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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  Good buy - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By JIM - April 3 - 3:13 am

  We put 20000+ miles and had very little problems. Only mechanical problem was a squeak in the steering colunm, which was fixed. Gas mileage was OK with about 21.5 mpg on hiway. The car rode and handled as good as any we drove in its class. The hood did cast a shadow on low beam. The cruise contol did shift too soon on an incline, even thought the engine had plenty of power. I liked the car, although we have traded for XL7 because needed three rows of seats.

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  Bought it Love it - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By PeggySNew - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my new car. The features of the car make it a great buy. I got leather seats, digtialized climate control, power sunroof, and many more for less then what it would cost on a Toyota Camry, and my car seems bigger.

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  Forenza2004 awsome car great for anyone - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Megandrichy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Lovely car, great for anyone of all ages able to drive it. great pick up great breaks. Confortable, and smoth driving. great on gas, great on milolage, it hase a good look to it, casual car. In the lower ranges of expencive cars. I think that anyone who does not wanna have to worry about playing a butt-load on gas then this would be your car:).

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  poor gas mileage - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By brodie3 - April 3 - 1:38 am

  I bought a 2007 forenza in Dec.11th 2011,it had 49,515 miles on it then and now on Sept. 25th I have 60,371 miles on it. How is that possible when I dont go anywhere. The furthest I have been in this car is 25 miles one way. Never been out of the state of ohio, gas burns really fast, took it to dealer spent 1400 in repairs the biggest was trans range sensor,timing belt, serpentine belt 2 tires,tune up, oil change,etc, not satisfied , after repairs cold start has car knocking was not doing that before service work. Dealer wants to keep it to check it out, used mile markers on highway for every 1 mile I got 2.3 miles how can this be. I need help.

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  Suzuki XL-7 4X4 still running - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pcabral - April 1 - 10:20 am

  Aside from the breaks, exhaust, tires, tie rods,balljoints and wear and tear items this rig has pulled a 3000 lbs. boat w/trailer and transported our family around for 239000 with original transmission and rear end. The engine was replaced due to a mishap with the "fast oil change place"not tightening down the oil plug, so My replacement engine has 50,000 less than the body and purrs like a cat.Self-adjusting timimg chain and all. Love this beast, and 22 mpg with 4x4 capable is an awsome value for reliable and capable travel. Keep an eye on the rust especially the frame and treat it early. This rig is a one owner (13 years) and I dont look forward to getting rid of it.

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  SX4 Sport - Long Term - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By talisman - April 1 - 7:20 am

  My Ocean Blue SX4 Sport now has 16000 miles. Its been very comfortable, fairly reliable, and still gets looks and compliments on its styling. Rear seat needs to fold down. At first, I thought that the trunk was huge, but the lack of a fold-down rear seat is a huge pain. Rear seat legroom is tight, and you will need BOTH hands on the wheel on windy days. The car is very sensitive to crosswinds, especially at high speeds. Fuel mileage has averaged 26.7 mpg in mostly interstate driving, which is good, not great.

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  Great car for the cost - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By shantel - March 30 - 9:03 am

  We were in the market looking for a newer car, not the gas hog like our Suburban. I saw the Verona and immediately liked the appearance. We own a Forenza, which has been no problem, so we thought another Suzuki would work out fine. We were impressed with how it drove, the feel and comfort levels inside of the car, and for parents of 2 small children, it was imperative to have space in the trunk to carry strollers, etc. The Verona has lots of basic needs, that cost extra on other comparable cars. We liked that we could get a new car for under $16K, that had everything we needed. We went for the basic model, no bells and whistles, but Suzuki doesnt skimp on the basic necessities.

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  73 - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By rubyluv40 - March 30 - 12:40 am

  very good car all the way around fun to drive nice ride good inside and out side look to the car could be better gas miles to it

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  Great little vehicle - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By F. LaRock - March 29 - 8:36 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Grand Vitara LX in Feb 09 and is the first actual 4 wheel drive Ive ever owned. I have driven over 15,000 since Feb 09 with absolutely no problems. Car was in excellent condition and I was the 2nd owner and received the remainder of the 7 yr/100K warranty. Vehicle performs excellent here in the winter (U.P.of Michigan) and wouldnt trade it for the world. (Gotta put in a plug for Northway Auto in Rhinelander, WI. Great no-pressure sales and very honest. Had my vehicle in top condition at purchase; even replaced radio with brand new one, replaced all brakes and discs and serpentine belt and produced all docs of proof. Will definitely buy there again and will recommend.

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  Great car at excellent price - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JimH614 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  solid built well performing with classic styling and features you only expect in much costlier car.Handles great Great value