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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  Best for the money - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By aerio_sx_man - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Well, its only been three days since I purchased it, but I spent probably 40 hours researching this vehicle. What I needed was a second car that could get me to the airport weekly, make an occassional cross state drive (3 hours), and have the room for 2 adults and 2 small children when needed in a pinch. NOt mention the ability to drop the rear seats and create a huge bed for furniture, supplies or whatnot. This is that vehicle. I got rid of a 95 Taurus sedan for the Aerio SX AWD. Its economical, its inexpensive, and with the 0% interest from Suzuki, it makes a compelling story to buy new vehicle versus used. Just my .02 cents.

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  great so far - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By tcw - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Only minor complaints. Wish it got more than 25mpg. Wish seats were a little softer. Otherwise, great deal, great car so far. I hope the quality it seems to have means it will last as long as Id like it to! Smooth transmission.

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  First Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By 4u2nv - May 22 - 2:00 am

  First time Suzuki owner. It has plenty of power and is fun to drive. Only been back to the dealer for a seat belt replacement. Would not retract. Lots of snow in this area. No problem with this baby getting around. Shift to 4 wheel on the fly is super. Would buy another one in a minute.

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  My new license plate: MYVRONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JR Hersch - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After back surgery, I was needing to trade my truck in for something more comfortable and easy on the pocketbook to drive. Im married with no kids and was actually going to the dealership to look at a used 2-door Pontiac Grand Prix. Boy am I glad the sales staff showed me this fantastic car! The EX is great on the budget and my back!

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  Car Has a Hard Time Starting! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By valerie - May 20 - 3:10 am

  I bought my car brand new in June of this year and it has been in and out of the shop for 53 days. They have put new spark plugs and a new computer and it still diont want to work. I have been just getting the run around fron Suzuki and my dealership.

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  Driving a Death Trap - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By pegasus2017 - May 18 - 10:39 pm

  The car bucks and sputters and stalls when Im not giving it enough gas. The problem is the Throttle Body which becomes contaminated with coolant and cant regulate the cars idle. Its been replaced 3 times, but they havent found where the coolant is leaking, so it happens repeatedly. A rep from California was involved, and oversaw the last repair, which lasted 7 months, and then it started again. This time they washed their hands of me, and my dealer told me they cant do anymore. Ill never buy Suzuki again. My little boy has Cancer and we have to drive an hour each way for chemo every week. I have to drive with one foot on the gas and one on the brake. This cars a death trap.

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  Wow, lots of bad reviews here - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By bb4t - May 10 - 11:14 am

  After driving it for a week, the clutch plate was slipping according to them so they fix it for free of course. Since then, the car has been great. I now have 95,000 miles and I literally have done nothing to it expect oil changes! My battery lasted until 94,000 miles! Sure I have issues...need rear shocks replaced, leaking a little antifreeze but hey, I aint paying for it if I dont need to. I actually prefer a small antifreeze leak, it saves me from spending hundreds of dollars flushing the system. I love driving this car with a manual. Those of you burning through tires, I do too but thats bc I like driving rough. You can get different tires with more tread if youre concerned.

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  need more thinking - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By skp - May 9 - 10:00 am

  after using this car for one year i dont like the brake because it makes a thump when you push hard on it. tires and suspension are hard going over bumps. the engine is so noisy when trying to push the car. the interior is not well thought of. it has a spot for a digital clock in the dash but nothing is there just a whole.

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  Great car for the money - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By kccarco - May 6 - 8:50 am

  Just took delivery of a GTS FWD 6- speed. Cant believe its a Suzuki. What amazes me is the fit and finish of this car as well as the quiet and smooth ride. This thing has so many standard features for what you have to pay. Plenty of power, Great gas mileage, Rockford Fosgate Sound. Push button start, power memory seat, and the list goes on. Do yourself a favor and drive one of these things before you decide on anything else.

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  Keep the Gas Stations in view - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Steve - May 5 - 9:40 pm

  Nice package with all the LX or EX models. In a real city , Chicago, with the 4 speed auto trans, keep your wallet and gas stations in view. Gas mileage miserable at 13.5 to 14.5 mpg. This is a real shame for otherwise a nice vehicle and what could have been an excellent value. Forenza Wagon LX with 4 speed auto and 4 wheel abs.