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 - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By deon - October 30 - 9:36 pm

  The 2006 Suzuki Forenza is a great buy. It provides superior value and has a strong warranty.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By M. Miller - October 27 - 11:36 am

  Manual version is very fun to drive as long as you dont mind driving the stick. The car is looking great from behind; very sexy. It has great lines and it feels sleek and "in style" even after 4 years. I recommended it mostly for in-town commute. I drove it from Atlanta, through DC and NY, when I moved up to Chicago. I drive it in Chicago and it fits perfectly here; easy to park, easy to move around on short distances. I dont understand why only 7.2 in Editors review.

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  Love it, every day I get in it!! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gruss - October 21 - 5:13 pm

  This is my second GV. Sure the mileage could be better, but its right there on the sticker when you buy it. I generally drive a couple of miles below the speed limit or right at it. So my mileage is great, 30hwy. Great stereo system and the six of my CDs of the moment sound great through the speakers and sub!! Seats are very comfortable, like your favorite chair. It is longer than the previous model, and it was noticed, in backseat room and cargo space. I cant say I needed it and I liked my 99 better in that respect, but I got over it. To you, drive it, love it, buy it, and love it again everyday till you are ready for a new one! I know, and will get another when the time comes.

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  Fun all-weather crossover commuter - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By morin2 - October 15 - 2:09 am

  My sx-4 crossover has the 6-speed MT, the first 6 speed I have had - and I really enjoy having that extra gearing for high speed interstates. My normal commute is 55 miles each way and its mostly in 5th gear. The fuel economy is much better than claimed. I usually get 31-32 mpg commuting using E10 fuel but a little better now with the AC off. I got a high of 35.7 on an interstate trip with ethanol-free fuel. I have the base model with nothing that I dont want. The base model lacks cruise control and I am fine with that. I prefer to have features that Ill actually use. I didnt realize until I drove it home just how great the visibility is on this car - great for merging to the right!

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  SX4 Suzuki - the Peoples Car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Graham - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  Recently, I purchased a SuzukiSX4, for my girlfriend. Her trip to work consists of driving on a highway on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, notorious for hazardous weather conditions. Both she and I are avid car buffs, when we went looking for a vehicle that has four doors and AWD capabilities we were looking at ridiculously over priced cars in this group. The Suzuki SX4s performance, looks, and overall features are possibly the best deal out there, Im well versed on the performance and handling of vehicles, I drive a Subaru STi, and 4x4 1-Ton Dodge cummins. Currently, my thoughts are leaning towards having two SX4s in the family, they are so much fun.

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  Maintenance costs - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By fap - October 13 - 7:50 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a small car with reasonable mileage and comfortable seats. Mileage is constant 27mpg with commuter driving 110 milies per day. Ride great for small car and the seats are better than some larger cars. My wife at 55" has hard time with view at front left due to bad blind spot. Heres the rub, needed first break job with rotors(no warning) at 42k (not bad). Could not get dealer appt. and had metal on metal so we had our local garage do the job. None of the parts are available after market and the front pads alone cost $200. With rotors the front brakes were more than $400.00. AWD maintenance is also greatly out of line with other makes.

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  Forenza #1 - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Rachel - October 10 - 5:50 pm

  Well I just recently bought a Suzuki Forenza, and I love it! It is fast, roomy, has tons of features, and the best part is it is affordable. I just want to let people know that I am greatly satisfied with it. People always come up to me and ask what I’m driving. When I tell them, they can’t believe it’s a Suzuki. Your competitors are charging thousands more than Suzuki, and for what? Words can not explain how satisfied my family and I are!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By teds1782 - October 8 - 9:03 pm

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned (and I have owned a lot). It drives great, good power for a small good, very comfortable, the all wheel drive is AWSOME this car does great in the snow. Only comlaint cargo area is a little small other than that very excellent car!!!!!!

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  Grand Vitara - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By t2trider - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car for in most categories. The major problem is interior room. Children even have a hard time sitting in the back seat. However, the car is great for around town and has plenty of power to play with. Solid construction.

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  wonderful - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By micky - October 6 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. I havent found anything I dont like about it. Quiet and quick and I love the digital dash!