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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  LOVE MY SUZUKI - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By kellynulf - June 19 - 3:45 am

  I bought my Suzuki with 6 miles on it back in 2003. It now is hitting over 190,000. It has been an amazing car. There have been a few issues. A CD got stuck in the CD player and now that doesnt work. The radio still works fine though. The light on the clock doesnt work, even with replacement fuse. I did start having issues the last 2 years with the heat shield clamps rusting. Overall I will be very sad the day "Shelly" takes a dump.

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  My Dream Car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Meme - June 18 - 3:16 pm

  I have not ever owned a new car. I did resaerch on this beauty and loved all that I saw about the car. After I bought it and have been driving on the interstates and also back roads. It handles wonderfully with no shaking or sliding in the curves. It holds the road really well, rain or shine. I have a sunroof also and it is very nice to open and see the stars or enjoy the sun. My husband was against a convertable so this is the next best thing. The stereo is awsome. Whether you ride front or back seat you have plenty room. The trunk has all the room I could use. Did I mention that I came out of a Windstar van to this beauty or that I am a 62 year old grandmother? No matter what age you are, this car is Kewl.

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  My Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By pAUL bRAUTIGAM - June 17 - 12:40 pm

  My wife and I have enjoyed this vehicle very much. The interior and exterior styling is classy. The driving experience in town and on the highway has been extremely pleasant. The Veronas gas milage is as good as advertizied. It is the nicest vehicle we have owned in our 64 years.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Hipmmmy - June 13 - 5:30 am

  The Suzuki XL-7 is the perfect mid size SUV for moms who dont want a BIG SUV or the expensive gas bill! It is kid friendly and easy to maintain! Its comfortable on long trips! I suggest the third seat option, just in case you need it! :) This truck has great storage and gets great gas mileage!

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  Suzuki SX4 is a junk car - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By will_c - June 10 - 2:51 am

  This is a disposable car, spend a little extra for a better car! Dont make my mistake. with less then 100,000 miles I went through 4 sets of brakes, inner tie-rod, water pump, rear wheel assembly, 2 Catalytic Converter, O2 sensor. Ive never gotten better then 25 mpg.

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  Joy to drive - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Vernessa - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I have now had my XL 7 for about 2 months and love the ride. Very comfortable.

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  XL-7 good stuff - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Larry Walls - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Inside and outside of the 2004 XL-7 is beautiful.Well done wood grain dash and lighting.The heated seats are great and the sound system is the best in class.This SUV is fun to drive and a ride that is as good or better than most large size SUV.The XL-7 V6 motor has great power for it size.When you need to pass someone just steep on the gas pedal and hang on for the ride.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By hendricks - June 7 - 2:53 pm

  We owned two of them, but traded one in on a 2005. These SUVs are great. They glide right through the snow in 4WD. They perform great in local traffic and on the highway. If you are having doubts about this vehicle, dont. Just buy it and enjoy.

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  You Cant Go Wrong With This Car! - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Trevon M. - June 3 - 5:36 pm

  My fiancee and I were looking for a new car and were actually were looking at a Kia Optima. But once he offered to let us test drive a 2005 Suzuki Verona, we both were drawn to it because of its design and features. It shares its lines with Toyota Camry, but is indeed a Suzuki! I was impressed with the woodgrain accents, as well as the placement of the easy to use controls in the cars interior, but was even MORE impressed with the cars handling during the test drive. It has plenty of power and a very smooth and quiet ride. The keyless entry and trunk release built into the key itself are also a plus. This is a must have ride! This comes from a die hard GM owner, whos just been turned to imports!

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  unbelievable car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By rnf - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 1990 Suzuki Swift for 14 years and just bought a new Forenza. It is an amazing car. Beautiful design. Sits higher than most cars. I really like the S model since without the sunroof on the higher line models you get many inches of additional headroom. Amazingly quiet; no wind noise at all. I cant imagine anyone buying a Civic, etc over this car.