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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  happy with it ! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By RafaelnGaby - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Love the truck. I traded my van and I like the move. Love the dash and the wood panel. The auto A/C is nice to have plus the rear A/C is nice to keep control

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  My Aerio sx ( THis is the 2002 2wd ) - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By philip bart - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I travel all over the Houston and surrounding areas, putting on the average of about 250 miles per day. I drive this car hard. For the most part this car has outperformed itself. It has handled well in the rain, and has stood up to grid locked traffic in 100 degrees weather. I have taken turns around freeway corners at up to 85 miles an hour with ease. Coming equipped with low profile tires (195 55 15), I found a 60 to look better. I didnt like all the space in the wheel well. Overall this car is something I consider special even though it is completely built by maCHINES.

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  Great value - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By revtomax - April 22 - 5:56 pm

  I just purchased one and I love it. Great looks, great paint, fun to drive. The options it comes with are great am, fm, cd player front and rear wipers, easy controls. Just a lot for a little. I have owned a Focus in the past and there is a lot in this car that the Focus didnt have for the price. And the warranty, well that itself almost sold me the car.

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  More Bang for your buck! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By JoyceAnn - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Car is peppy, easy to handle, fun to drive. Plenty of power, outstanding comfort. Best car out there for the price. More room then Focus and Matrix. Complete loaded with all the good stuff.

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  185K Miles with some work - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By drkrdr318 - April 14 - 5:29 pm

  I have enjoyed my Vitara since I purchased new of the showroom floor. I will have to say the up keep and cost have been a little intense since 150K miles but well worth the trade off. The fuel tank wires frayed (easy fix), Alternator (new brushes 14.95), rear brake shoes (178K miles), differential fluid change (180K make sure you check if your around alot of high water) and Mobil 1 high milage synth every 3,000 miles. Still running strong. Ive change the front brakes 3x and finally went to cryo rotors with synth pads. Worst problem, A/C pump failed and a/c leaks. Other then the A/C I use maybe 1/4 qt of oil every third fill up. Not bad in my book. www.oemsuzukiparts.com

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  Never thought Id buy one - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By richmini99 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  For the money, I just couldnt pass on the Aerio. we also looked at the Matrix/Vibe, Protoge 5, and the Focus ZX5. The Matrix/Vibe just wasnt that comfortable, and to get a version with any power, it would have coast us $5000 more than the Aerio. The Protoge 5 was suprisingly small inside and didnt exhibit the performance that its apperamce suggested. the ZX5 was ok, and the $3000 back also madeit look attractive, but at the end of the day, I just couldnt get past the fit and finish of the car. The Aerio SX gives you flexability, and performance at a great price. The build quality is on par with the offerings of the Hondas and Toyotas or the world.

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  Lots off Car for the Buck - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By michael n - April 12 - 5:36 am

  I purchased this car with iffy credit and the need for a good car at a good price. It is quite lovely inside and out. It drives acceptably, although not remarkably. I have enjoyed it thus far.

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  Great Choice in Vehicles - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Shelly - April 5 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2001 after doing a lot of research. I could be happier with my choice. I love it and have never had a real issue with this SUV. The only maintenance has been oil changes, windshield wipers and tires - it still has its original brakes, etc. It did have one minor recall issue that was fixed easily by the dealership. I have done some off-roading and felt very secure. The back end is light, but add a couple of sand bags in the winter and it does great in 4WD. It is a pleasure to drive on or off road.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By antonio rodrigez - April 3 - 8:10 pm

  OK gas mileage, but very reliable. Great look and space for my family. Taken two long trips and has been great. Love what I got for the price. Most likely getting another Suzuki for my wife.

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  Quite a bang for your buck - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By xl7fan - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2001 XL-7 and traded it in when I saw the 2004 XL-7. Very nice updates to the interior. The leather seats are very comfortable and of good quality and Suzuki has done a nice job of moving the placement of the radio, A/C controls to give the inside a better look and feel to it. Fully loaded my cost was just under $26,000. $26,000 for a fully loaded 4WD SUV with heated leather seats, CD-changer, power sunroof, power windows and locks is a steal. Other SUVs with those features will cost you $10,000 more easily. At $26,000 you cant beat what you get from the XL-7.