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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  So far, so good. - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By wfalone - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I use this car for work in the city. It is comfortable, quiet, and well assembled. Not particularly peppy (automatic). Visiblity is good. Nice size, great manuverability. Fine climate controls. Real bad back seat leg room if you have two adults in the front seats. My biggest gripe is that I cannot seem to exceed 20 mpg city/ 23 mpg hiway (no matter how gently I drive).

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  2003 SX Great car for the $s - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By traisjag - December 24 - 2:00 am

  1. Bought the car through the internet, best car purchase ever...save $s and was in and out in 1.5 hours! 2. Great value for the dollar! Great room (Im 61" and there is plenty of room, even for the back seat passengers) and features. 3. The ABS and AWD are a great team for the price. I just love this car, yes the style is different, but I like being different!

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  The Best Little Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By mutantboy84 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Great little car, probably the best I have ever owned. It has great performance and is fun to drive. It is also very reliable. Only problem is that it could use a little more leg room in the front.

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  Fun Toy - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By Keeper - December 21 - 3:53 am

  I bought this new to replace my 1994 Geo Metro. With the exception of the air conditioning, this has been an ongoing issue that both the dealership and Suzuki have tried to resolve, even after the warranty had expired, but still goes out every year. I used this car for pizza delivery for many years and it has help up great. This is a great car especially with the top down. I also get between 24 and 27 mpg, in town or on the highway. I do not see differences in mileage in town or on the highway.

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  Great Mid Size SUV - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By PoPPa RocK - December 19 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased the GV for my wife due to the ever rising gas prices and let me be the first to say "We are impressed!" . I never thought I would ever own a Suzuki, but this mid sized SUV has it all. Now if you are looking for V8 power, buy a V8 but the 2.7L V6 has enough power to get ya down the road. The GV is loaded with extras that most others charge for! We are getting 17/19mpg in the city and we have not taken a road trip yet. Ill report on that later. Cant complain about the handeling or size I am 6 and I have no trouble getting in or outof the GV. Heck, Just go test drive one and see for yourself. The car sold itself!

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By JLEEGOD - December 18 - 5:06 am

  I looked at the Mazda 3, the Toyota Corolla and the Nissan Sentry before I settled happily on the Suzuki SX4. This is a great car. I never understood it when people said a car can be "fun to drive" until now. The shifting is smooth and seamless, the car is very peppy and responsive and the acceleration leaves nothing to be desired. I enjoy getting in my car to go anywhere now. The quality of the car is great too. It feels solid and firm and is solid on the road. The cockpit is roomy and very comfortable. The stereo system and sound is just right. Everything just feels right with this car. The gas milage is very good. I do a lot of city driving and Im getting 28 mpg in the city.

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  2000 Swift AVG MPG 38 - 2000 Suzuki Swift
  By Paul B. - December 17 - 12:16 pm

  I bought the car in 2007 when gas prices started going crazy to get out of my 16 mpg pickup. What a great improvement, 38 mpg plus when I dont have to haul anything large. Im on the road alot, 18,695 last year with only one trip out of state and my annual maintenance costs below $200. Yes I perform my own maintenance and on this car its a breeze. The car is easy to drive and maneuvers very well in todays tight parking lots. It gets up and goes for the little 1.3L, no problem accelerating on those freeway on ramps. I would recommend this car to anyone trying to save money on commuting and around town costs. Only one problem, everyone thinks they have to pass you because it a small car...

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  Call This a "Bug"gy - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By knoxvilledavid - December 17 - 6:10 am

  The Reno is a great car if you like getting 20 mpg around town, and cranking the engine multiple times to get her started. I had to crank my 06 two dozen times once trying to go home from work for an appointment. Add to that several trips for service every few days for nine months while Suzukis "engineers" worked out a "fix." The "fix" should have been to give me a full refund of my money!

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  Blends Sport, Utility, Economy, Safety - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Wayne S - December 11 - 11:16 am

  Follow up to earlier review of 2/11. Now have little over 5,000 miles on SX4. Gas mileage 95% in town, no stop and go has been 25-28. 28 requires low rpm shifts and some coasting techniques. Solid build, no rattles. A/C works well for 90+ heat. No mechanical issues. Has done very well SOFT offroading up sloped grassy hillsides around baseball parking area. If teen takes off to school with this car I will very likely replace it with another SX4, but I might look at sedan to be released. I do not often require more storage than basic trunk would provide.

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  Good Vehicle - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By Candleman - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I Love my Vitara. It has good pick up. Plenty of leg room and rides well on the open road.