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:

• 

  A great decision to buy this car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Cheyenne Driver - January 6 - 9:16 pm

  We bought this car for safety, air bag protection, and traction in snow and ice in Wyoming. Also zero percent financing. It is the best decision we have ever made. My wife loves this car and we have driven to Denver, Estes Park, Yoder Wyoming with no problems.

• 

  2003 Step up model - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By bjnspr - January 4 - 2:00 am

  No complaints, reliable, vaule for money, improved interior.

• 

  Sleeping Giant (well in spirit @least) - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Snookie - January 2 - 3:53 pm

  We have owned this XL-7 for 2 years. It is the 13th car we have owned but by far the best value for the money. Have had Fords Dodges and Hondas all nice but this one really beats them all, hands down. All the toys and goodies of an expensive SUV with the reliablity of a solid Japanese Mfg. It may not be big is stature but it is a Giant in value.

• 

  Rock Solid Decision To Buy A Kizashi - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Smokey - December 29 - 11:50 am

  Love at first sight at last winters Greater Phoenix Auto Show. We had a long courtship. Yesterday, we tied the knot. For months I dated a VW CC, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima, and this little terror named Kizashi. My friends said, "Dont pick her. Shes weird, has a funny name, no ones heard of her, you surely cant get your golf bag in her trunk." But every time I took her out (and I test drove her 4 times), she was awesome. Now, shes mine. Comfort? A. Technology A. Driving sensation? A. I could have married a slightly faster or prettier one, but Im not much for gold-diggers. I like value. We are gonna go the distance. And the golf bag fits just fine.

• 

  Suzuki XL-7 - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Amrit - December 23 - 2:13 pm

  This suv offers a good value for its price. It is equipped nicely. The third row seat is very handy.

• 

  THEY SASTIFIED ALL MY NEEDS - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By irishtlk - December 20 - 8:20 pm

  THE XL7 GIVES ME EVERYTHING I NEED IN A 7 PASSENGER SUV. IT FITS IN MY 1 CAR GARAGE, IS EASY TO DRIVE AND PARK. GIVES MY FAMILY THE PROTECTION I WAS LOOKING FOR WITH THE FULL LADDER FRAME, SIDE IMPACT BEAMS IN THE DOORS. MY WIFE LOVES THE STYLING.

• 

  The Perfect SUV! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CRS1122 - December 17 - 9:03 am

  Ths Suzuki Grand Vitara has an excellent ride. It is absolute FUN! It has a smooth, sleek design, and I am getting over 30 mpg highway gas mileage. This truck has lots of zip.

• 

  My Toy - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By KIMQDA - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vitara, I was set on getting a 4WD after last winter and being stuck in the house. I shopped around for the best value, with the features I wanted and the price I wanted to pay. I did over 3 months of looking before deciding on the Vitara. I LOVE IT!!!!!

• 

  Kizashi vs Jetta - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By sabkosalam - December 13 - 12:03 am

  I have an 06 jetta and just got my Kizashi. Its only natural for me to compare the two. I have fallen in love with the Kizashi so I only want to mention the things I didnt like or am not used to. Car is extremely beautiful but too low, Id be scared to drive on serious bumps/snow. Doors dont lock automatically when you start driving. All four windows are not on one touch auto like jetta (I am spoiled by this jetta feature). Center armrest doesnt extend forward like jetta. Floor Mats are too black, can see dirt. Harsh ride in the GTS sport trim that we got. Has bump steer because of strong suspension. Front passenger seat cant be moved up and down like the Jetta.

• 

  Great Car! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By caseyph - December 8 - 4:43 pm

  I love my XL-7. I got it after I needed to use my aunts XL-7 and loved it. It has plenty of room for myself and children. I recently took it on a road trip and it did wonderful. This truck is a keeper until its time to trade it in and even then Itll be for another XL- 7.