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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  Suzukis are bulletproof - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By sbehrman - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my fifth Suzuki. They are bulletproof. Very high reliability, conservative engineering, excellent fuel economy. The XL-7 is geared a bit low, so I fitted the biggest Michelin tires that would fit in the wheel wells, making the gearing "taller" by about 5%. The car still clims the 6% grade between 6000 and 7000 feet on the east side of Donner Pass in 5th gear.

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  GRAND VITARA LIMITED - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By JEL - December 2 - 10:00 am

  GREAT AUTO TO DRIVE.

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  XL-7 Great Truck for the Money - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dep - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck for 2 years (2002 model). It has performed flawlessly. Looks great and gets 20mpg

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  Excellent Little Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By ortorres627 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  It is a nice little car. It is fun to driver, and has a lot of power. This car is an excellent buy.

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  Best car I could have ever purchased - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By rod valens - December 1 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I want value and quality both. I found that in my Suzuki Verona. Great car, good gas mileage all around comfortable for me and my family.

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  suzuki,1 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By burt - December 1 - 2:00 am

  i have owned 2 suzukis, grand vitara and now a xl-7, i love both of them, they are fun to drive and very dependable. great little cars!

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  Perfect For What I Do - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Dan - November 30 - 9:50 pm

  Im a regional sales manager and cover at least 25,000 miles a year. When fuel prices started to go up, I traded my Suzuki XL-7 (88,000 troublefree miles) for an Aerio SX wagon. Never liked the Aerio SX wagon design, but it grew on me; now I love it. I wanted AWD, but its not offered with the manual transmission. I had to have the manual. After my first test drive, I said, "This is a blast." And it is unbelievable how much room is in this car! I haul a lot of stuff. I even bought a rooftop carrier for those extra big loads. Im 62" and could wear a Stetson hat in it. It seats four passengers very well. I always get at least 33 mpg, even when city driving is mixed in. 37 mpg is the most Ive gotten, and it has plenty of power.

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  Love This Truck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By broncododge - November 30 - 3:56 pm

  I love my Grand Vitara. In fact I adore it. I have named it the little red rocket. It is very comfortable!

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  First Brand New Car - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Texasdude47 - November 29 - 2:56 pm

  I have been driving for more years than I would like to share! I have driven all types of cars and trucks and motorcycles. (Owned a Geo Metro back in the 90s with a Suzuki engine.) And have owned 2 Suzuki motorcycles, all with excellent results. I just bought the car yesterday. My wife and I love it. We think it will meet our needs nicely. I am a big guy and I have plenty of room in this car. Nice interior, comfortable, looks great. This car is worth a look, bigger interior than the Hondas and Toyotas Take a look and compare for yourself, you will be plesantly surprised. When the "after glow" from the purchase wears off, and when I have some miles on it, I will let you know!

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  Fun to drive with awesome power - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Supererb power - November 29 - 2:16 pm

  Its been a few weeks since i bought it and I already love it. As others, i do have a :( about the Fuel economy but i cant complain since its an SUV. My first one for ever. Its nice, peppy and great interiors. The fuel economy of the new car generally increases within 1-2 months of the purchase. Love the ESP, Tire pressure monitoring, mp3 and great interior. The head lights are similar to new Land rovers and are really bright. I also like the audio controls on the stearing which come standard. It gives me around 20-22 (hwy + city) and 24 hwy yet but i am sure its going to improve a bit after a month.