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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  Good Overall Value - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By todd - May 31 - 1:23 pm

  The car has had numerous rattles and trim defects, but has been otherwise reliable. It has fabulous fuel economy, up to 40 mpg with the five speed manual transmission.

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  Biggest Mistake Yet - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Lacy - May 30 - 8:53 am

  In the short while that Ive owned this car, the airbag sensor has gone off---requiring the front passenger seat to be replaced. It now squeaks continuously if someone sits in it. The Keyless entry/start system seems to be questionable---I have now had to replace the key fobs twice because they do not recognize the car. There are 3 small cheap plastic coverings under the back seat---one of these fell off the other day. Apparently, the car I purchased is less than perfect. It only has 2,000 miles on it. Im so wishing I could get rid of it, but Im stuck with it for the time being. One certainly gets what one pays for.

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  Whats that? - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jaydee11 - May 30 - 2:13 am

  Well, on the 20th, I took delivery of a new 2012 Suzuki Kizashi SE,Leather Edition, after test driving one for 4 days! I was initially at the dealership for issues with my HHR, so I had time to kill and here I am! The salesman went with me and had me drive on a really curvy country road out here in Kansas...Man did I have a good time!!!We then hit the Interstate back to the dealer...I did a cool 75 mph..til we passed two State Troopers,then I stepped on it....We were at 115 mph before I knew it! I backed off though,dont want a ticket! Well anyway,I bought after reading all the reviews here in Edmunds and decided that I have to have this car. But I will keep posting....

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  Did I buy SX4 too - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Vladimir - May 28 - 8:46 pm

  Ive read many good reviews. I bought the car. Now I am wondering whether it is the same car which many other reviewers described. It is slow. In the city it is OK but joining highway traffic is a dangerous exercise. Going from 45 to 60 is so slow. You push the accelerator pedal and wait and wait and wait. You need to be very careful. Gas mileage is 23 mpg. Ride is not smooth and solid. The car behaves like a heavy and unwieldy carriage on the road. Missing many small storage places. To a future buyer, please, TEST drive.

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  I love my yellow duck - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By rkymtwoman - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I was planning to buy a Ford Focus but stopped by the Suzuki dealership on a whim. I was blown away by the extras that came with the Suzuki Aerio SX and I loved driving it. When I took it out on the interstate I was sold...lots of power to accelerate. The price was right and I love the bright yellow color of my car.

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  Great for the price - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By dbell - May 28 - 10:00 am

  30000 miles and not a hiccup. Performance has been great. Tows my fishing boat with no problem (2000 lbs,) Wife loves it!

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  I must disagree - I love this car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Indiana Gal - May 25 - 4:30 am

  I have to reply to a couple of earlier posts. I get from 26.5 to 29 mpg on my daily driving (40 miles round trip) so I was surprised about the rating. Also Im still driving on the first set of tires at 17,500 miles. I read a review that listed 3 sets of tires in the first 20,000 miles. It does seem to have blind spots when trying to back up, but overall it is easy to drive and easy to park. It has a huge trunk, large enough for luggage for 4 on a 5 day trip. I bought this used with 7,000 miles and now over 17,000 and have not had any repairs at all.

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  Suzuki dreams - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By gojiman - May 23 - 9:00 pm

  Overall quality and ride is good. I like the idea of it being a heavier car in its class, a little over 2700 lbs. I would only say this, if Suzuki put the muscle it puts into its motorcycles into its cars, WOW! I realize that Daewoo makes most of their autos but this company has such great potential in being more than it is. They say most of Suzukis cars are quirky and I agree but this is why I like it. I am aware of some of Forenas mechanical problems, they are small and few compared to its competitors. Suzuki still has one of the best warranties in the Industry! Keep on digging in!

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  my XL-7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By safontana - May 23 - 10:00 am

  i purchase it in janurary of 2004 and have 12000 miles on it im very pleased with the suv and am thrilled to drive it on long road trips. i enjoy the roomness of the three rows of seat. i also like the idea of folding the seat down when im making a trip to be able to lay out fully in the back. i bring a blanket and pillow and take a nap will on the highway. i also love the rear a/c that allows the passangers to conrtol how much a/c they want. ive taken several trips from new orleans to nashville and dallas and have est. 24 miles to the gallon. i researced this suv against outhers like the kia , hynudia,toyota and rear a/c is optional .

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  2007 Suzuki Forenza - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By BB - May 22 - 7:20 pm

  I needed a car that was reliable and I didnt have to spend a fortune on. While browsing for a few days I came across this car that only had 8500 miles on it for $9980. One reason for the price drop was they dealer took the stock rims off and replaced them with 15 inch black rims with hubcaps on them. That was alright with me though because I can always replace that. My Forenza is a manual transmission and unlike what other reviews have said on some Forenzas mine accelerates perfectly fine. The one and only complaint so far that I have about this car is that if the tires pressure is not perfect I get a light on in the car because of the TPMS. Overall though, good car so far!