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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  2000 vitara convertible - 2000 Suzuki Vitara
  By Mindy - October 8 - 10:00 am

  has been in shop eight times for oil leak/ manual transmission sticks in first gear, and grinds into reverse. interior scratches easy. no good for anybody over six ft tall!!

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  Poor exterior - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By OkByMe - September 19 - 6:10 am

  The car is fun to drive and has been reliable. I like the standard features. Ive put an additional 70,000 without a mechanical problem, however the body integrity is poor. The bumber is too low and scapes on too many things. The bumber is ready to fall off. Also the 6 CD play no longer works, some dash lights dont work properly. Gas mileage is so-so. It has worked well but I would look at a Toyota first.

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  my daughter hates this car!!! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By lisa - September 2 - 12:50 am

  we bought this car for our daughter in 6/07 with 23 miles, she nows hates this car we have had 3 bent rims , vibrations, repainted door handles, transmission jerking, gas light indicator out,plus several different other things wrong the old saying you get what you pay for is definitely true in the case of this car..very disappointing to make such a big purchase and it turn out to be such a lemon, it is cute, roomy ,comfortable and fairly reasonable on gas but we would NEVER by another suzuki. Good Luck to everyone

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  Whats the Deal Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By badsuzuki - August 26 - 11:43 pm

  My Grand Vitara makes a loud droning noise while cruising at 55-70 mph. After two trips to the dealership, and a third scheduled. It is obvious Suzuki has no idea wht the problem is. I have seen similar problems mentioned in the forums. Also, my truck vibrates so much when accelerating between 30-45 that the interior rattles. No Toyota or Honda here. This is my third and last Grand Vitara!

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  Gas A Holic - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Steve - August 7 - 3:30 pm

  Purchased a 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon , LX with 4 speed automatic trans and 4 wheel abs. Compared the vehicle to Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart wagon 2004. Mitsubishi has better build quality , better engine, overall better vehicle but the dealers here do not want to move the existing 2004 vehicles. The Forenza has an amasing list of standard features. The vehicle is pleasant enough to drive with the fact it is under powered and should have the Aerio engine in this car. City driving brings on the first knowledge this was a poor choice. Gas mileage in city driving with 1000 miles on the vehicle is 13.5 to 14.5 Miles per gallon. I could be driving a motorhome and be less disappointed.

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  This car is a lemon - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By THEDORK - August 3 - 6:00 am

  I own a 2006 forenza with 60,000 miles. I have had the timing belt go out at 36,000 mile which caused the engine to be replaced. It was replaced with a daewoo engine, they dont even make these cars anymore. My check engine routinely comes on and the dealer tells me its nothing. Now the transmission range sensor is needing to be fixed but it is not covered under the extended warranty. This car should never had been sold after the first model. Do some research, and dont me one of the numerous disappointed Suzuki forenza owners. This car should be taken off the market and destroyed

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  Not terrible - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Shannon - June 25 - 4:33 pm

  Good price for an SUV with third row seat which is WAY too small for frequent use. My husband hates this car, but It never gave us a problem until the service engine light came on at 60k miles. It turned out to be a bad O2 sensor for $250. On maybe 5 different occasions, the belt squealed briefly when turning on the A/C then stopped. I should have taken it to the shop immediately. At 100,000 miles, the A/C compressor locked up and caused the belt to break - a $1,400 repair in total. Fuel efficiency is horrible, avg 17-20 mpg.

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  Reliable, Economic SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By M. P. Melvin - June 9 - 4:36 pm

  Overall a very reliable vehicle. However, I would admit this is no luxury SUV but for the price a very good value. Build quality is somewhat questionable. Dealer support is good as is the service that accompanies it.

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  Outrageous parts and repair - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By ron - May 16 - 4:53 am

  Great gas mileage. Bought car new, but then the interior lights start burning out at 1 year. Interior starts fading, poor material. Air flow modulator went out costing 1000 dollars for just the part. Has 2 catalytic converters, but dont know which one to replace. Cant get it inspected because computer cant tell what is wrong with it. Will not buy another Suzuki after this disaster.

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  Budget SUV with Decent Quality - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Zukilver - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Owned this car since 36k miles, now 65k. Not so bad. Hard to find parts and accessories. Overall, very reliable, like a mini 4Runner. Limited edition is very rare, I only saw 3 in my whole life, but comes with very useful package. Never went to the shop, never. I only do regular oil change. Resale price is unbelievably higher knowing that this is a budget SUV.