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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  Bang for your Buck - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Chris - April 7 - 3:40 am

  Great price on a well built sedan. We were reluctant at first even consider a Suzuki, but after taking it on a long road trip, we were pleasantly suprised about how well it handled, gas mileage, and its smooth ride. The only drawback is the lack of cruise control. By far, you get a lot of car for your money. Very satisified with this purchase.

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  Run around, over and through - 2000 Suzuki Vitara
  By JM Hufstedler - April 2 - 9:33 pm

  I bought my Suzuki with 850 miles on it and after 4 years and 60,000 miles it has never disappointed me once. Not in snow, heat, short jaunts or long highway trips. The back seat is cramped, but theres tons of headroom and at 61" I always have plenty of leg room in either of the front seats. Ive had no body or engine complaints, and the interior material is incredibly durable and cleans up nicely.

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  Better at some things than other - 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By hunqapillar - March 27 - 10:08 am

  We bought a lightly used 2011 GV Limited with 5700 miles on the odo. After two months of owning it and another 1500 miles on the odometer weve discovered what we like and what we dont. First off, we love the looks. We love that it is NOT just another RAV4, CRV, or Forester that everyone else around here owns. Seats are comfortable, stereo is good, standard GPS is a nice touch. The ride is a bit rough but manageable. Rear seat is more cramped and the cargo space is lacking compared to our Forester. Gas mileage SUCKS!! It was a compromise taking the hit on mpgs compared to the Subaru we traded in, but we are not even getting the listed mpg. Mixed city/hwy of 16-17. Good car for the $$.

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  Suzuki Warranty Issues - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Cindy - March 26 - 7:13 am

  My SX4 has an AC problem and I have standing water in the passenger side of the car. This isnt enough to affect my opinion of the SX4. In general I have been very happy and enjoy driving the car. I am however very disappointed in Suzuki. Since purchasing my vehicle the dealership in my area has closed. My only option is to drive 60 miles for service. This in itself would be acceptable BUT Suzuki will not assist in assuring I have a vehicle to drive while my car is being serviced and the dealership isnt going to use the courtisy shuttle to drive me 60 miles to my home so I am basically left stranded and praying the vehicle issue can be resolved in one day.

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  Interior great (except display panel) - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By acechikita - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Okay, you have to understand I purchased this car for economical reasons. I drove an Integra that was quick and love to drive fast. This car is fairly zippy for fun driving downtown and is comfortable on highways. Its faster thasn the Protege 5, Toyota Camry and cheaper than a Civc once you add all of the sporty features. Id like to try and sell it before my lease is up so I hope it holds its value well!

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  So unreliable it is scary - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jessica - March 22 - 3:23 am

  I bought the car a little over a month ago. About two to three weeks after I bought the car, I went into the store for groceries and came back out to have the car not start at all. When I turned the key, the car didnt even make a sound like it was trying to turn over. Had to get car jumped. Bought new battery thinking that was the problem. Hours later I went out for something and it did it again. Had car into dealership the next day and they couldnt figure out what was wrong with it. I traded in a Ford Escort for this. I miss my old car. I drive with a jump box now and have to use it to start the car sometimes. Im scared Ill get stranded somewhere.

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  Good value - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mike - March 20 - 2:53 am

  Its a fun little SUV to drive. Great on snow and off road. Not too good from 0 to 60, a bit slow off the start. Gas mileage not the greatest. But has lots of standard features than most SUVs for a great price. Almost all options except sunroof. Its two years later and never had a problem.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Phil Dee - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a smaller SUV that would move more than 5 people occasionally. This has worked just as we had expected. Its not built to be the big 7 passenger SUV - it works for a mix of adults & kids. The ride is great and the features more than adequate, all for a reasonable price! It might not be suitable for larger people, but its exactly what we were looking for.

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  good car watch resale value - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By belden - March 5 - 8:00 pm

  Have enjoyed this car. Moves well although not so fast at picking up speed and up major hills works hard. Winshield defrost is not so good. The left and right sides of windshiel do not defrost well. Usually have to scrape when frosted. Side mirrors not too stable, jiggle in the wind. Overall, decent car if you can get at a decent price.

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  My Esteem - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By vmartin_12 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my Esteem, I understand what are made for. For the money you paid, and is lookin for a car cause hes last one was crash, like mine... is a best buy. You get a lot of thing for a few bucks.