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 - 2007 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jacj - March 29 - 6:56 am

  So far this has been a great car. The engine has more than enough power for climbing hills, and still gets about 29 miles to the gallon. I would have liked the arm rest to be a little longer as it does not come out far enough for me. Overall great car.

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  Great Little SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By yorgibear - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle my wife picked out. I own a Silverado and love it, but I now prefer to drive this little 4X4. The fuel economy has been better than expected and my kids love the DVD/TV screen and sunroof. My wife loves the heated seats and the window locks. The on demand 4X4 is so much better than all-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive goes into gear on the fly (like my Chevy) and we both feel much safer transporting the kids to school and back. I am extremely surprised how well in handles and the freeway and the perky engine. So far we are very satified.

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  New owner - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By EJowerre - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car a few days but it is good solid basic transportation. bought to haul me back/forth to work. fuel mileage is amazing (35mpg!) quite comfortable and pick up is very good. ride is a little stiff but it has all of 300 miles on it! dealership was great, really gave me a good deal, warranty ammmmmmmmazing

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  2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By markjoe64 - March 21 - 2:23 am

  This my third Suzuki in 4 years. I had the Aerio SX and the Chevy Tracker. My new Grand Vitara is like riding in a Lincoln. Fit and finish were first rate. This vehicle can "fly". I normally drive 64 mph on the interstate, but had to "kick it in" when a semi was on my tail. Before I knew it I was doing 97 mph. Sign me as "Happy in Huntsville".

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By happycamper - March 20 - 11:26 am

  Do your research and drive a bunch of cars. I drove the Honda Element, Kia Soul, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. Hands down this car was the best of all these cars combined. Features wise you cannot get a car with all that Suzuki offers for the price from any other car company. Find an 09 and Suzuki is giving 3k off. Find a dealer with inventory and they are willing to move the price even more. I am 63" and 220lbs and I fit no problem. Easy in and out and seats are comfortable. Main reason I bought the car, traded in 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T was the lack of comfort in the Dodge(many other reason, car was a lemon). No other car in the class of small economy will give you the features SX4 does.

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  Great Car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Daniel Benfield - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car purchase i have ever made. Alot better then my 2001 Mercury cougar That was a piece of junk, nothing but problems with that car. But as for the Aerio, A must buy for any one! 10 Thumbs up!!!!! The Aerio is alot of fun to drive and quick for a 4banger. It gets alot of looks and thumbs up. Every one likes it that sees it.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Tina G - March 19 - 3:30 pm

  Ive had my Suzuki XL7 for 7 years and have put 223,000 miles on it. In that time, Ive only had one minor repair! The body has held up as well as the engine. This car is comfortable, looks great and is the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Hoping to get another 100,000 reliable miles out of it :)

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  Good car till you need a repair!!!!! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By shankus74 - March 12 - 9:25 pm

  Beside changing tires and brakes the other repairs are laborious!!! Try to replace a ball joint, all the bolts are rusted and you need to replace them all!a job of 30 min takes 4 hours in labor. wait and youll see those major flaws!!

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  Good SUV for its size and price - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By William Epperly - March 10 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago, and we are mostly satisfied. The biggest issue we had was that the cargo area cover does NOT snap out easily as stated in the owners manual, we actually had to break ours to get it out. Also, the rattle from the back door that someone else mentioned is annoying at times. Otherwise, the Grand Vitara is a great vehicle!

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  I Love this Car - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By parul - March 8 - 7:36 pm

  The Suzuki Reno is a perfect car for students, couples and singles. If you are in the market for a coupe...go for this one. It looks neat and small, but its actually spacious inside has more room for tall people. It is very smooth. You dont even feel it when you are going 80 miles an hour. Its brakes are good. What else do you need in a vehicle that costs less than $15,000. Rather then buying a used vehicle, buy a Suzuki Reno.