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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  I love my new Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By ybg9090 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. The car looks small from the outside however its so roomy. My salesman was 285lbs and about 6"2 and he had planty of room to move. Its very comfortable. The small amount of wood grain makes the car look classy but not gaudy. The car is inexpensive and great warranty. I absolutely love it.

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  Sweet Deal - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By z28missy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle offers the BEST value in its class. I test drove a lot of cars before this one, and just by sitting in it you will notice the difference in the quality. It feels sturdy and substantial. Not to mention it is quite good looking.

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  Fantasy Black Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Kathryn M - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. I love the buttons for the radio on the steering wheel. It looks and feels like a very pricy car when its not!

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  Zuki for 6 - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By patman - July 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this as an alternative to a minivan and large SUVs. We have been very happy with it. We use it to run around town with our 4 kids, friends, and all their stuff, and it works great. We have also taken it on trips, and it travels better than we expected.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SeattleSX4 - July 12 - 8:50 pm

  Handling is excellent. Steering provides excellent feedback and control in pointing the car where I want it to go. The acceleration is fine. From a standstill, I have no problems and it’s even quite peppy. The four-wheel disk brakes are excellent. Highway cruising is nice and quiet. Visibility is better than any other car I’ve ever driven. Gas mileage is not great, especially when driving up a lot of hills. I’ve gotten 18-27mph, with mostly 20-21mph. The front seats are very comfortable for both short and long trips. Lateral support is very good. Dash controls are large, easy to read, and easy to use with just a quick glance. Rear storage is decent and versatile.

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  Great! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dinakar - July 10 - 1:46 pm

  I was looking for a small four wheel drive SUV with enough power (6 Cyl) and thought that Toyotas RAV4 would meet my needs. However, I happened to pass by a Suzuki dealership and test drove the Grand Vitara. I bought the SUV the same day! It handles exceedingly well (specially around the curves) and has great safety features. The features that come standard with this SUV can only be found in expensive SUVs. I am certainly enjoying it.

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  What a great new car! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jim2491 - July 4 - 11:22 pm

  After test driving the new Sonata and Kia Optima I decided to buy the 2010 Kizashi and am thrilled I did! First 700 miles I am getting 26 mpg city. Only drove a few miles on the freeway so far and the car showed 36 mpg! This car isnt even broke in yet and is only rated 23/30 mpg but gets much better mpgs. Love the build quality, fit and finish, styling, handling, and quality of the interior materials. The seats are very comfortable and the ride is sporty but never harsh. Absorbs bumps very well and is very quiet at hwy speeds. Smooth and solid ride with very adequate power. This car is my "BMW" at a lot less money. A blast to drive! Find myself inventing places to go just to drive it.

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  Little but roomy - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Wasack - June 29 - 12:16 am

  Im a large man and getting in and out of the SX4 is a bit of a clown act but once inside its quite roomy and comfortable. Adequate leg room and I can even wear a cap if I so desire. Mileage has averaged 26/29. Slow down a bit and get 33mpg hwy. Handling is excellent even in windy conditions. Currently 24,000 on the clock and its not required any maintenance. The only thing irritating is the red panel lights. Very hard to see on sunny days. The steering wheel controls are not lit making their use difficult at night. Would I buy another one? You betcha! Great value for the dollar.

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  Does it get any better? - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By sal96 - June 28 - 2:17 am

  I bought my Aerio with 130k, and I couldnt be happier. The Four cylinder, is quiet, built well and doesnt lag. As with typical small japanese cars, required service is minimal, changing your oil, ATF (very important), brakes every 20k. When it comes time to do service like timing belt and alternator, it is still easier to do than many other vehicles. Headroom inside is very good

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  OUTSTANDING VALUE - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By matt67man - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I Purchased my Suzuki at Al Packer Suzuki in West Palm Beach Florida. Great people no pressure agreed to terms quickly. I disagree with the reviews comparing this vehcile to a honda CRV. In my case I compared it to a Honda Pilot. Very Close in almost ever catagory with the exception the Honda had a Power seat. In the end I did not see where the Honda was worth $6000 more. Would highly recomend this vehicle