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 Little Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By luvmysuzuki - February 4 - 9:16 pm

  After an accident rendered my wifes Escort undriveable we decided to replace it with something just as economical but we wanted something with a little more pizzaz.We didnt have a lot of money to spend so the Corollas and Civics were priced out of our range.We briefly considered a Hyundai or Kia but just didnt get the warm fuzzy feeling with them.As soon as we sat in the Aerio we were hooked.The headroom is massive (enough to accomodate a six foot tall person with inches to spare).There are more standard features on this car than you can shake a stick at (AC,6 disc CD,PW,PDL and heated mirrors are standard!).We average almost 30 MPG and as far as power....Buckle up and hang on!!!

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  A Life Saver - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By becky03 - February 2 - 12:45 am

  I have been hit by 13 deer while driving this car. It has had its front bumper. hood and either fender replaced atleast 8-9 times. A racoon took out the front bumper once...The body could be of better material. The rest inside and out is original. After all this I have not been hurt and it is still running. 200,000 miles and all I have done is changed the oil regularly, the occasional alignment, new tires and just had the radiator flushed. Drove it 1800 miles to see family and am driving it back those 1800 miles. I expect to get another 100,000 miles.

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  Suzuki stands beind their cars. - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MK - January 31 - 2:33 am

  This is my 3rd Vitara & I think they are great. You get the features you need from an SUV, without having to break your bank. Became a repeat Suzuki customer because of their corporate integrity. Had big problem with 1st Vitara-was out of town & timing chain broke. Had to be towed to nearest Suzuki dealer. Was told by their mechanics that this shouldnt happen. Put in a call to Suzuki & even though it was out of warranty/over mileage - they had it fixed at NO cost to me! The owner of dealership was amazed, he had just started selling Suzukis, but had been owned auto mall for 30 yrs. Told me that he had never seen a manufacturer stand behind their products like this! Value & integrity!

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  Loaded with fun - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By bErTo - January 30 - 11:56 pm

  After comparison shopping, the 2006 Suzuki Forenza Premium w/ABS was my pick. It has a lot of headroom for my 6 body, loads of standard features, and a nice ride for an ecomonomy car. The expensive looking exterior and interior add a touch of class that make you wonder if you are driving an economy car. I love to drive it and recieve many compliments.

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  Nice Little Truck - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By josh - January 30 - 12:33 pm

  Been a great truck for the blend of offroad and street driving we do. Tows our boat pretty well and does very well offroad compared to others cars in the same category Ive driven. But it does ride a little more rough than say a RAV4 but its a fair trade for more capability. The 4-mode 4wd system is pretty nice.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By H - January 29 - 6:13 pm

  Very fun to drive - zippy, handles well, good pick up, small turn radius, parks easily. Great entry-level vehicle. Only disappointment has been gas mileage. I expected low 30s combined city/hwy, but getting only mid/high 20s. Bought mine brand new - last one on the lot, I have almost 18,000 miles on it - its been great. Kids can get in and out easily, huge trunk fits baseball and lacrosse bags easily. Drives Colorado mountains with ease. Radio/CD player is OK - its whats expected in this type of vehicle. Comfort is average. Although I sprayed Scotchguard on the interior myself, interior cleans up easily.

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  Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By josberg - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a surprisingly well designed and fun to own car. I kind of held my breath and took the plunge when I bought it but have been smiling ever since.

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  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dmoore - January 26 - 1:16 pm

  I thought I would give the Forenza a shot when I bought it. The stereo was good and was the most comfortable out of all the cars I test drove. This is my work vehicle so comfort is important. I have over 106K miles and the only thing I replaced is the brake switch. It took two days to get from the dealership and cost me $15.00. I replaced myself in their parking lot. It is not a luxury car but it has definately met my needs. It will run for another 100K miles.

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  Bad mpg - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By justonemike - January 20 - 9:56 pm

  Ive driven the Forenza now for 6000 miles and the mpg on it the last 3 months has been awful. 12mpg 3 tankfulls in a row(unacceptable) and thats city driving. Summer highway driving was ok (27-29) but if I were to buy it again I would get a manual tranny. Ive read it does better on the mpg. Other than that cars been ok. Power is enough for my needs. Just one issue with an engine light had it checked when I went for oil change.

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  Good value - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Dawson - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought used, 1 year old with high milage. Everything is in good working order and very little wear and tear is visable. AC is cold but may explain my 20 mpg fuel economy. Automatic transmission seems to rev high before switching to next gear. This car is very plain with no power locks, windows, seats, etc.