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:

• 

  Pretty Fun Little Car so Far - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By SMR - November 11 - 6:23 am

  So I have only had my 2006 Suzuki Reno for about two weeks but it has been pretty impresive for the money. Lets face it, its a cheap mode of transport. But its got some class thats for sure. I think the Italian design really helps. To me it looks better than cars out there that cost twice as much. Its very European looking. It could be that the car is actually a Holden Viva from Australia which was basically rebadged as a Suzuki. Overall I have been quite impressed by this stylish little guy. If you like the little European cars (like I do), then you wont be dissapointed. Test drive one and I think you will see what I mean.

• 

  No Power features - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Micheal - November 10 - 10:00 pm

  I purchase from private owner car run great had very little problem with it 02 senor and check engine light come on from time to time, but dealer has reset engine light, for me, Just have problem with power feature not working all fuse check good and relays are fine just lose all turn signals indicator, emergency flasher, power window, and power locks traning to check on if this a warranty, or recalled items having not luck car still runs greats

• 

  Just Fun and it is About Time! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By michael b. - November 8 - 10:26 pm

  This car is like a fun little James Bond car! It is always easy to drive and fun to get around in. Everything about this car is ergonomically correct. The design under the hood and inside the car are too cool!

• 

  2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jimmy Cruz - November 8 - 8:40 pm

  I have been a Ford Rangers STX 2005 owner for 2+ years. My first Suzuki now the 2010 Grand Vitara. The new 2010 Grand Vitara is excellent to drive. Most of my miles are in rural and center of the island of Puerto Rico, to my business and from work and support driving for my supermarket and Sport Bar work. The Grand Vitara is very secure to drive. It gets around 22 to 23 mpg on the highway and around 21 around town. It is highway quite and all the features are very functional. All function through the radio speaker nice, the warranty is great for 7 year or 100,000 miles. Comfort is outstanding. Give this small SUV a second look before you have a decision to by a new SUV.

• 

  Grand Vitara = Grand Purchase - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By sweetaries - November 7 - 10:06 pm

  This was my first vehicle I ever owned and I loved it. The price was excellent for a brand new SUV (I looked at a 2004 Ford Escape that was the same price as this vehicle). Every drive was smooth, the vehicle gave me no problems, the inside was very spacious (I was able to move to and from college with everything packed inside), and I loved every moment in it.

• 

  Reliable Small All around Car or Suv - 2013 Suzuki SX4
  By titinio - November 7 - 2:42 am

  A well kept secret to owners of Suzuki vehicles because of the quality, reliability, value and performance. The same story or history of the Suzuki Samurai, Sidekick and Geo Tracker. Owners of these vehicles knows these secrets. The only mistake that Suzuki did is the creation of the Grand Vitara creating a 6 cylinder. Grand Vitaras fuel consumption rating is not good. They should kept the 4 cylinder Vitara version. Numerous people are now seeking to own used Samurai, Sidekick and Tracker; its high value price hold. I had a car repair business for 9 yrs. and only one (1) Suzuki that I encountered broken is because the young teenager never had an oil change. Engine Froze.

• 

  Love My SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gary - November 5 - 6:33 pm

  This SUV has a really nice ride thats smooth but reminds you that youre in a truck not a car. it handles very well in all conditions and has a smokin sound system. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who doesnt need a third row seat.

• 

  Good Pick 2002 SX 5M - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Cary - November 4 - 8:13 am

  Bought this 2002 in Nov 2003 as a "temporary" car after the one I was dring was totaled. Four years later, still going strong. No real problems from SX at all. Good room inside, plenty of head room for me (63"). Nice design touches: reclining rear seats, arm rest in rear, cargo cover, height adj front seat, tilt steering, storage tray under pass seat . Not a huge fan of digital dash, but function cant be faulted and forward visibility is excelent. Easy to maintain, good on tires and brakes. MPG good but not great (28-29 most of the time), that bigger engine has its downside.

• 

  Awesome! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bill - November 3 - 5:16 pm

  Three days after buying this car, I got involved In a freak snow and ice storm here in southwest PA. I was so impressed how it got us home that night and I just have the 2WD version! The traction control is awesome! I have nothing bad to say about it! For the money, getting this vehicle is a no brainer!

• 

  My Verona I love you but. - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Andy Cloutier - November 1 - 10:40 am

  We liked what we saw, the style was very attractive, The 20" wheels look real racy and it has disc brakes all around, wow. I like the ABS and air pressure check from the dash. The 6 cylinder engine is very smooth. The pneumatic hood lifters are a plus, no need to raise the hood bar. The automatic shifter very smooth. The interior wood applique and chrome trim very are attractive. The leather intrerior, heated seats and heated outdoor mirrors are a luxury you wouldnt expect from a car this price. BUT, its gas mileage is not impressive. I am only getting 15 MPG on average. My car wobbles too much on windy days and the transmission is a little clunky when shifting, It is not a perfect world, we love it and we would give it a B+ all in all, the Verona is a nice city car.