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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  Could be better - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Lesley385 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice fully loaded SUV; however, too expensive when considering the poor gas mileage. Ive had one idiot run into the side of me and I barely felt a thing. He was going 45 mph when he hit, so if you have kids you can rest easy that theyll be safe.

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  Unexpectedly Pleased - 2000 Suzuki Swift
  By Moes Mom - April 19 - 1:00 pm

  We bought this little car as a commuter for our teenager who had just gotten his first job. It was low cost, got good gas mileage, and had a primered front fender. Hes driven it for 3 years. Weve put new tires on it, had the brakes done, and bought a new battery for it. Thats all. Its been very reliable. Just for the record, the Metro and Swift are the same car. Chevy just put their name badge on the Metro after Suzuki built them. Id recommend either model for someone on a budget needing a 35 mpg commuter.

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  Nice to look at...but engine is weak! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By BassPimpGirl - April 19 - 10:00 am

  In general, I do like my Suzuki. I selected the Suzuki over other small SUV models because it was reasonably priced and had more "bells and whistles." In this area I am not disappointed. I am very disheartened by its weak engine, though. Whenever I am using the cruise control on even the slightest of inclines, the engine struggles and does not maintain a constant speed. I did not have this problem with my 2000 Kia Sportage.

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  A wonderful SUV - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By shaun025 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle, I absolutey love it! It is fast and user friendly, fun to drive, and interior design is emaculate.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By bgdady834 - April 18 - 12:50 pm

  My Verona is a great car for the money and its is packed with a lot of features. The only problems are the wipers slip and become loose and get caught together and there is a lot of wind noise with the moonroof open. Other than that the car runs and rides great.

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  Piece of Junk - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By matt - April 17 - 6:50 am

  My 07 Forenza only starts when it wants to, the check engine light comes on all the time, and it has a very bad trade in value! Say no to Suzuki!

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  my suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By paul yaffe - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my forenza in march i have had nothing but very good experiences with it. It is fun to drive and very comfortable. It is worth the price asked for it. I get really good gas mileage. It doesnt have alot of horsepower but enough for its size.But I could always increase the horsepower at any time that I please.

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  Rough ride - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By ted armand - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Very disappointed with the ride, feels like I am riding in a wagon. You feel every bump in the road, even went as far as lowering air pressure in tires. Love everthing else about it.Maybe I should have bought a car.

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  Previous Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By leo56 - April 15 - 6:56 am

  I purchased a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 120259 miles off the street. Well, I have to say that this vehicle from the start did not let me down. The performance was is fantastic, steering and driving has been an absolute joy especially on overdrive, it takes off like an airplane. I love the Suzuki Grand Vitara so much that I went out and purchased a 2009 model. It has everything I want in a small SUV with plenty to spare. I have not driven my new Grand Vitara yet, but my expectations are greater.

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  Awesome Gas mileage! but.... - 2000 Suzuki Swift
  By Josh (Cless Alvein) - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I must say that suzuki swift and chevy metro are possibly the greatest cars below 10K and its gas mileage is superior. however i must say....whos better, and i want a response from anyone out there.... whos better? a) Suzuki Swift b) Chevy Metro anyhow, an only hint is: imports last longer...ppl should buy these kinds of cars, there polluting the air