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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  # Yera Synopsis - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By mjconde - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Extremely reliable vehicle, No major repairs needed outside of routine maintenance for 86,000 miles driven so far.

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  Excellent, Every Respect - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Westmillguy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  An absolutely great car in ever respect. Its very nimble thus fun to drive. Just had the opportunity to experience the all-wheel drive in snowy conditions, performed exceptionally well! The car has lots of nice features including a super 6-disc cd changer, fog lamps, overdrive, cruise control ad on and on. This one was built in Japan and is tight with body panels well- fitted. Super warranty program!

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  Great SUV for the value! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By ShadowMan - November 14 - 10:00 am

  After having driven many midsize SUVs, it became very clear for the cost, warranty and standard equipment, this was the car. You can pay thousands more and look no better than you will in this vehicle. The vision or view of the road in the XL7 is very good. The seating is firm, but very comfortable, especially on longer trips. Power equipment and accessories are standard features. Handling, road noise and cabin comfort are as good as those costing thousands more. Did I mention a great warranty?

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  Great Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By sri - November 12 - 11:10 pm

  The Suzuki Grand Vitara has a very quiet ride. I love the way the rear seats fold. It is easy to open the cargo door. The ability to play MP3/WMA discs with a 6 CD changer was a pleasant surprise and it is XM ready. This truck has a lot of safety features for its base price. Its 4WD is actually full time and should be listed as AWD.

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  A well rounded car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By DRSPINE - November 8 - 6:00 pm

  I have had the car for six weeks and have put 3000 miles on it so far. The handling is better than my Volvo C30. The gas mileage is between 26.5 and 27.5 mpg in suburban driving. For a small car at a reasonable price you cannot beat the ride quality and the handling. I cant wait to see the improvements on this touring II in future years.

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  My Lil Red Fire Truck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By kimmie - November 8 - 2:43 am

  I am so happy with my new car! I was very skeptical of small SUVs until I drove this one. I was quite surprised at all of the wonderful safety features and how it hugs the road. It does not feel like a 4 wheel drive SUV, it feels like a luxury car. I love my new lil red fire truck!

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  2004 Suzuki Aerio Review - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By thom - November 7 - 12:06 pm

  After driving my 04 Suzuki Aerio around the city for the last year I decided to take a small road trip, from Portland to Phoenix and back again through L.A. I experienced absolutely no problems and had a comfortable ride. The high winds had no effect on the drive, despite the side gust warning in the owners manual. I made the same trip in a Toyota Echo a couple of years ago and almost ended up in a ditch several times.

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  Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By pschofield - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Thus far the forenza seems to be a great buy.. Been driving it for a little less then a month now and have no problems what so ever. I am impressed with the warranty on it and for about a 1000 more you can increase all warranties to match the 7 yr/100000 mile powertrain warranty (including the roadside assistance.)

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  Better value than Corolla or Civic - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Ryan - November 3 - 3:36 pm

  The Forenza is the best value on the street. I have had two Civics and one Corolla and the Forenza tops them all. For what you pay for the Forenza you couldnt get a bone stock Civic. The Forenza comes with all power windows, a really good stereo, and a world class a/c. Suzuki has come along way from jet skis and motorcycles. With Americas best warranty 7years/100,000, why wouldnt you go with the Forenza?

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  Superb Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rey - November 2 - 4:53 pm

  Before purchasing my Grand Vitarra (GV), I considered the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. However, after doing some extensive research, I found the GV to be a well rounded package, which offers true off road ability and standard equipment found in much more expensive SUVs. I now have 1,500 miles and thus far the driving experience has been very good. The road noise is kept to a minimum, the V6 is smooth and peppy and the brakes do a fine job, stopping short and straight. The interior looks upscale and the exterior looks modern and "fresh." I especially like the front end. The fuel mileage is good for a V6. Prior to this, I owned a 2000 Nissan Xterra, and that was quite thirsty. The GV is highly recommended!