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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  Great SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By James - March 20 - 9:10 pm

  I decided to write a review as I kept seeing lower reviews for this model. I have no idea why. I have owed over 15 cars (all new over the years), and this is a nice SUV. In over 60,000 miles, I have not had to take the car in for any type of warranty work at all. Just the normal oil & lubes and maintenance. My front brakes finally had to be replaced at around 42,000. My only complaint is that the MPG is too low for this size SUV with a 6 cylinder. I get a combined of around 18. I feel it should get at least 20. Other than that, the pricing was great and I have absolutely no complaints.

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  Great Economical Car - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By V De - March 20 - 11:50 am

  You get a lot for your money with this car. No, it doesnt have the greatest pick up but, the ride is smooth and quiet. It handles well on the curves also. The interior is plush and comfortable. Great car for the price.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Sandra Andrade - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Loved my Grand Vitara when I bought it new. Now have 65K+ miles on it, have replaced a headlight bulb, dome bulb has burned out, replaced tires at 40K miles, 3 recalls, and recently power steering rack had to be replaced. Had to replace strut mount bearings as well. It also smells musty every time it rains, but cannot find where any water is coming in. Would not buy another Suzuki. Owned a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick for 4 years, and absolutely loved it, no problems at all. Disappointed in my Grand Vitara. Road noise is also very loud..seems to get worse as miles are added to vehicle.

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  Good snow car but rattles - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By mountainlife - March 6 - 4:50 am

  This is the second Suzuki I have owned. The first one (Sidekick) was tough as nails and very reliable. We put over 100k tough miles on it with virtual no repairs. I hope the same for this one. The engine takes a while to break in and I have noticed an increase in mileage and performance after ~20k miles. It is not quick but will pull the 10 mile grade up to my house with the cruise on and set to 70 mph. I live in the mountains and it really snows up here. The factory tires were terrible and wore out quickly. I replaced them with Michelins which are great. The car rides and handles great but it has several rattles after one year. For the money it is a good buy but I just hate rattles.

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  Suzuki - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By fredman - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall pretty good. Ride is very harsh in cold weather, more tolerable in warm. After 14,500 miles, dash rattles a little. Paint job still looks new. Rest of vehicle is solid. Never been off road. Very little highway miles.

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  Not too Shabby - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By tiffany - February 25 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this car new after months of looking online at CPO / used cars. I actually got it for well below invoice price, which was one major reason that I purchased it. I am pleasantly surprised by the quality and performance of it. The interior is simple yet stylish, and has plenty of room. The exterior is a sleek, European hatchback look. There are great features included for the price. I am actually pretty happy with my purchase. The only thing I am disappointed in is the fuel economy. A car this small should be able to get more than 22 mpg (city). My 03 Honda Civic gets 29 mpg.

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  Durable but Needs to have a Better Ride - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Trish - February 15 - 10:10 pm

  I enjoy driving my XL-7 around town but do not like taking it on long trips due to the rough ride. The ride is very bumpy and uncomfortable. I read that the 07 model will have a smoother ride. If thats the case I wouldnt hesitate to consider purchasing one. The price and warranty are good. Its reliability is good. I have not had any problems.

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  OK vehicle - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Kurt - February 11 - 11:06 am

  SX4 is a decent vehicle. Build quality is good,ride is OK. Power isnt very good so we have a lot of 1st gear hills around us. Its not a high end vehicle but for the price its servicable.

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  LOVE IT!! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By tyjames13 - February 10 - 9:36 am

  iv had my grand vitara for about a year now and im very happy i bought it. When i first bought it the headlights were dual but i bought new sylvania head lights and they work great. love the AWD love turning corners way to fast! engine looks and sound great. im always getting complements on how it looks as well. i take it off roading pretty frequently and she loves it. my grand vitara now has 65,000 miles on it and still runs like brand new! i also love the leather, heated seats and moon roof, makes driving my car more fun..i have had a couple cars before, a 2002 chevy trailblazer LTZ, a 2006 toyota highlander, a 2008 hyundia elantra and now my suzuki. im 19 years old and im in love with it

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  2006 Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By KZ - February 7 - 5:13 am

  The Grand Vitara has great handling, pickup speed, is roomy, it is really fun to drive with all the comforts of a luxury vehicle. The downside is that its a gas hog.