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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  Great car for the price - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By RCLyons - August 30 - 2:00 am

  For the price this is a great little SUV. Just dont expect a volvo ride and solidness. Ive had it four years. Had 2 recalls done - no problems except occasionally the air bag light comes on dimly during drives. Dealer couldnt find problem. Overall you get a lot more car for your money.

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  spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By nunno - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE ONE MONTH NOW ANDE I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH IT. WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST THE SUZUKI CORPORATION HAS EVER DONE. THIS IS MY 4TH SUZUKI AND I AM TOTALLY HAPPY. I OWNED A1996 SIDEKICK, A 1999 GRAND VITARA, A 2002 XL-7 AND NOW A 2004 EX111 AND THIS IS THE BEST ONE YET. THANK YOU SUZUKI!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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  Better than experts say it is - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By Don - August 27 - 2:20 am

  I just purchased this vehicle but thought it odd there were no reviews from users on this vehicle (expert reviews are unkind). It truly is a bargain and drove every bit as well as a Ford Focus. Yes it is basic but for $240 a month for 60 months and 0 down how can you go wrong especially with the warranty this manufacturer offers. We all are facing some realities with gas prices escalating and while the given mileage specs arent overly impressive most people are getting better than posted mileage. The interior is very nice a pleasent surprise This is the first time I have considered a compact car and I will be ok with this. I didnt feel silly in it and the Suzuki moniker adds intrigue

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  So Far a Great Vehicle! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By PackagingPro - August 26 - 9:20 pm

  I was hesitant to buy this vehicle. I am really impressed overall with the levels of comfort and features. It has two minor flaws: 1) higher road and engine noise than I expected. 2) Window on tailgate doesnt open. Overall I would recomend this vehicle.

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  Suzuki Sx4 Review - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By bblessing - August 16 - 7:43 pm

  I have always been an owner of a Nissan vehicle and I thought it was time for a change; thats where the Suzuki SX4 comes in! I saw a picture of it on a local website and it had me intrigued from the start. Its a very small vehicle compared to what I normally buy, but dont let the small size fool you. I am six foot and I have plenty of room and do not feel cramped at all. I live in a small populated area where the nearest city is thirty minutes away and I enjoy the ride every time, especially with how good the car is on gas and how smooth it rides. The smooth driving of the vehicle definitely makes the long rides more enjoyable. I can make sharp turns wit

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  Good Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By nevadaboy - August 5 - 2:43 pm

  Its a good car. Although, when we went on vacation and unplugged the battery cable and came back and plugged it back in, the stereo was locked. Now we cant use the stereo - its locked forever!

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  Great Compact SUV with a third seat - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ahme - August 2 - 3:26 am

  This is a great SUV if you need room for 5. It has a very competitive price for a small budget. It is a strong compact SUV on a truck base. It has many built in features at no additional cost (anti-lock brakes, CD player with in steering wheel remote, climate control A/C).

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  Great Car for the money. - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Drumscansing - July 30 - 3:23 am

  I have owned this vehicle for two years and have not had any problems with it. I get between 21 and 25 miles per gallon. The engine is plenty powerfull for this car. If you want a small SUV this is a good choice. If you want a sportscar or an SUV that rides like a Caddy...this is not the car for you. I think the person that rated this car a 1.1 must have had a bad experience and should have bought a more expensive, larger car. This is a great car for the money! I have never had a car that "Held" its value! I have had to sell each one of them at a loss or traded-it in on a new car.

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  2011 Equator Suzuki RMZ OFFROAD - 2011 Suzuki Equator
  By themouas - July 29 - 12:16 am

  I purchased this vehicle for multipurpose usage, I love it, except the ABLS function. I wish its more aggressive, it would improve its off roading capability and I wish it was a few inches taller.

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  Janets Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jimmy Hembree - July 17 - 9:40 am

  My Forenza is eye catching, the ride is good, the handling is good, the interior is good, but the engine performance is lacking. Plus it onlu has average fuel ecomomy. Its feels more comfortable crusing at high speeds. The car has been in the shop twice, other than for regular service; once for the drivers side air bag light, and the second time for the drivers side air bag light and for an entire A/C system failure.