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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  Great Little SUV - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gr8wit - November 25 - 9:10 pm

  Traded in a 2007 Chevy Colorado for the Suzuki. I have had nothing but pickups for the last 12 years or so and was always happy...until the Colorado, but that is another story. I decided on an SUV for the cargo capacity and wanted something compact, and different. Back in the 90s I had a Geo Metro, and my wife had a Geo Tracker, both were very well made and reliable, so it was a natural to go to the Grand Vitara. I love this SUV, very well made, comfortable, and looks great. The only problem is a 16 gallon gas tank. Averaging 25 MPG, the tank is too small. Also, the radio stinks,too dim. Would I do it again. At this point, yes. You are cheating yourself if you do not look at this SUV.

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  One month Later - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Frank H - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Nice comfortable family sedan. Quality is good and gas milage not bad. Few quirks but, I knew about them before my puchase. Needs a bit more horsepower, and a dimmer for the climate control display. Owned it for one month and got a recall notice already! Bottom line, A lot of stuff for your buck. So far so good.

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  Forenza rocks - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By jolly8286 - November 7 - 7:43 am

  I think that this is an excellent car. It has the feel of a sports car. It may not go as fast as most, but it can hang with some of the most sought after vehicles. All in all a very nice ride.

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  Second Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By PBass - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Suzuki. The first was and still is a 2001 Grand Vitara, for which I have nothing but praise. We were looking for another new vehicle and decided on the 2003 XL7 Limited (without 3rd seat.) This car looks great (Pearl White) and rides as well. The interior leather is comfortable and the "woodgrain" interior looks rich. Great vehicle at a great price! Now if they could only make a SUV/Pickup like the Explorer Sport Trac

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  A lot of car for the price - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By James King - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car. It takes a little getting used to if you have driven a smaller car, but I adapted quickly. Make sure to buy the premium extended 7yr/100,000 mile warranty which allows you a 0 deductable on parts and labor nationwide at any suzuki dealership, mine was through Fidelity.

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  Qwsome - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Laura - October 24 - 10:16 pm

  I love to drive this car is comfy, and you get a lot of cool things in the car and you dont even pay much for it. I was going to buy a Nissan, but they charged me as much for a standard model as they did you a fully 4x4 sport model Suzuki and it drives a heck of a lot better.

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  Very happy with my Aerio SX - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jim - October 22 - 8:30 am

  After 2+ years and almost 40,000 miles we are still very happy with our Aerio SX. Oil changes and other fluid changes are the only money that weve spent other than a burnt out light bulb in the dash, (which was fixed in 15 minutes under warranty). This is a lot of car for not much money. Its gas mileage is a steady 27 - 29 in mixed city / freeway driving. We will purchase another Suzuki product when the time comes!

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  I miss it already - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By L.E.C. - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Until 3/18/04 I really loved my little Suzuki. I did have to replace the tires and a bumper, which were a little pricey (but this not a ford Focus, so dont expect to be readily able to get parts for cheap). But I love it more now because that car saved my life. I took my eyes off the road for 1 second and ended up rolling the car over four times. Where I was in the drivers seat held up wonderfully. The passenger side, not so hot, but for the impact it took (hitting a culvert in a driveway at 45 mph) it did well. I was able to walk out of the car. The car is totalled, but I owe that I am writing this today to that car.

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  Great little car - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By sandspur - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my mid-life fun car - although Im a good 20 years past midlife (61). Great for toodling around town, to the beach and commuting. Seems like the gas mileage should be a little better, but I get 26 on the road and 24 around town. Had no use for the tiny back seat so i took it out - now I have a mini truck/convertible/sportscar.

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  Love this car - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By xl7lover - October 5 - 5:16 am

  Just as great as a Toyota made super well! Reliable, handles super, great 4 wheel drive. Hugs the road, extremely reliable. Good on gas. First time buyer and we were really impressed. Has a 3rd row which comes in handy when needed.