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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  Zippy - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Night Rider - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I previously had a much more expensive car. I had some the options on it bur costed much more. The value of the car is great. You really get alot for the money.

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  Great Car - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Richard - February 15 - 11:06 pm

  After 55,000 miles We have no issues. Did bend a rim on a deep pothole once. This is a nice, good handling little care. The gas mileage could be better than the 22 we are getting.

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  Great little ecoonomy car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By BentimesX2 - February 6 - 10:20 am

  Overall this is a fun to drive little car. It handles the curves surprisingly well and has decent power for an auto. I had a modified Subaru and the Suzuki hugs the curves just as good in stock form. Not the fastest car on earth but it will put a smile on your face. So far we have put nearly 5000 miles on the odometer with no issues. Our sedan has the optional 17" black painted wheels with machined face and they really set the car apart. With the addition of front fog lamps it looks great. So far gas mileage is on par with the sticker but we have yet to get over 30mi to a gallon even on a 175 mile one way trip to the beach we never got over 26mi to a gallon.

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  I like it - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By joakes66 - January 25 - 3:46 am

  This is my second Suzuki car. I liked my 01 Esteem so much, I thought Id try another Suzuki. So far I have been very satisfied. I am a large person, and this is the first car I have owned where I could not slide the seat all the way back; it was too far from the wheel to be comfortable! It has all the extras I was looking for, has enough get-up-and-go for my style of driving, and the controls are laid out nicely. I do think I will spend a few bucks and get some nicer wheels; the steel wheels w/hubcaps have got to go.

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  Decent Little SUV Alternative - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By JDA - January 25 - 12:20 am

  This is my wifes new car. She loves it. She traded in her pickup for it due to heavy driving. It drives Very well and has good get up and go. The built-in GPS is a genius way to have one without needing a super expensive radio. So far my wife loves it. We were looking for a an SUV or minivan for her, but she saw it and said, "this ones cute." The price is also right for a new car. The dealer was very good and positive. We were also surprised with the $300 gas card! If youre looking for a nice small vehicle, definitely check it out. There is one caveat however. I am 59" and I cant find a comfortable driving position. This is meant for shorter drivers.

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  Nice Truck/Terrible Manufacturer Support - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By grangt - January 21 - 11:16 pm

  Dropped truck off on 01/30 for a 4-hour job. Its now 02/20 and still no truck because the shop cant get the parts delivered. Szuki has not established any method to get parts to shops quickly. Obviously, Suzuki is not interested in making sure their few customers are happy after purchase. Unless you have a fleet of cars for back-ups in case your Suzuki needs work, DO NOT buy one. Suzuki has a decent product, but needing transportation on a daily basis, will never purchase another Suzuki.

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  Very Suprised and Impressed - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By suzuki convert - January 15 - 7:53 am

  I picked up this Aerio SX as sort of a joke, coming out of a 2004 Honda Accord Coupe with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 240 hp V6 engine. It was cheap and I thought that I would have it for a month and get rid of it. Well, almost seven months later I still have it and for some reason I really enjoy driving it. It does not have very good handling or impressive pick up, but the shifter is a joy to use, its extremely comfortable, and I am impressed with the features. So give it a try, youll be impressed.

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  Decent Transportation - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jim in KC - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased JLX+ new in February 2000. This vehicle has served its purpose well- fairly inexpensive, reliable transportation. It has been mechanically sound. It has pretty good acceleration when merging into highway traffic or passing. Its easy to handle in traffic. The 4wd has been great in snow, except the vehicle is light and can seem a little "floaty". Surprisingly, this vehicle has more headroom than most SUVs. Im 65". The legroom is okay for around town, but for long hauls it gets a little cramped. And forget about anyone riding behind me in the back seat. There is quite a bit of wind noise and rattling.

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  Verona, Not Bad. - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Alienpath - January 4 - 9:36 pm

  The Veronas ride is probably one of its best features. In my opinion, it blows the Accord away in comfort. Its design is maybe a bit old school, but very nice and classy. Its engine is smooth running and rather quiet, until you step on it. Theres a lot of bang for the buck with the Verona Luxury model. Its only unknown is its reliability, which remains to be seen.