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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  Dont do It, Dont Do It - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Nikki - May 12 - 9:23 am

  I originally wanted to see if the problems I am having was just my car or a dud from the dealer. But seems everyone has the same problems. This car has the worst electrical system. It has been in 3 times for electrical problems. And now the interior lights and trunk lights no longer work. So here is time #4. The door handles are weak. All have broken off except the driver door. In the winter is the worse. The engine light stays on and after 4 mechanics and ranger switches and what not. Turns out condensation builds up on motor and that is way it is build or something. It has trouble accelerating. So dont pull out in front of someone may not be pretty cause it may stall. anyway dont buy it

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  Lemon - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cherylkf - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Has 40K miles...Has gone through 2 sets of tires, leaks transmission fluid, burns oil, gets far worse gas mileage than manufacture indicates. Very disppointing overall.

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  Lousy car - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By hikaru_n - April 4 - 4:25 pm

  This car is riddled with electrical and sensor problems. Had to get them to replace the headlights. Very bad acceleration and shifting. Probably the worst car Ive ever had. Its my fault I didnt do enough research on this car. It was inexpensive and fun to drive but now Im already really wanting to trade this piece of crap in for a mazda 3 hatchback. Which I should have bought in the first place. TRUST ME DO NOT BUY THIS CAR YOU WILL NOT DRIVE IT!

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  more problems than its worth. - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By rgunn1 - March 30 - 8:01 am

  While i do like the looks and comfort of this car, and initially thought it was an excellent car, my opinion rapidly changed. The throttle sensors have gone out twice (at my expensive of course), the check engine light comes on & stays on its nothing says suzuki who then reset it, only for it to come on a day later. and now, i have a rattle that they cant give me a straight answer on. one mechanic says wheel bearings, another said its the transfer case (its front drive and doesnt have a transfer case!!! good job suzuki training your mechanics), another says its the exhaust shielding. but no one will put it in writing what the problem is. the car is junk, better off with a bicycle.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By LEMON - March 18 - 3:20 pm

  I have had this vehicle for two years. I have experienced numerous and costly repairs for leaking seals, transmission oil leaks and A/C problems. This truck has been a Lemon with a capital "L". I would NEVER buy one of these again. My extended warranty has not covered any of the repairs and service has been SLLLLOOOWW getting vehicle back to us.

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  Alternator trouble - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Pascal - January 21 - 8:10 pm

  My wife and i bought two SX-4 in december 2006. At first we did like the car but after a couple of month we thought that it was consuming more gas than the seller told us, but we dealt with it by slowing down our speed in order to stay beneath 9 liters/100km. We now have them for a little more than two and a half year and last week at 72K km, my wifes car alternator jammed and it wasnt covered by warranty anymore so we paid to changed the alternator. 10 days later, at 78K km my cars alternator jammed as well! We tought thas was abnormal so we called the dealership and he told us he couldnt do a thing. We then contacted suzuki canada and they told us the same thing. Dont buy that car!

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  Everything Breaking - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Crystal - January 2 - 1:30 pm

  Ive had my 2007 suzuki forenza for a year and a half, since then,3 of my door handles have broke off, which i had to pay to replace, said they werent under warranty, my transmission is slipping from drive to neutral,about wrecked the other day, going into shop on monday, paint came off all 4 wheels during a paid car wash, they said not under warranty, as they said transmission not under warranty as well, i bought this car with the feeling of not being broke down for a long time, i still owe 9,800 on it, I have taken extremely good care of my car, but it was so cheaply made its unreal, I feel suzuki should pay for the replacements of these parts, i would never recommand this car toanyone

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  Dont Buy One! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By MESX - October 19 - 12:56 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my Suzuki Aerio. Its bushings came out of the sway bar four times before it was finally fixed by having new modified ones installed. I had the viscous coupling replaced for AWD, had power door lock fail, had all four tires replaced due to factory alignment defect destroying them, and the rims are all scratched and gouged from several attempts to repair all the defects. I still have a clunking noise from the front end. Also, the styrofoam is detached from the rear bumper (behind exterior plastic) and the gas mileage is poor.

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  Extinct- R.I.P. - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Funkhybrid - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I was so happy when I heard Suzuki was discontinuing this model, it was the most intelengent decision made regarding this car, as oppose to mine. This car is a good way to throw out $10,500. ( New) or $16k which is how much it has cost us to maintain. I have nothing positive to say regarding this auto. Except, I am glad we have three years left.

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  Death Trap - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By yolanda Meadowcroft - August 12 - 8:23 pm

  My car has been in the shop many times for the transmission and other defects that could of caused death to me and my daughter I felt I was pushed into the vehicle. These cars are the worst rated vehicle god help you when you purchase, say a prayer every time you drive the highway