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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  2006 XL7 My first SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Allisha - January 17 - 8:53 pm

  I just bought my XL7 less than a year ago, and the single CD player doesnt work, I have had my rotors "shaved" 2x, and my brake pads are completely wore down, and I am a very light braker! Im confused with the OD button on the side of my shifter. This was the last car on the lot that I saw but once I jumped in, I knew I wanted it. Not a big fan of the wood trim in the car, but it does have style and thats what grabbed my attention. The gas is gone quite fast, but overall I would definitely buy another one although Im having so many issues with this one. Its very reliable, and I trust the strength having my kids inside. I have filled this truck up with lots of people and lots of boxes.

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  Value for Money - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By sidharth malhotra - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I was very apprehensive when buying a suzuki since i havent seen many on the road. But when i took a test drive i was very happy with it. Good power, good mileage, great sound system, looks good and drives well. I had a corolla before was thinking of buying the same car again. But after driving a suzuki aerio i changed my mind simply because i was getting more car in an aerio than in a corolla. My experience was good, hope yours was too.

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  2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By diane - January 3 - 2:06 am

  We traded my wifes Rodeo for the GV, she wanted something smaller. We spent 2 months researching every SUV on the market. This is a great little suv for the value. Nothing to brag about-just an ordianry suv with limited features. Its perfect for the local driving...

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  My NEW Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By val - December 28 - 4:30 am

  This car has been great, other than a few minor problems (break light and heater malfunctions). The dealership quickly fixed both problems with no expense to me. Although, I have had an ongoing problem with the steering wheel stereo controls. The dealership was unable to find the cause of the problem. In December of last year we drove all the way to northern Florida with no trouble at all. In fact, the ride was quite nice and enjoyable.

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  2005 Suzuki Forenza S - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By sam culp - December 26 - 6:06 am

  The 2005 Suzuki Forenza S is a solid car, it has good handling, nice interior features, which are unexpected at this price. It beat Hondas price by $6,000. It is fun to drive, but most importantly, it does not rattle or creak. The engine is set back from the front of the engine compartment, so there is less damage to the engine in the event of an accident. This car is a good value!

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  suzuli xl 7 201 lease - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By alan burda - December 17 - 2:00 am

  good reliable trusk leased it in oct 2000 its a 2001 model not one problem has 16,000 miles now got me out of snow conditions with no problem

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  not impressed - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By sad owner - December 11 - 7:13 pm

  I had a 100,000 mile or 7 year warranty. Right after 100,00 miles everything broke! I have to get new struts on all 4 wheels, new wheel bearings, the electrical is bad and the cigarette lighter is broken, Its going to cost thousands to repair, and of course not under warranty anymore.

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  93k and still going - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Tom - December 7 - 7:26 pm

  Clock turned 93k and still going. 5 speed manual tranny and still same clutch. Love the truck, takes a beating and still ticking. Live in NYC, bad roads etc. Still solid. Blew a wheel bearing at 90k (bad roads) quick repair cheap (not at the dealer). Too bad they had to ruin it with the 08 models. They had a good SUV at a good price. Hope mine lasts another 5 years.

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  sturdy,fun suv - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By paula k - December 6 - 10:00 am

  this is a sturdy, well equipped VERY comfortable SUV. Drives like a car, but very Safe feeling on highway. Good gas mileage for a heavy truck. Most comfortable seats (I have a bad back)I have found anywhere. Cant find a better deal for the money anywhere.

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  complaint - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By febaby - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My Verona was fine the first two months. I got an oil change and two months later the oil light started coming on and off. Finally, it stayed on continuously. The car started to tick while the light was on and the car sounded like a tractor. I took it to be serviced on July 19, 2004 and it is still there. They told me it was the oil pump, oil gauge, and then they relaced the motor. Now they are saying it is idling high. I think they need to replace my car. It has been a month and a half since I have driven my car.