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 car, low price for options provided - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By hoogie - January 3 - 1:56 pm

  This has been a reasonable economy car for the money. I did experience an occassional unnerving vibration until the tires broke in. Both headlights went out at the exact same time at 20,000 miles. Replaced those with no more problems. The car is an econobox so dont expect Honda/Toyota handling and performance. The features are good but dont expect to easily fit and aftermarket stereo or speakers in the car. It was a pain, trust me. Overall you get what you pay for.

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  No problems after 7000 miles - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Ben - December 30 - 6:53 pm

  I bought my SX4 Sport new in April and after 7,000 miles I really enjoy this car. I originally looked at a Mazda 3, but for the same price and options as the SX4 I would have ended up with a used Mazda 3 with 30,000 miles on it. For the money its hard to beat the SX4, good gas mileage, nice interior, warranty, 17" alloys, and more. I drive a lot in town and the highway for my job and I have been averaging 28 mpg combined. If you are looking in Ft. Collins, CO I recommend Dellenbach, they were extremely nice and didnt pressure me while looking

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  Fun car to drive for light offroading! - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jeff - December 27 - 12:00 pm

  Ive had this car for 3 years and so far its been very reliable. The only problem Ive had is brakes that shimmy. This car is a bit bumpy but the stiff suspension helps out when offroading.(needs more clearance though) My biggest complaint is the cheap plastic side panels. Ive made several repairs on them already and the Nevada sun is causing the paint to peel. If your thinking of buying one go for it as long as you dont mind the side panels falling off ocasionally.

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  Love It - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By suziiiqqq - December 26 - 3:43 am

  I live in the mountains and commute over them. My little SX4 is great in the snow! I call it my mountain goat!

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  Not an Econo Auto - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Cliff Ray - December 23 - 12:53 am

  The Forenza is not a bad car. However the gas mileage is not good. In the city the best I was able to get was 15 MPG.

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  Great little SUV - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Hostman - December 10 - 4:40 am

  I have been fortunate enough to drive several different SUVs, including highline makes like Lexus, Infiniti and BMW. I can honestly say Ive enjoyed driving the GV more than any of them. It has been incredibly reliable to this point, everything still works. By far the best value for the buck. Its been a blast to drive, just the right size, decent fuel economy at 22 MPG and with the 6 cyl. engine there is plenty of power. I would recommend this SUV to anyone and would not hesitate to buy another one.

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  Seeing problem at 34000 miles - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Al - December 10 - 12:36 am

  Loved the car but starting to have problems oil leaks around timing chain. And fuel leaks drealer fixxed with no problem. They also replace drive leather set covering. 4 years old and problems started. Ive pruchase qite a few new cars in my 60 yrs. I usually keep them for 6 yrs with usualy no motor leaks till the 6 year.

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  Reno - Good Car, Little Money - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Beverly O. - December 6 - 1:03 pm

  I was apprehensive about buying a small car such as the Reno, but after test driving the Kia Rio and then the Suzuki Reno I was assured that the Reno was the car for me. The Reno out-performed the Rio with its acceleration, comfort, noise level and cost! I love my little Reno. It would be just perfect if only it got a wee bit better gas mileage for its size.

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  Love My Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Karen V. - December 1 - 5:46 am

  This car is a blast to drive. I have doubled my driving distance since buying this car because it is so much fun to drive. I find I drive it a little to fast but I love to drive it fast. Im 63 and would recommend this car to any age. Such a shame they didnt do better advertising on this car, it would have out sold a lot of other cars if it had gotten more air time. The only car I have ever owned that I loved as much as this one was my 1961 Red Austin Healy. My SX is red not as fast as fast as the Austin Healy but just as much fun to drive!

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  Not a bad car - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Sohcahtoa - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in Jan 2003 for $7000, it had only 1,300 miles on it. Ive been very pleased with it. Only problem I had was the catalitic converter dying on me, but I think that was self-inflicted by hitting a speed bump really hard, but warranty still covered it. Sticker said 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway, but I actually get 28/35.