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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  The Reno is Excellent - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By nonie - March 5 - 1:20 am

  I own a 2006 Suzuki Reno and Im very happy with its performance. Im lovinit. It comes standard with a ton of features for the price and I must say that it is a great value. It looks beautiful from both the inside and outside. It runs better than a Honda Civic. Its so smooooooooooooooooooooth, you gotta drive it to feel that. If you dont want to take my word for it, go out and give it a try. Im sure youll thank me.

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  Great car, cheap plastic - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Lish - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very pleased with this car. It gets great gas mileage. It is compact, but is surprisingly roomy inside. I purchased this car used at 66k and am at 105k now and have never had a mechanical issue. I love the look of the vehicle, but I do think it sits too low. I have to be very careful in parking lots and driveways because the car will scrape.

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  WOW! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gailr - February 25 - 12:50 pm

  After having my last vehicle (a Honda) for 13 years and 225,000 miles, I had no intention of changing loyalties. However, being intrigued by the design I opened the door and the rest is history! A test drive and two emails later, I bought one of the first Suzukis this dealer offered. With extremely long legs, I had resigned myself to never being comfortable on long drives...three months and 3,500 miles later, I can testify that 4 1/2 hour trips without stopping are no longer painful!

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  A good car that could be better - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By quickg - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Engine is powerful, but loses luster with AC on. Automatic transmission shifts well. Brakes are generally good, but tend to lock up on wet roads without ABS. Stereo is good. Standard tires on the S are low grade. Handling is stable, steering feel is about right. Interior is spacious in front and back, seats are very comfortable, seating position is tall and provides great forward visibility. However, rear visibility is poor because of a very high rear end. Trunk is huge. Side mirrors are large and folding. The S has power windows, but not power locks. The car is distinctive looking, but side and rear extensions make tires look small and the car look overweight and ungainly.

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  Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Jeff - February 23 - 3:40 am

  Nice handling car with lots of extras for the price. Dealership made me a great deal and stuck with it the whole time. I felt taken care of by them and by my sporty new car.

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  Dependable - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By spainishkat - February 22 - 6:03 pm

  We purchased this car for our son who was going to college in 2008. We have never had any problems. It is not a sports car or a chick magnet. If you want a dependable gas saving car this is it.

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  Style Without the High Price - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Pat in NEPA - February 22 - 4:53 pm

  My 2004 Suzuki Forenza in fantasy black looks great, even when it is dirty. It handles well and accelerates with ease. It has lots of room and the seat front tilts down to take the preasure off the upper legs. This is a new design for 2004, so look forward to the introduction of aftermarket parts to upgrade my car. It does need mud flaps. Its only down side is the road noise, but this may be cured with a tire upgrade.

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  Aerio-DYNAMIC - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By brotherburce - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Assets: Edgy design, interior space and huge trunk. A calm 2-litre engine with timing chain. Efficient 3-speed overdrive automatic transmission; override feature enables high speeds in steep climbs. Highway mileage: high 20s local and 30 highway. 6 speaker CD: crisp and rich sound. The digital instrument panel and HVAC cluster complements edgy styling. Drawbacks: The upholstery attracts dirt, lint and fuzz. The headrest design makes it difficult to check out traffic flow. Passengers could use more storage. The dealership network is far too thin.

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  engine - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By christine - February 19 - 9:23 am

  I had my Verona since 3-04- I love my car I wouldnt get another one.. But recently my ck engine light has come on and Ive had 2 missfires and had to pay out of pocket- when I bought the car the sticker said 100,000 or 7 yrs does that include engine prob?- other than that I love the car its very safe great in snow !

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jason - February 19 - 5:50 am

  When you get down to it, it is hard to beat the Forenza. Power everything, reliable, good handling, and plenty of cash to spare. Far better then the Spectra which doesnt even come with A/C standard unless you move up to the EX trim and Honda quality for less then its Korean counterparts....ie Hyundai and Kia.