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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  love this car - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By jewellene - August 24 - 1:26 pm

  i got this car little over year now and i love it ...

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By jperez - August 24 - 5:20 am

  I love it the Reno. It is small sleek, stylish, has power everything, and costs less than $15,000. Enough said.

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  I love this car!! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Chris - August 21 - 8:53 am

  When we first got the car we took it to Rocky Mountain National Park, and the next day it started having troubles starting. At the time they didnt have a fix but a few months down the road a software update came out and that fixed the problem. I have had the car for a year and that is the only problem I have ever had with it. Right now I have put 20,000 miles on it.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Tony - August 18 - 2:06 am

  I just purchased this car because of its looks and how it drives, On the road all you see these days is Hondas and Toyotas I wanted to be diffrent and bought a Reno. The car is very spacious and very confortable, it rides well too.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bev - August 13 - 2:26 pm

  Im very happy with my 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Ive always driven compact cars and I found this SUV easy to drive. The price is hard to beat with all the safety features that come standard on this SUV, not to mention the great warranty. The ride is smooth and its very fun to drive. The interior is appealing and the exterior is bold.

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  I love my Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Classylady - August 7 - 12:46 am

  I have always been a sedan driver. I preferred Nissan over other sedans. When I purchased my Suzuki Grand Vitara February 13, 2006 really was in the market for a new Nissan Altima but was amazed at the design of the Grand Vitara and how easy it was to drive without feeling like I was in a big Ford truck. Thanks Suzuki for designing such a wonderful vehicle. I have been a Nissan owner for over 20 years so to get me hooked on your vehicle says a whole lot. I love My Suzuki Grand Vitara.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Suzuki Lover 4 Life - August 1 - 12:46 am

  The the fit and finish of the 2004 Suzuki Verona compares favorably with a number of more expensive European sedans. This car has a quality Japanese engine and drivetrain.

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  Great Car, Buy it! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Buy it !!! - July 30 - 1:16 am

  OK guys heres the story and the word from someone who knows. Listen up, this is a fantastic car. It has tons of standard upgrades that other cars makers charge an arm and a leg for. It handles great, looks very European and very cool, and it comes with a CD/MP3 player 8 speaker system - standar ! I highly recommend getting the 5-speed manual transmission over automatic. The manual will give you more power, more control, and its a heck of lot quieter than the automatic. Take my word for it, youll love the car. I looked at the Honda Civic, Hyundai, and the Scion tC; and The Suzuki Reno beats them all hands down. The quality is second to none. Thats the story and the word.

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  Best Value SUV - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Perry Armstrong - July 24 - 7:33 am

  I have not had one problem with my XL-7. It rides nice and smooth like a car and it I love the "power switch." Its like a James Bond SUV (used for passing or for getting a jump start). I dont have any complaints. Its a great value buy. This is why we purchased it.

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  Suzuki Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Matthew - July 20 - 2:06 pm

  The Suzuki Forenza is one of the best vehicles I have owned or driven. It is very comfortable to ride in and to drive. The vehicle looks like a top notch ride, but it comes at a fraction of the cost. The interior comes with plenty of places to store any items that might need to be placed out of the way. In all, this is a very roomy and comfortable vehicle to own.