - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By John K - August 13 - 10:36 am

  Overall the Suzuki Grand Vitara offers more value for the dollar compared to the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4. Its gas mileage, ~ 19 mpg city, is about the only negative on this vehicle. The quality, ride, handling, braking, controls, etc are excellent.

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  Solid choice for low price - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By shermsgirl - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is beyond our expectations. It handles light and easy, great mileage (27 MPG w/ 5,000 miles to date), solid build. Love the GPS with bluetooth. We also find the unlocking feature without the key very convenient. Our Honda CR-V was a big disappointment compared to this car.

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  2 years and still loving it - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By zuki owner - August 9 - 10:33 am

  Only complaint is that the leather seats seem to be a downgrade from the cloth seats. Yes, they are leather, but not as substantial as the cloth. Drives well in all climate conditions. Live in snow and ice prone north east, its a little bear in the winter. I upgraded tires off the lot, I always do. Need snow and mud tires where I live not the all season radials. replaced the floor mats this winter, they should come with Mud mats in North East versus the thin carpet mats. 3 rd winter and still loving it.