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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  2008 SX4 Crossover AWD auto/Touring - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Norm - February 22 - 10:36 pm

  This vehicle was purchased for my wife as a replacement for her 1997 Toyota RAV4, which we gave to our 20 year old son who is away at college. This car is very similar to the RAV in many respects, small 4 cylinder engine, AWD, about the same size but a little lower to the ground. The SX4 gets decent mileage so far after about 600 miles we are getting about 21 mpg in town and have not taken it for any long rides yet. My wife likes pretty much everything about the car except the lack of an ashtray and the auto climate control is a little confusing at first. Some of the controls do not light up when the headlights are on, such as the steering wheel controls for the radio and cruise control.

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  Not Perfect But I Love It! - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By indiecds - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought w/10,000 miles on it and have driven it 5,000. The car handles fine for me. Each driver needs to decide their own priorities. Two of the Yokohama 195/55R15s wore out in 15,000 miles. This size tire cost $100 at most locations so I changed to 14 inch size designated for the base S model with 185/65R14 tires that are 1/3 the cost and warranteed for more miles. While this does reduce handling it improves the ride & seems more practical if you view this car as an economy AWD vehicle. Viewing it as a sporty AWD vehicle requires sticking with the 15 in wheels & tires. Running lights are too easy to mistake for headlights on. Should be an audible warning when low fuel light comes on.

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  No Your Average Little Cute-ute - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Moonlighting Consult - February 10 - 2:00 am

  The Suzuki Grand Vitara is no comparison with the Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4. When choosing to buy a small SUV, the GV was my only choice. After reading critics praising the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, it never changed my mind on buying the GV over the other two. The shift on the fly 4X4 with hi/low makes the GV more versatile the both the CRV and RAV4. The exterior is masculine and the interior is just right. The V6 155 hp engine is quiet and smooth. If you want a grocery getter, buy a Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4... If you want a rugged 4x4 that has confidence to play with the big boys, buy a Suzuki Grand Vitara..

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  Fun Car - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By benny - February 8 - 4:00 pm

  Hey, I really love this car. I think its awesome. I have not had any problems with it and I love taking curves fast and driving fast. I only pay $200 a month for it and I put zero down also. It is not a bad car at all. If you go buy one, dont forget to ask for the $1,000 rebate. It puts the car at less than $14,500 for the 2007 model. If you find a 2006 model you can get it for $13,500. I read the complaints that some have about the resale value. Well you just bought a new car you cant expect to resell it for more...its not house. The best thing to do is just hold on to it and have fun with it hey it does have a great warranty and it looks really good.

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  Love my SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MySX4 - January 21 - 11:13 pm

  Owned my SX4 2 months now and absolutely love it! Came loaded w/all options: heated side mirrors, cruise, 6 CD changer, etc. Its the little "big" car thats a blast to drive. Its small on the outside, but very roomy inside. Love all the headroom! It sits up a bit higher making you feel like youre driving a bigger car. Taken it skiing and with AWD it had no problem in the snow. Gets great gas mileage. Bought it mainly for commuting, but love driving it so much I take it everywhere. Small-looking storage space in the back fools you; Ive loaded it down with tons of groceries w/room to spare (w/o folding seats forward). Our skis and gear fit with the seats folded down.

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  Wish Suzuki was still making this car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Conrad Usner - January 20 - 10:59 am

  Buy this car if you have a chance for a good one.... Ive had this car for 5 years, with not one, mechanical issue.... Never had to utilize the warranty for anything.... Only thinking of selling car because the 5 year bumper to bumper warranty I purchased runs out in December, 2016.... Couple that with the unfortunate fact that Suzuki no longer produces automobiles for the U.S. market, the dealer network is close to non existent.... (Closest dealer left is 1 1/2 hours drive away.) Parts will still be readily available until 2025 so says Suzuki Inc., for the DYI driver though...

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  Just bought my 05 Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Robert Fisher - January 18 - 11:53 am

  I just bought this car about a week ago and so far I love it. Im very impressed with the high level of style & build quality in a car of this price. The styling reminds me of an Audi A4. Like just about everyone else I like all the power gadgets and the 8 speaker stereo cd/tape player that come standard. Dont know about the gas mileage yet but it seems ok. I traded in a Suzuki Swift with 138,000 miles on it. Got en extra $500 off for owner loyalty. I highly recommend this car. Already got one of my friends to buy one.

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  Great ride!! - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rick - January 18 - 10:46 am

  I am glad we decided to buy this suv. The vehicle is very solid and fun to drive. The mileage in the city is around 21 mpg with the four cylinder that should improve with time. Seems to be a great value for the money. Take one for a test drive before you count this vehicle out.

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  Vehicle - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Susan - January 16 - 8:06 am

  This is my 2nd Suzuki and really like the performance, value and mileage. Getting a fully loaded XL-7 for 10k lower than everyone else makes this vehicle very affordable! My salesperson really knew her stuff, but sitting in the XL-7 actually sold itself. And talk about performance, someone drove my vehicle and said it drove like his Tahoe. I recommend you test drive one and youll never buy anything ele. Unbelievable value for your hard-earned dollars!

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  an over looked suv - 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By zukiowner - January 9 - 2:06 am

  ive owned this grand vitare since march, it now has 14,000 miles on it. i average 23mpg course im not a hot rodder either. its been back to dealer only to have its oil changed. i love it. smooth , quiet, fast. up in colorado at altirude, i got 29mpg, super..!!!!