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:

• 

  Great value - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Tony - May 20 - 5:43 am

  A lot of stuff for a little money: AWD, navigation, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted controls. Perfect winter/second car.

• 

  2008 Suzuki SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Renee Brown - May 12 - 3:46 am

  A good dependable vehicle for a good price. Also came with a great warranty and road side assistance. This is the first Suzuki Ive owned and I would recommend it tomy family and friends.

• 

  REVIEW OF 2003 GRAND 4 WD - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By DREW APPLEMAN - April 30 - 10:00 am

  CAR HAS GREAT ZIP FUEL ECONOMY A DISAPPOINTMENT HIGHLY DISLIKE RADIO CONTROLS UNDER STEERING WHEEL AS SHIFTS CHANNELS BRUSHES THIGHS APPEARANCE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE A PLUS APPEARS SOLID. MANEUVERS WELL HAS THE POWER IN SNOW INCLIMATE WEATHER. SEAT BELT CONNECTOR NEED EXTENDED

• 

  Should Have Better Tires - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Evelyn - April 25 - 5:23 pm

  I purchased my Grand Vitara in April. I only had 12,000 miles on it when I had to replace my rear tires. I would think the tires should last longer than that. I took the car back to the dealership that I purchased it at an I was told there was nothing they could do for me (bummer)! Check your tires! Have them rotated and make sure that your have the the air pressure checked.

• 

  Could drive into a wall and still work! - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Andrew - April 19 - 6:56 pm

  From an engine standpoint, the only problem I had was with the exhaust system rusting out. This truck keeps on going and going. I believe that it would probably run without oil! (only joking). I am now on my second Suzuki (XL-7), but it had that GM body (everything else is great, except the GM stuff). The 2001 units are great and will last a long time, as long as you take care of it.

• 

  Best cheap car ever! - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By MotorMom - March 31 - 9:46 pm

  Im a car gal. Ive owned at least 20, from Porsches to SUVs. We bought this car used with 30,000 miles on it. Our expectations were low, we were just buying a cheap car to drive around town. We love it! We have taken it on road trip vacations for several summers in a row. It is peppy, reliable, gets good mpg and holds a lot of gear. Im glad these cars werent "discovered" because it allowed us to pick one up cheap. The GLX package is packed full of features that make it comfortable and pleasant to drive. (AC, CC, moonroof, 6 CD changer, roof racks, etc.) I think this is one of the most under-rated cars Ive ever owned.

• 

  Good SUV for the money - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By BEK - March 28 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Gran Vitari JLX+ for almost 2 years now. Its been a very good mini suv. Have not had it in for any repairs. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and wash it once a week and were good to go. If you are in the market for a mini suv I would pick this one over the Kia, Crv, Rav4 or Tracker any day of the week.

• 

  Sidekick Sport - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Jasen44 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Its a great vehicle and very reliable. Only problem was 2 wheel bearings at 70,000, when I bought it. The ride is pretty good, but some road noise. Amazing gas milage-24-26 in 4x4. 25-27 in 2 wheel drive!! The sport edition comes with a 1.8L 4 cylinder. That to is somewhat underpowered.

• 

  Alternative to Explorer & Highlander - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By beanezuelan - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for young families (w/kids 0 to five) that, for whatever reason, do not want to buy a minivan. I honestly believe that if you want/can compromise on a few features, its a great value. When doing my research I was comparing this vehicle with Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. When you throw in all the features included in the XL-7s EX III package and compare with these other two, you are getting a lot more for your money. One item people asked me a lot about was engine hp, I find the 185 hp V6 engine is adequate. You have to realize that this car is about 650 lbs lighter than a Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, which comes w/std. 210 hp V6.

• 

  Loving It but Improvements Needed - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By carloscai - March 9 - 8:40 am

  The vehicle has many good things to talk about, such as nice interior, smooth drive, 4x4, 6 CD, low price...it really stands out of, the line of other Suzuki cars, not to mention those Daewoo junks that Suzuki brough back to life. Buyers should not expect the resale value of the vehicle to be anything even close to RAV4 or CR-V. It will take more than one vehicle to establish the brand name for Suzuki. For all the lovers of Toyota and Honda, even if they are selling Cavalier, it would have the best resale value. Nothing more, you are not buying the brand here. Suzuki should really consider putting a better engine into this vehicle, 185hp on a V6 is a not-so-funny joke.