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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  Better Than ALL the rest - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By soul_ride68 - November 24 - 6:10 pm

  My wife bought the Fit in October and my nephew bought the Versa two weeks later so I have plenty to compare with. Both of them regret not buying the Suzuki SX4. With the warranty and the standard features included with this vehicle, their vehicles dont even come close in comparison. They both agree that paying for the name (Nissan & Honda) isnt what a savvy buyer should do if there is a manufacturer building a better car out there for less money. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Liked my Elantra, LOVE this car. - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By 5spdlvr - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I am so happy with my Aerio. I had doubts having never owned a Suzuki, but Im glad I took a chance. I am baffled by Edmunds reviews, which are, in large part, luke-warm. But I read other great reviews and test drove it anyway. I traded my 02 Elantra for my Aerio. The Elantra,it was comfortable, a good value and performer. But the Aerio has more personality, HP and better safety scores. As for the handling being "sloppy"....not so, it does lean a lil more at times than the Elantra (taller profile) but it grips the road as well. The steering feel is similar.... nimble with being too light. Getting in and out of the Aerio is easier too

• 

  WOW - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By My Buggy - November 22 - 4:56 am

  This is my second Grand Vitata. I bought a used 99 model and drove it for four years, then my husband thought I should be driving a used Volvo XC70. In four months I was back in a new Grand Vitara. I called the first one my buggy. I now have Buggy Jr. I wonder if it had a more catchy name, it might have better sales (like Spirit or Sprint). Oh well, Im very pleased with my new buggy. My husband found the 99 scrunchy but hes more comfortable in the 06 model. I was looking at Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 but they were too much money for same features as Grand Vitara. I consider myself a smart shopper and the Grand Vitara is a greeat buy!

• 

  I love it! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Sherri - November 20 - 7:46 pm

  I love this SUV! Ive had it a year and I still enjoy it. The only thing I dislike about it is the rear door. If someone parks to close to you, you cant open it, as it swings out instead of up.

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  Not for the long legged - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Disappointed in PA - November 18 - 6:13 am

  I bought this car for $18,900 including tax, title, and license which is too much money for this car. The AWD is great. Have had it to the dealer twice to replace the display consol (clock, temp etc). Cruise control doesnt hold your speed very well. I drive 55 miles daily to work so I have to get gas every three or four days. Very disappointing gas mileage for a 4 cylinder. Its only getting maybe 22 mpg at the most and the tank only holds 10 gallons of gas. Im 6 4" and this car has great headroom but practically no leg room. Back seats dont fold real well. Overall a good car but it needs a few more years of improvements to be a great car. Dont recommend it to guys with long legs.

• 

  Okay But Needs Improvement - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By SamuelB - November 18 - 5:10 am

  As midsize SUVs go the Suzuki XL7 is a bargain. Mine stickered for almost $23,000 but with discounts got it for only $17K. Considering you get automatic temperature control air conditioning, CD player, cruise control, and antilock brakes in the deal thats not too bad. Ive put 11,000 miles on it and have had no problems. The build quality is quite good and the doors sound solid when you shut them. The driving position is comfortable and it performs reasonably well except in high winds. The gas mileage is much worse than I would have expected in a 6 cylinder midsize SUV, and the engine could use more power.

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  I love this car!! - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By christinaBee - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I thought it was a hatchback and so did my teenage daughter. She was surprised to find out it is a wagon. It is still "cool" enough for her to drive.

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  Drive for a living - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Stacey - November 13 - 5:53 pm

  I drive for a living 300 miles a day in my forenza. Yes I had to change the selt belt but that was free. Other then normal required maintance; my car has been perfect. Gas mileage is great for the size of the car since I fill up the tank everyday. Although the tires come in one size; you can actually have one size bigger put on and its been cheaper and has gotten better gas mileage. For someone who drives for a living; it has been a great vechile.

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  Piece of crap - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By lynn28 - November 12 - 12:10 am

  Omg, I have had nothing but problems with my car ever since I have owned it. Had the problem of it not starting then the passenger seat belt light coming on and I have gone threw tires with it left and right. I just found out my car needs front struts with only 60,000 miles on it what the heck?

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  I like it. - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By crisp - November 11 - 8:23 am

  The dealer told me to buy this car new over a used Honda Civic. Im actually quite impressed. It did have the not-starting problem for a week, thats gone. 2 recalls. 1 for the seatbelt latch and another for the headlight wiring harness. I put 87 octane in it and get around 30 mpg combined. Stellar if you ask me. Very quiet car at rest. The a/c freezes. Perfect. Spins the tires when I want. Brakes could go for 100k miles. I paid 11k for this car new and other than bad resale its an awesome commuter for sure/