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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  Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 "worth a look!" - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By qwag - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Suburban to the Suzuki, so there was an obvious "change". But the mileage, steady secure ride & handling, accleration (w/V6) vision, extra 3rd row of rear seats, are all VERY good. This IS NOT a "luxury" SUV, but a great mid-sized SUV, thats modestly appointed. Especially, when you consider that I went from a $40K vehicle to one costing $20K. I am very pleased with this vehicle..and 1/2 the payment & gas reqirement!

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  Amazing Value - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Jay - July 11 - 11:26 pm

  This is my first Suzuki vehicle. I owned a 02 Passat before, and wanted a more reliable & newer vehicle. However I didnt want to give up too many features. After test driving the SX4, I instantly became a fan. I love the small size of the car. Very easy to park and fun to drive. The AWD is outstanding in the snow. Love that it can be turned off to save fuel. Exterior design is unique & looks very European. The cloth seats are much more comfortable than the leather in my Passat. Road & engine noise are somewhat intrusive. Interior is comprised of hard plastics, however they have a high quality texture. The SX4s engine is sufficient for a 4-cyl. Im obtaining around 25 mpg overall

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  Good Value for the Price - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By mswillard - July 11 - 6:33 pm

  Overall this car is a good value for the money. We bought this car on functionality and overall price. We have been fairly pleased. The car performs more or less as promised. Handling is good and power is ok. The mpg has been less than average in the city and better than average on the highway. The car get 15-16 in the city for us, but over 30 on the highway. We have had to take the car in 3 times in less than two years. The orginal tires where horrible, felt like they were out of balance and this grew worse with time. Two times they checked the balance issue, stating it was a tire issue. This has been fixed with different tires. Also we have had a cold idle issue too. 16,000 mi.

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  happy/unhappy - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By terry goins - July 11 - 10:03 am

  miles good/gas good ride is great.body work could have been better,bumpers front and back had to replace both too low to ground.radio,cd player out sometimes the radio will come on but not stay on station.has to replace four other parts,i change my all my oils and fluides on reg basis.wheel bearings out on front wheel hard to find parts.

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  Mixed Breed - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By paul wernich - June 24 - 9:26 pm

  I had researched this car and found it interesting that it was sold by a Japanese company, built in Korea, designed by the Italians, and the parent company (GM) was American. In any case the car is solid, attractive, affordable, and loaded with features. I have the 5-speed manual and it drives and handles quite well. After nearly eight months Ive only had a few problems. The brakes had to be adjusted because the car was shaking when I went to stop, the passenger air-bag sensor was bad and the entire seat had to be replaced, the driver side seat fabric came loose at the bottom, and the steering wheel makes noise when I turn. Overall, I am very pleased with my Forenza.

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  Best Value - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By paul H - June 23 - 10:00 am

  If you are going off road or on the beach, this is truly best bang for the buck.

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  Im Gonna Be (5000 Miles) a Proclaimer - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Mark - June 22 - 6:50 am

  After 5000 miles of service, I am ready to extol the virtues of the SX4 and thereby boast of my own savvy for selecting remarkable automotive value. The SX4 is decently bigger than it photographs; though 4in narrower and 3ft shorter, it comes surprisingly close to having the same passenger and cargo volume of the Mercury Sable that it displaced for this family of five! The 11 gal gas tank reads "empty" after using just nine, accelerating up a hill from a dead stop takes patience, and iAWD with ESP is the new black.

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  Happy Anniversary, Suzi - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By RAYT721 - June 14 - 6:40 pm

  Our first year anniversary with the car just passed on Feb 5th. Im upset that we missed the tax credit by 12 days or so but got a great price on the car ... around $12,000 new with only 8 miles on it. I cant say about the airbag issue that others mentioned but would be a concern. The gas mileage is fine for my family ... 10K average yearly miles, around 20 mpg. I mostly drive city. I would recommend the car to others. The car came loaded with air, CD, defroster, cruise, etc. We got a 6% interest rate through credit union because the purchase price had built in equity. Former car was a Hyundai Accent. I liked that one too. For me a car is transportation, not for status.

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  Love...no...Like It - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Bored Honda Honey - June 10 - 8:43 am

  I just purchased this car a few days ago and I read the reviews that were writen here before I purchased. (Thank you all). My 2002 Civic was totaled and the best part is it was paid for. This car is cheap but some of the features make it not as boring as the Civic. They are both noisy but this car is more fun to drive. I have not had the starting problem reported in other reviews. It may have been worked out by the previous owner. I am not in love with it, but I like it. I drove to an event and when my friend go in she immediately commented on the increase in comfort/space over the Civic. Great choice for a first car for your teen.

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  Great value, not a great car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Marker55 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Not for tall people Rear seats uncomfotable Best value for the dollar, but wtch the 23mpg on hwy