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 ride - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By carguru29 - July 18 - 10:00 am

  After being a loyal fan of the VW Golf, I was in the market for a new ride. I chose the SX4 sport touring edition, and it has been perfect. faster, better traction and handles better than any of my Golfs, and better than the wifes Honda.It has a lot better design too. Its a car worth looking if your shopping in the price range.

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  Just terriffic! - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By nicolasR - July 18 - 10:00 am

  If youre shopping for a sporty compact, test drive one an youll be sold. Sx4 is fun, feels like a more expensive small sports compact, think a4/ jetta/ s40 but at a fraction of the cost. I was considering a jetta, my wife liked the mini Cooper, but after contemplating we landed at 2 Suzuki sx4s, one hatch back (cuter than a Cooper) and a sedan with the se package. We traded in a Civic and insight, and were glad to be rid of those two. The sx4s are way ahead of Honda in this segment, not to mention way better looking :) both have been a dream to own, not one complaint.

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  Superb Suzuki aka Fiat - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By talledega66 - July 18 - 10:00 am

  The car has been simple to own, the maintenance schedule is easy with the timing chain instead of belt ( as seen on more expensive cars), the oil changes every 7500 miles, with a special we got free a maintenance package. Suspension is better than any other comparably priced compact sedan, even better than one I drove costing almost 10k more. It feels heavier really secure at all speeds, corners well. Overall the 150 hp engine is enough with manual 6 speed (I test drove automatic and it was also adequate), but not as much fun. The car gets attention, people always like the styling. For a small car theres a lot of head and leg room even in back, overall it was the best choice

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  Is this the best value car you can buy? - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By edbearnz - July 10 - 1:07 pm

  We recently purchased our second new car, (we’ve had many second hand cars over the years), having had to sell our 12 year-old Nissan Pulsar SLX due to me breaking my back in a car accident last year. The seating position of the Pulsar was no longer tenable for me and I had to get a vehicle with a higher, more ergonomically correct seat. We bought the Pulsar new in 1999 and it had been a pleasure to own and was well specced for the time with ABS, drivers air-bag, four-wheel disc brakes, air-conditioning, factory alloys and the engine was chain-drive DOHC with VVT. It was the cheapest car to own wed ever had and I was sad to see it go. After briefly considering second hand cars, I was conscious that had I been driving a vehicle with traction control, I would not have crashed, spinning out on oil, so when looking at later models with this feature I decided to go with another new car. My requirements centered around my physical needs, but I wanted several other things. The car had to have the latest in technology as I felt it was a waste of time buying older technology that was already outdated and due to be replaced. I wanted fuel economy that was at least as good as the 1600cc Nissan Pulsar auto wed just sold and the car had to be value for money. We wanted an automatic so manual cars were not considered. This ruled out the otherwise excellent Ford Fiesta Econetic as it was only available in manual form. So too, the Toyota Rav4 diesel, the petrol being too thirsty. It became apparent early on that the small cars of today are excellent vehicles and all were superior in power and economy, ride and handling and of course features by comparison to our 12 year old Pulsar, with the Honda City the best over all, but the Swift being cheaper equalled the ride and comfort factor emphasising to me just why it is NZs best selling small car. Also in the early running was the Honda Insight hybrid, which I liked but the passenger seat was uncomfortable and my wife didnt like the rear view through the mirror, the split window was disconcerting to her. So despite the lowest running costs, even over the Fiesta once RUCs, were counted, (Road User Charges - New Zealand has a separate charge for mileage on diesel vehicles on a $ per Kilometer basis, and Diesel fuel is not taxed at the pump. Depending on size and type of vehicle you pay a particular charge per Kilometer), the Insight dropped off the list. I looked at SUVs but despite the great performance and economy of the new generation diesels, with the Hyundai ix35 being the best of them, I didnt need the size and expense. On a $ per km figure including RUCs they were going to cost the same as the medium sized petrol cars to run. So that left me to look at the medium car market as an alternative to buying a small car. The Suzuki SX4i AWD is unique and a great wee SUV with comfort, features and power, but let itself down on wind and engine noise. A shame because otherwise Id have bought it! It was amazing to realise that the new cars with 2.4lt engines could equal the Pulsar for fuel economy while being a lot bigger and a lot more powerful! I compared the Ford Mondeo Titanium Hatch diesel, the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord Euro, Hyundai i45, VW Passat and the Suzuki Kizashi Ltd. and Sport. The Camry was the first to go as it was dearer and less economical and while the ride and seating were comfortable it was very plain-Jane. It was also a run-out model, due to be replaced with an all new one. The VW was too dear as was the Honda Accord. The Hyundai was my early favourite for technology, style, economy, features and seemed good value. It was perfect in driving position and nearly took the prize. Until I tried the Kizashi... What can I say? I run out of superlatives to describe this car! All the neighbours are jealous, all our friends love it, especially the colour and my wife doesnt want to get out of it. The heated seats and dual-zone climate air were the clincher for her, as was the colour and tints which set the car off beautifully! My back is happy and we look forward to many years of service from what has to be the best mid-sized car on the road today!

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  I love my new Equator! - 2010 Suzuki Equator
  By Chris Thomas - July 4 - 10:03 am

  I never thought I would ever own a truck other than a Toyota but after 20+ years here I am, the very happy and satisfied owner of a Suzuki Equator. I did serious research on this purchase as it was my first new vehicle purchase and it came down to the Equator and the Tacoma. Toyota did not seem to care if they sold the Tacoma to me, no incentives and the frame design is really sad compared to my old Toyota. So I went with the Equator which is rugged, durable, high quality, and well thought out and executed. Course I have only had it a few months and any new vehicle is a good thing. Still, I am really happy with this truck which sees lots of hunting trip use. Well done, Suzuki!

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jake - July 2 - 2:16 pm

  I love the roomy interior. The 155 horsepower engine helps when merging into fast highway traffic. I got a lot of standard features that are optional with other small cars. The warranty is great, too. I dont understand why it doesnt sell better.

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  Smart Package - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Saverio - July 2 - 1:36 pm

  You couldnt find a better car for less money than the Suzuki Reno. It has all the fixings of a luxury car at an economic price. If you like that go test drive one, pt for the manual transmission. You wont be sorry.

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  Reviewers Must be Prejudiced - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By sweetsuzie - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We just got this car, and absolutely love it more each time we drive it. It cant possibly be the same vehicle the reviewers are talking about. It is peppy, quiet, comfortable and with excellent build quality.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By David Henry - June 30 - 9:40 pm

  I love the Suzuki XL-7. It has a great deal of comfort and space. I can drive long distances and remain comfortable. The left side foot rest is great. The on dash controls make everything easy. The third row will definitely help you carry 7 passengers as long as they are not all adults. The style and body shape are eye catching while the interior is equally exciting. So far my XL-7 has been very reliable and dependable. The engine power is adequate for towing. The pearl finish is beautiful, not quite white! The interior has many compartments with easy access, and the rear hidden compartment is ideal with its tray design. Overall I look forward to buying a Suzuki when and if I am ever ready to depart with the one I have.

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  Doing fine with me! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By lisa - June 22 - 5:26 pm

  I love my Forenza! I have the 07 black/premium package with leather interior and spoiler. I havent had any problems with it. If you are the type of driver who likes to zig-zag in and out of traffic this car is not for you because the acceleration speed is moderate. I was a little disapointed with the gas mileage at first but I now put mid-grade gas to get better mileage and ride. The good really outweighs the bad. You cant have luxury expectations when driving a economy car! This car is doing just fine for me