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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  Lots of engine noise, very low power - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Bill Pearson - April 26 - 6:13 am

  Severly lacking in power. Lousy gas milage for a car of this size. My 2001 Lincoln Town Car gets as good or better gas milage in town & on the hwy. This car is somewhat unstable on the road. It gets blown around by trucks. Seems to veer a little for no apparent reason. Pulls to right on initial acceleration. No longer own this pigeon.

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  Best fit my needs. - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By hj - April 24 - 9:30 pm

  I wanted a vehicle that was 4wd, got reasonable fuel ecomomy, could tow behind motor home, ample power, reliable, hunt in, drive across the USA w/o being beat to death, had plenty of headroom. This fit the bill. I have replaced the clutch, front wheel bearings, fan cooling clutch, reworked brakes, and replaced ignition coils. At 144000 mi. and 12 yrs. going strong!

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  Great SUV for the Price - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By bookburner451 - April 23 - 7:26 pm

  I needed a bigger vehicle for family transport. The XL-7 seats 7 (five adults+ 2 kids in the 3rd row) comfortably with luggage. Its great for trips to the grocery store. This truck is fun to drive and looks sharp, but needs to get better gas mileage (17 mpg).

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  NO MORE AMERICAN AUTOS 4 ME - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By mike tess - April 21 - 10:00 am

  after years of putting up with problem after problem with my ford taurus and ford expedition i totally give up with american cars, especially ford! i love this mini suv, a super great value, fully loaded, peppy engine, great looks, drives great, handles well, all around quality. well thought out. and you dont see one every other block

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  My New CVT/SLS Kizashi !! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Pete - April 21 - 5:10 am

  So Far So VERY Good...Performance & Speed sneeks up on you. 80MPH arrives with out you realizing its there. My only Con about the car so far is the CVT while in "Drive" mode tends to upshift you into 6th gear WAY too soon, and if youre not heavy with your right foot, it tends to Bog down. However, in Manual mode, where "YOU" make the shifts, the accelaration for this 2.4 Engine is Amazing 3rd & 4th gears..even 5th are Great for on ramps & passing..6th is a Take it easy overdrive. The interior is that of a 40k car of quality..overall Suzuki has a Winner...Tome will tell..I cant wait for the Aftermarket on this Car !!

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  Good commuter for young drivers. - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By alessing - April 19 - 10:06 am

  I had this car for a few years and never really had problems with it. Like others the airbag light came on but that was its ONLY problem. I wont complain about power because if I wanted power I couldve bought something else. It was perfect for what I needed, something inexpensive, mildly efficient, reliable, and simple. This was perfect.

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  Very good for the money! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dan - April 17 - 6:06 pm

  Weve had our Forenza for about 9 months now and we are very happy! No problems, very comfortable inside, and good enough mileage. Of course its not a performance car, but it does better than you would expect from some of the reviews Ive read. I would definitely recommend to anyone needing a reliable, lower-priced car.

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  To new to tell about reliability - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Doug/Florida - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive,very quick with 155hp.It moves. Car has all luxery power,and remotes you would want on any car ALL standard,also heater and power out side mirrors. Dont look at the 2003s look at the 2004s alot of new standard equipment for 2004. Out the door $17,500. [WITH] the total extended warranty 10 year bumper to bumper only $550.00

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  Great Deal on a 2004 XL-7 in the Calif. - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By dmgdgc - April 16 - 10:00 am

  We origianlly were going to buy a new 2003 xl-7 because of the 2000 rebate. with loan in hand at 4.89% and knowing we could get the 2003 model for 21,000 after rebate on carsdirect.com. We went to Green Valley Ford Suzuki in Fairfield California(Bay Area).We got a 2004 brand new for 20995 which is unheard of. They also matched our loan and got it at 3.99% Has all electric, cd with subwoofer and tweeters, rear air, seats 7 , mats, allow wheels, automatic w/overdrive, woodgrain interior, heated mirrors, keyless entry, and the 2004 models have a new clear tailights and a hard case for the rear tire.

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  Airbags did not work on impact - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By D Ybarra - April 11 - 11:03 am

  I got hit by a person driving a Chev Tahoe on my passenger side and got pushed into the highway concrete barrier. I got some stiches, cuts and bruises. Had to be cut out of car with the jaws of life. Interesting thing and concern was that none of the front airbags or seat side airbags deployed.