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:

• 

  Outstanding, Reliable Transportation - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By JCRobin - September 26 - 9:30 am

  Ive owned this little car for almost 6 years and drive it to and from work and around town everyday. It runs flawlessly and is actually kinda fun to drive, for a basic economy car. The engine is the best component, typical as with Suzuki motorcycles. Clarion stero is junk but easily replaced. OK its not a Lexus but I have had absolutely no problems, its great on gas and I intend and expect to drive it to 200k+ with only normal good maintenance practices. What more could someone expect from any car especially a value-priced underrated bargain. I will surely buy another Suzuki when the time comes.

• 

  Not Bad for the Money - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dwayne - September 24 - 4:26 am

  I guess Suzuki is the "poor mans Toyota". The cheapest of all the Japanese SUVs, but for much less money - is worth it. Very customer-friendly transferrable warranty, and good customer service. Not quite a Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or Mazda, but I predict Suzuki will catch up to the other Japanese automakers soon.

• 

  Great Car - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By DS - September 23 - 11:20 am

  This car is great. It has a personality, looks good and runs well. Originally designed by Fiat.

• 

  Fun & Inexspensive - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By KingPenguin - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Our 20 yr old daughter bought our Aerio SX, I her father has ended up driving it just as much as she has. In town, short trips it is wonderful, fun to drive good on gas milage for a 4 banger, and a real looker of a car. Long distance is were is falls some, a little noice do to engine haveing to work but for High Schooler or College kid, or as a second car, this is a great choice and the warrenty cant be beat. Hats off to Suzuki for a great little car.

• 

  awsome car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Adam06 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  this car if fun to drive loaded with up to date equipment and ghreat on fuel and has a very smooth ride the only thing wrong is that its not as fast with a 2.0L but its good enough.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By anjellyka - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Great car especially for the money ($10,000). It has many standard features.

• 

  Love It - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Love this car - September 23 - 4:36 am

  I traded in an 04 Explorer Sportrac for this car two days ago. I love everything about it so far. I am glad that I waited for the Sport model as the keyless entry/start is awesome. Also, the auto climate control works great. I got 25 mpg on first tank with 50/50 city hwy. Buy this car now.

• 

  Crazy About My Crossover - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Big Daddy Mack - September 21 - 10:40 pm

  Man I love this car! It looks small outside, but is it ever big on the inside. All the standard features in this car are awesome (see favorites). Who would believe I could get a gas saving AWD, fully loaded, for less than a Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Hyundia Elantra, or a Toyota Matrix.

• 

  No More Suzy Qs 4-Me - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Big Mel - September 21 - 11:00 am

  Personally, I like the automobile as a whole. Its fun to drive and has a lot of drive appeal. The only set back I truly have is trying to find parts (since I am somewhat a "do-it-yourselfer"); and even at best it seems to be difficult for auto shops to find the necessary parts (like air filters). Other than that its a great car, fun to drive and all in all I havent had any serious problems out of this car. Ill say on a scale from one to ten Ill give it an eight.

• 

  Reliability in an upscale package - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By tedrik1 - September 20 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased my Suzuki Forenza (premium pkg, automatic) after test driving the Toyota Corolla and the Nissan Sentra. What sold me was the quality of the materials, the great build quality and exceptional ride and handling. As long as you dont take corners like a sportscar enthusiast there is hardly any lean. The quiet ride at highway speeds makes you feel your in a much bigger sedan. There is some minor wind noise that is only noticeable in the abscence of any sound system / conversation (not so likely). The interior is upscale in quality and materials and really attractive with the black / silver dash / controls. My first tank of gas only yielded 20 mpg, but that was mostly city driving. I am completeley satisfied!