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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  Keep the Gas Stations in view - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Steve - May 5 - 6:20 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.

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  Beautifully done for a cute ute - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By CD Ottawa, Canada - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Does everything well: handles, rides, easy to drive, hauls, pulls. Pricing is though to beat. Tried many others, but this one fitted like a glove. RPM too high at highway speed though engine is smooth and quiet. Good quality fabrics and plastics. Dont have 3rd row therefore 2nd row should slide rearward a bit more. A bit too thursty for a small V6. Hatchdoor swings on the wrong side, should have lift glass to compensate. GOOD ventilation. Truly civilized for an offroader. Not the vehicule your neighbours will apreciate but boy you sure will.

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  Good SUV But Needs Some Refinement - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Samuel B - May 4 - 11:10 pm

  As one previous reviewer noted, the Suzuki XL7 is one of the best kept secrets in SUVs. I purchased mine fully loaded for almost $5K less than the sticker price. It is a very comfortable car to drive and hasnt given me any problems yet, but the engine is only adequate and gas mileage is poor. Some of the features on the XL7 leave a lot to be desired as well. You need an engineering degree to figure out how to fold down the center seat, and the steering wheel mounted auio controls are so inconvenient that its easier to reach over to the radio.

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  Love This Car - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By bill - May 4 - 3:33 pm

  I thinks this car is a gem. I have never owned a Suzuki before only Mazdas. I think this vehicle is wonderful, the acceleration is great. I mean its not a sports car but it does the job. I also think the safety features are great. So if you are looking for a new car I would recommend this one. And as for the other posts about the gas mileage, this car has phenomenal gas mileage.

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  Convertible SUV??? - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By Cars4me89 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  It was a total mistake to purchase this car. The guy told me that the top was easy to put down and really fun with it down. Its nearly impossible to get it down. I hate this car. Its an imbarresment to own and my daughter thinks that it is pretty cool, though. The engine is so weak and a stick shift? Who the heck puts a stick shift in an SUV? At least it is a 5 speed.

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  alot for a little - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By dave johnson - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I think they did a great job. For the money the car has everything I need Lots of room.Good looks. Pepy engine. list of standard features like CD Radio,kicken speakers,digital dash.rear floor heat,theatre seating {kids and rear passengers less likely to get car sick because of better visability}and my list could go on forever

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  i like it. - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By rachel - April 30 - 1:36 pm

  before purchasing my suzuki forenza s, i drove a 1993 ford probe. so getting the suzuki was a step up. my 50+ conservative, typical know it all, car loving dad loves my suzuki. its a wonderful car. i commute back and forth to school 30 miles each way and it makes the trip much more enjoyable and bearable. i can drive in the rain with ease because of some special feature on the car. i havent tested in the snow yet, but im sure ill do fine.

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  Good Vehicle - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Grand Junction - April 29 - 2:26 pm

  Good Vehicle...........reliability with good looks

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  Great car to have - 2000 Suzuki Swift
  By urinvestigator - April 27 - 11:47 pm

  I bought this 2000 model Chevy Metro / Suzuki Swift with 1.3 L-4 Engine and 5 speed trans. It has been great for the past 10 years. I took it any where and it just keeps running without giving me any problem. Every week it costs me less than $30 gas (even with todays gas price). I only changed her tire, and brakes. Thats all I have to do besides change oil every 3000 miles. I have put 158,0000 miles on and that car still gives me 43 MPG on highway and 36 MPG in city. I just love this car.

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  My Suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Rhonda Gordon - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I needed an a new automobile to recieve high mileage and to be able to use on trips or just every life for a running family.