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 car and value for little cash - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By suki - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The SX is sporty and I loved its off-the-line acceleration even mine is an automatic. I wish that there are more silver accent for the interior. However, I am pretty satisfied with it.

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  Great Value and Seven Passengers - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Slammer - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Three rows, value pricing, good acceleration, 4 wheel drive, leather seats . . Were very happy with the purchase thus far.

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  A Lot for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bill - March 30 - 11:36 am

  I have driven my Grand Vitara for 1,500 miles and am pleased with this small SUV. I previously owend a Honda CRV and was disappointed with its lack of power. The Grand Vitara has the Honda CRV beat in both power and off road capability. I am impressed with the handling of the Grand Vitara in ice and snow, awsome! The interior and exterior of the Grand Vitara are outstanding and are more like a $30,000 SUV. The only advantage the Honda has over the Grand Vitara is resale value, but that may change as more people discover the great value Suzuki has to offer with this redesigned SUV. My general impression of the Grand Vitara is "Great Bang for the Buck".

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  2008 SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By fsj2 - March 30 - 1:06 am

  I have 2000 miles on my SX4 now and it just keeps getting better. I have all the bells and whistles. Like XM radio, mp3 hook up, 9 speaker sound, 6 disk CD. Also the cold-air intake, underdrive pulley and the piggyback ECU. The SX4 is very fun to drive. The switchable FWD, AWD and 4WD lock is great!

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  The over looked jewel - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Thomas J. Nigrelli - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a well made strong mid sized automobile. It performs well in 4wd; as it was designed to be. It is not premium in confort but what true truck is? Suzuki is a trusted name in the vehicle world, motorcycles or autos.

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  I think its a good SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By drdud - March 25 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased in may of 2006 ( V6 ),the first year milage was rough , but now im getting 20 plus around town and 25 plus from the N.E. corner of Pa to Phila a 120 mile run . Mostly on the turnpike .Its a pleasure to run the pike with this smooth riding and running SUV. Im pretty pickey . I have purchased 15 new cars and trucks over the years not counting the used ones . I rate this very Good and its easier for me to get in with my bad back then a subaru which is too low.

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  Suzuki XL-7 - the best kept secret in US - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By dwayne - March 24 - 5:46 am

  For the money that I spent on my Suzuki XL-7, $19,000, I received great reliability and many options the more expensive models only have.

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  XL-7 5-Passenger - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Chuck - March 21 - 3:33 pm

  I have had my 2006 XL-7 for a month now, it is one solid SUV. I took a trip to Key West with a family of four and was very comfortable. I was pleasantly surprized at how quiet it rides. The interior with the woodgrain makes it look more expensive than what it is. I bought the 5-passengers model because I liked and wanted all the storage space. Its amazing how much it will hold. I have had numerous compliments on how nice it looks. Im lovin mine.

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  Our replacement vehicle - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Previous CRV owner - March 17 - 12:23 am

  I wasnt looking at Suzuki at first to replace our 2004 Honda CRV which was totaled after a accident but after owning and driving the Vitara I am quite impressed with its performance and styling, inside and out. The fwd/rear mounted engine is easy to work on, having low range control is great.

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  Engine performance - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By lorenzo menendez - March 16 - 5:40 am

  This vehicle will generate more power & acceleration if you move the stick from the regular D to its left, this will double the power, you will feel it, after you get up to the speed you want to move it back to the regular drive mode.