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:

• 

  The worst car ever! - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Jena - November 1 - 1:26 am

  I purchased my vehicle in 2007. I hate it. It only has 3,000. miles on it. My transmission is failing, the air bag light is on, and engine light is on too. I called Suzuki to help me. But I have to pay for everything to see whats wrong and most thing arent covered. It doesnt start always. I have 2 children and i am unemployed at this time. They told me that only interior thing are covered under warranty until 100,000 miles. The transmission is not shifting right and it jerks when it shifts. Gas not so good. I called corporate and they couldnt help me either. Not worth the money. Too many problems. And its not only me. What should I do.

• 

  Excellent, Fun and Cute! - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Alexis Vargas - October 31 - 9:53 pm

  I can tell my Suzuki Aerio is an excellent, fun, and cute car. It hasnt given me any problems so far. I have only changed the tires this month and I have been monitoring its oil and filter.

• 

  Its Not Bad! - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By SelfEsteem - October 30 - 4:03 am

  I didnt get the lemon one! Only use it for work. I notice though that the first time I filled up the gas tank full, the needle was on "E." Will not suggest for very long travel time. Only get about 21mpg rather than 26mpg as noted by EPA.

• 

  Excellent for city drivers - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By tomgunn711 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I did extensive research and test drives of the competition (Matrix, Protege5 and Focus) before settling on the Aerio SX AWD ABS. Basically, with the best crash rating from the IIHS and incredible value for an AWD car, I couldnt resist. The seating position and terrific views are perfect for the city. Also, the handling is good although highway stability was prob. best in the Protege5. There is more seating room than the others and the reliability has been Lexus like. I have had no issues whatsoever in 6 months.

• 

  WOW! Dont wait, BUY ONE! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By suzukirocks - October 26 - 7:26 pm

  Second time Suzuki owner (Vitara) and have fallen in love with my new one! I have around 15k on my Suzuki Forenza sedan. The 5 speed tranny is easy to use and I especially like how you cant accidently put it into reverse. I am a large 61" man and fit into this car without a problem. The engine is peppy and the fuel economy is fine. The car has a luxury car ride feel especially on long trips not typical of cars this size. Trunk is large. Getting a car seat in and out is easy. We can even get 4 people in this car with one in! 8 speaker stereo literally ROCKS! Power windows, locks, tilt, and power sides for this price. What a deal!

• 

  Very Satisfied - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By AlanJ - October 21 - 3:56 am

  I bought this car almost two years ago and am closing in on the 36,000 mile mark. It had a few minor initial quality problems that the dealer happily fixed in the first month. Since then its been flawless. It is a great value, and is comfortable for a big tall guy like me. It hauls a big load without complaining and it has a great stereo and nice styling. Its handling, acceleration, and fuel economy are adequate, but not stellar. High speed highway cruising is fine though. The automatic transmission shifted harshly at first, but a simple reprogram has it shifting like butter. Overall this is a nice car, I wish it was more popular.

• 

  Good solid vehicle - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MTO - October 16 - 12:36 am

  My brother bought a 2007 CRV, I like this vehicle much more. It has just as many options and more power. The only problem that I have is with the fuel economy. In Pittsburgh, I am averaging about 16 mpg without lead footing. There is a rear tire wear problem. I am going to get a 4 wheel alignment done as suggested. Overall, great car for the price. Its not worth shelling out the extra money for the Rav4, CRV, or Santa Fe.

• 

  Dependable - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By summer - October 14 - 3:26 am

  I have had this car for 10 months and put 20,000 miles on it. Its very dependable and very spacious in the back seat for my two toddlers, I even have room for a third child, if needed. The trunk is huge for lots of storage. Sometimes when you go over 85 mph, it starts to shimmy a little. The gas mileage is alright, not the best, but not the worst either. Overall, a great car at an affordable price.

• 

  Best SUV for the money - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Fleeto - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The 04 XL7 is the best vehicle that I have ever purchased. I saw a loss- leader ad in the newspaper and decided to check it out. The 04 XL7 were on sale for 17,900. The dealer honored it and I got some fantastic financing and drove home with my new car. Since my insurance co considers a XL7 as a station wagon, my premium dropped by $400. I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Not Just Another SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ryan Ellis - October 9 - 2:43 am

  My 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara handles better than any other SUV I have ever driven. I test drove the Jeep Liberty - no spunk, the Hyundia Tuscan - no pick up or response, and the Honda CR-V - poor interior and brake quality. For the price nothing beats the Grand Vitara. With the near 50/50 weight distrubution, I feel like Im driving a sports car - not a truck. I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to spend the right money for the safety and warranty to keep one feeling at ease. Ive always loved Lexus SUVs but never wanted to spend $40,000 plus for luxury, smartpass keyless, heated seats, leather, sunroof, and homelink. Suzuki found the alternative for me and built a customer to last.