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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  A Good Pocket Rocket - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Glen-Tacoma-WA - February 13 - 10:03 pm

  I commute 158 miles round trip every weekday, so was looking for a reliable, economical, and fun to drive car at a good price point. What I got in the 2005 Suzuki Aerio SX Sport Wagen surpassed my requirements. With its 155 hp engine, its pretty darn quick, and it sticks to the road in corners really well. The handling is excellent, but the steering could be a little crisper and more responsive. New for 2005 is the Techno Blue Metal paint color. Its beautiful. While I initially didnt like the body styling all that much, its been growing on me. It looks a little boxy at first. The interior is very comfortable. The instrument panel glows crimson red at night. Awesome.

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  Forenza- the first year - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By 4986er - February 13 - 3:10 pm

  I got my Forenza on June 20, 2004, and I have absolutely loved every minute of owning it. I have noticed some minor things that could use improvements, including the air conditioning, the brakes, and my stereo, which seems to have a delay when I play CDs. The fuel definitely has taken a chunk out of my pocket change,because the gas milage isnt that good.

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  SX4 Sport Sedan w/Auto - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By TalismanPHL - February 12 - 8:33 pm

  Had the car about a week and am very pleased with it so far. Smallish backseat area though; needs another couple inches of legroom. Outstanding highway power and ride, about 26 mpg on the last tank of gas, but the car only has 1100 miles on it, so that should improve. I got compliments from everyone at work on the styling of the car - one guy told me it looks like a European rally race car!

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  Owner - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By G Castanier - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Good acceleration and power. Should get bettter gas mileage for small car. Also parts can be very expensive. Example $88.00 for a wheel cover. Hard to exit car due to lowness of seat.

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  2nd Reno and would buy again - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By CableGuy30 - February 3 - 5:13 am

  Ok. So I see all these bad reviews on here, and dealing with the public I know more people complain than compliment. So here goes my story. This is my second Reno. First one had for 9 months, 27,000 miles. No problems. Until it got totaled when got hit by a semi truck. I walked away from the wreck. This one now has 76,000 miles and no problems. The a/c is poor, but tint the Windows and that takes care of 2 things at once. Makes the car look even better and helps the a/c. I wish they still made this car cause I would buy another one.

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  best small SUV w/4wd - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dan_at_utah - January 31 - 9:43 pm

  I needed a compact SUV with actual low-range 4wd for some seriously steep mountain trails. The choices are basically: this Grand Vitara, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Patriot (kinda), and Toyota FJ cruiser (or old 98-01 4runner) Of those, this is the best deal, bar none. Quite capable off-road, unless the rocks are large (low ground clearance). Gotten me through tight spots in the San Rafael Swell area. Has been perfectly reliable since I bought it @ 30k miles (now has 47k), except for power steering idler pulley needing replacement (known problem - changed for 07+ years). The ride/handling is perfect for me - firm like a truck but handles more like a car.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By STY - January 27 - 1:03 am

  Great Car for the $$

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  so far so good - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By tango123ny - January 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent power and fuel consumption for awd. 155 horses feels good under the hood and the ride is comfortably stiff. The styling is a standout, unique and sporty. Great warranty and easy maintenance schedule.

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  tough suv - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By GDJ - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We shopped a long time before deciding on the XL-7 I had gone on the Edmonds site... earlier models seemed to be very reliable and I have had no problems. This is a handsome SUV that will impress when your in a snowy environment.

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  Stone-axe dependable - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tom Merrill - January 18 - 3:13 pm

  I grew up riding and racing Suzuki motorcycles and other than basic maintenance found them very reliable, fast and fun. When my wife and I could no longer stand being a one car family, and the monthly payment on our Honda mini-van was becoming unbearable, we went shopping. Id been keeping my eye on the Suzuki automobile offerings for the previous year or two and was quite smitten with the unique styling, AWD, fully loaded Suzuki Aerio SX wagon. We shopped around and bought two AWD Aerios which drive great (especially in the snow) can carry alot and, just as I found with their motorcycles, very reliable. Gas prices? I drive just as much as I please, loving my Suzuki, in any weather. We dig our Suzukis!