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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  Ok Vehicle, would rather have different - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By PM - December 11 - 3:53 am

  This car has been dependable since I got it, of course it only had 6 miles and was new. I dont like the slow acceleration, and rough handling on bumps. I think the car gets good speed once it is pushed and broken in. The gas does not justice, I had way better usage in my V6 Pontiac Grand Prix then this little 4 cylinder. I wish I would of taken better looks into it and not have let the warranty win me over cause now I want another car so bad and I dont want this car.

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  Rides too low - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By d..a. - December 9 - 4:43 am

  The Suzuki Forenza rides very low, plus there is a obvious lack of respect from other drivers on the road. I feel inferior. The gas mileage is disappointing at 24 mpg overall. I expected 27-28. If I had a do over, I would have purchased a Suzuki Aerio SX. It is really nice and is much taller and made better, in the US instead of in Korea. Or perhaps I would have bought a Toyota Matrix. Also, I have learned that Suzuki dealerships, I have gone to three of them, are not very professional or knowledgeable about their vehicles. I had questions about synthetic oil and some other stuff and they gave me the wrong info. I tried to trade my Forenza back in after only four months and Suzuki wouldnt give me anything for my car. They did not want it back.

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  Suzuki Forenza - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By kevin - November 25 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car for work. I drive 134 miles per day to and from work. This car is not roomy enough and does not get very good gas millage on open highway. At 70 miles per hour I average just under 27 miles per gallon. My driving is all highway, with only 4 lights each way. I am not very happy with this performance, but the dealership says it is within the specs.

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  Poor Choice for Your Kids - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Mic - November 23 - 10:00 pm

  This car has been a real dog from the beginning. The only good thing is its under warranty for 9,000 more miles. However, I doubt we will keep it that long. We have had repeated problems with three different sensors and had to issue a complaint to obtain a car to drive while mine was being serviced because of its poor quality. You couldnt give me one of these things.

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  XL-7 review - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By lara - November 12 - 2:10 pm

  I am so disappointed with this vehicle. The third row is too small for even my children to fit comfortably. The car has electrical problems, the keyless entry doesnt work, my interior light and headlights go out frequently and need to be replaced. I have had problems with my brakes (I dont know if its the car or the place that keeps fixing them).

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  Upgrades - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By djcs - November 9 - 3:33 pm

  The Suzuki Aerio seems to have no power and no leg room. The engine size needs to be a 2.8 liter or larger. This will give much better gas mileage and power to pick up speed due to the wieght of the vehicle. The steering wheel needs to be raised more up words. The dash board could have more features. GPS maybe. This is a family station wagon. The family needs to be safe and know where they are going.

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  Sucks - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By moniques - October 11 - 1:14 am

  This is the worst car...I have a 2006 and I have had it since 2008...it only had 20000 and I have put power steering pump-900..trans senstors--400..3 timing belts--150each...3 oil leaks--total of 450 and now the timing chain has poped and i need a new engine and cant afford it..thanks Suzuki..oh and the door handles break inside.. and it has bad gas mil and the tires wear down... Whoo I wish I could throw it back at the dealers..if you ever see me driving another Suzuki please know I must of won it

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  Sub-Toyota Quality - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By tucsonics - September 20 - 3:56 pm

  The quality sucks. I had to have the water pump replaced, engine mounts replaced, right axel replaced, and only have 99k miles. The front spoiler is too low, and got hooked on many curbs. Its trashed and costs $800 to replace. Not worth it. Poor paint job, scratches off easy to reveal black primer on bumpers.

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  Dont buy this car! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By pappy - September 15 - 4:23 pm

  When I bought this car new, it didnt seem too bad, but man was I mistaken! This car is rough and shoddy. After the initial 500 miles were put on, any semblance of confidence in it was worn off. Ill spare the details and just go on to two main points. First, the value has dropped like a rock. Second, anytime something needs done to this car, you better be ready to wait for the part to come in and be ready to pay through the nose for it. I just got the brakes done - discs were $90/each and I had to wait a week. Call your tire stores and find out how many of them stock 195/55R15 tires. Few, if any will Im sure. Save some dough and frustration: buy a 5 year old Civic.

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  cant wait til i get rid of it!! - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By tpiantedosi - September 4 - 12:23 am

  I own a 2001 XL7. I have had many problems from day one. Within the 1st few weeks I had a transmition leak. Which the dealer fixed. After only 2 years and 24000 miles the tires were bald. Though was told that it was not a suzuki problem. (though it is known that the tires are horrible on the XL7). I recently lost the gas door cover because the clamp inside rotted. Though again not the dealers problem. The 3rd row seat is unusable. Children barely fit never mind and adult. And the gas mileage is horrible. The inside is cheap looking. But it does have many cup holders and a light in the ashtray. I would not recommend this SUV. Instead get a Toyato Rav 4. Had that before.