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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  EXXXXXXCELENT - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tom - August 17 - 11:13 pm

  Suzukis engineers have outdone themselves. The quality of craftmanship and the feel of my Grand Vitaras interior are ten times beter than that of Toyota or Honda. You will not be dissapointed with this vehicle. Its great inside out. If you are considering a small or medium size SUV you should definitely take a look at the new Grand Vitara.

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  Great Used Car - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Hawkes - August 14 - 9:43 pm

  I bought my Suzuki Esteem used with less than 9,000 miles on it. The engine light went on and it took a while for service to figure out the problem. It ended up being a recall issue. I havent had a major problem with my car since. I have been getting great mileage, I average 28 around town and 32 on the highway. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Love the Vehicle - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Arnold Goodman - August 13 - 7:33 am

  Looks like an SUV yet drives like a car. Handles well in local traffic and on long rides. Driven to New York and back it was a pleasure. Opened the moon roof listened to the XM radio time, flew by. Height is great for seeing on the road, not too big so parking and maneuvering is great. People comment about the looks of the vehicle.

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  Air Conditioner Problems - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By equatorhater - August 12 - 3:31 am

  I am on my second Equator. The first made it to 20,000 miles with no problems. At 20,000 the airconditioner started freaking out. It would have power surges and the fan motor would go from almost off to full power on and off continuously. Took it to the dealer multiple times, they could not fix it. We traded the truck for a 2012 Equator, it has made it to 9325 miles and is doing the exact same thing. I am at my wits end!!!

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  This is the #1 SUV, it rocks. - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Johnny - August 7 - 5:20 am

  I previously had a 2002 XL-7 in Puerto Rico. It was perfect. This new model is just as good. It is highly underrated. It is at a level equal or above Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Kia and all the other Japanese, American and European brands. It is reliable, sturdy, extremely safe and economical.

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  Good Buy so far - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mike - August 3 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my suzuki with 18,000 miles already on it. The gas mileage is as stated if you drive 55mph or less, at 70mph it drops to 19/21 mpg. engine power is avg but the transmission seems weak. Interior is holding together well, so is exterior. 4-wheel alignment is a must as it comes from the factory way off. The brakes seem to fade away when slowing from high speeds. Undecided if i would buy another Suzuki or not, but i think a better vehicle would be much more expensive.

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  I love this car - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Heather - August 3 - 5:46 am

  I love this car. I bought it new in 2005, I saw it on the delivery truck and told the salesman that was the one I wanted. Most people say that was a gamble but I know how great Suzukis are. I also had a Suzuki Swift that has over 200,000 miles on it and has only had to have oil changes brake pads and such. I tell everyone buy Suzuki.

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  4X4 2-Door Vitara - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By gregggg - July 28 - 2:06 am

  I have had my Vitara about 9 yrs with over 130,000 miles. No repairs needed except an o2 sensor at 100,000 mi I live in the mountains at about 5000 ft I go off road and drive in snow all the time * I gave it a 5 for comfort taking into consideration it is a body on frame 4x4 getting 20-25 mpg

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  Hate my 2006 Grand Vitara 4x4 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dawn R - July 27 - 11:06 am

  In July 2007 I replaced my 2004 Ford Explorer for a 2006 Grand Vitara which has an auto 4x4 feature. This vehicle handles good on normal roads but when winter came it quickly changed. If I hit a patch of ice it swerves left to right. Had it checked out by the dealer--nothing wrong. Was told I must have driven too fast for conditions. How could that be when everyone was passing me? Handles well in snow and heavy snow but forget the ice or slick spots on freeway. If you stomp on it so the 4x4 kicks in it helps but when you let off it we start slipping again. I dont feel safe in this car. Ill be trading it off soon. Im going back to Ford.

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  VERONA, IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By one800bob - July 27 - 10:00 am

  THE OTHERS HAD BETTER WATCH OUT FOR THE NEW ENTRY FROM SUZUKI. THIS IS A VALUE LIKE NO OTHER. THE WARRANTY SAYS IT ALL ON THIS NEW VEHICLE. A GREAT CAR AT A GREAT PRICE. NO OTHER CAR COMPARES. FOR THE VALUE THERE IS NO OTHER CAR ON THE MARKET. WE WERE TREATED SO WELL AT THIS DEALERSHIP. THE STAFF NEEDS TO BE COMMENDED BY THE SUZUKI HIGHER UPS ON THE WAY THE PRESENTATION OF THE CAR TOOK PLACE. THE TEST DRIVE WAS THE SELLING POINT FOR ME. GET ONE WHILE THEY STILL HAVE THEM AT THIS PRICE. CALL RICHARDSON SUZUKI, AND FEEL THE EXPERIENCE OF DEALING WITH "THE LITTLE DEALER WHO CARES" YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED.