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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  Very bad experience - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By chris - June 25 - 7:20 am

  Bought the vehicle a few months ago and had nothing but problems with it. Engine smoked twice, brought it to the dealership and they supposeably fixed problem..master cylinder. Engine caught on fire a few nights ago and doors automatically locked myself and passenger inside. Horrible experience, were okay but truck was destroyed by fire. Suspected defective parts in engine. I wouldnt recommend this truck. Also the trim work kept falling off, was replaced twice. Glued on numerous times.

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  2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By newcar1 - June 24 - 2:13 pm

  I absolutely love the way this car drives. Acceleration is well balanced. When you are driving this car you will feel like you are floating. Very smooth.

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  Forenza - Another Citrus Fruit - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By J - June 24 - 8:43 am

  At 6,000 miles, my 2005 Suzuki Forenza needed a new oil pump. At 9,000 miles, it needed a new transmission. No wonder Suzuki touts the best warranty coverage in America. If you buy one.........youre going to need it!

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  WARNING: WORST CAR EVER OWNED! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By chelbel4 - June 22 - 7:53 am

  I have had this car less the three years and have had over 8 major problems! Everything brakes all the time and not the regular ware and tare. The gas tank had problems, the windshield montior already went, door handle broke, the rims crack if you hit a pothole and the check engine light is always on due to default censors. Plus the dealers, service dept. and customer serivce are uncaring and unhelpful.

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  Refinements Abound - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By andy - June 18 - 1:13 pm

  My third Suzuki (Esteem, Aerio, now SX4) sedan. This is essentially an Aerio with all the needed refinements: shorter stick throw, stronger brakes (ABS), variable intermittent wipers, improved cornering stability, quieter all around, smoother engine, improved front bumper clearance, improved gas mileage (running 31.5 mpg all around with gentle driving), stronger AC, paint seems to hold the turtle wax better. Gearing is shorter so expect frequent up shifting BUT much stronger at lower RPMs so less frequent down shifting on inclines . Excellent road manners as high as 75 mph. No problems after 6 months and 3800 miles.

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  soooo fun to drive!! - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dkmc03 - June 17 - 7:00 pm

  This is the first SUV i have ever bought and so far, i love it! got rid of my van and bought this, i love being able to whip in to parking spaces with so much ease. Handles great on dry roads as well as in the rain. very roomy, great for my family of four. the back door opening like a regular door is great for getting groceries out with the garage door shut, i could not ever do that with the hatchback door on that van! great family car and i love the way it looks!

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  Impressions - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Toby Michael - June 17 - 10:00 am

  My first impression: I didnt like it. Then I saw it in person and drove it. Second impression: I bought it 2 days later. Its an incredible little car. It looks so much nicer than the others in this segment, at least in my opinion. Coming out of a Pontiac Sunfire Convertible, Im amazed at this cars excellent feel.

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  So you thought they only made cycles! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By hkufahl - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought the base model MSRP $14,999, $12,999 after $2,000 rebate and dealer cash. What more could you ask for, mileage, interior room, performance, driveability, and warranty? All areas better than I expected. It seems that you either like the styling or hate it. Keep an eye on Suzuki, they are going to give Toyota and Honda a run for their money.

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  EX 4WD Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Di-Jo - June 13 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my Grand Vitara yesterday. I have only driven it home and to work today. So far, I love the way it handles and the convenience of all the controls. I have been looking around a while for a good, clean Grand Vitara and finally found one. Its great and just what I wanted with the 4x4 option.

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  Biggest Lemon known to mankind!!!!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Vnelly1 - June 13 - 3:40 am

  I purchased this vehicle in 11/08 and have had about 1 month of worry free driving. This car is a screaming nightmare!!! Hesitating, stalling and jerking. I am so thoroughly disappointed with this vehicle - my 94 Pontiac Grand Prix ran better than clink. Never again!!!!!