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 Wagon - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By R Cowan - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car 2 months ago and already have 8,000 miles on it. It has been a wonderful so far. The quality of the interior is excellent and the doors close with a very solid sound. It feels like a quality automobile and I have enjoyed owning it so far.

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  in the words of tony "ggrrreat" - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By tom sepel - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle everybody I know loves the looks along with myself. This is a great car I would recommend this vehicle to everybody.

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  Suzuki Foreza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By jesse gazur - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Well its a fun, affodable vehicle that drives like it has a v6 in it. Gets great gas mileage, which is really good around this time. You will get much more out of this car, than what you payed!!

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  Quality Car - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By JING - August 27 - 7:16 pm

  The Suzuki Reno has a great air conditioner, its cold air at start-up, and tinted windows, something the other small cars do not seem to have. These things have a lot of value in the Southwest desert. It runs smoothly and is very quiet at and above the posted speed limit on the highway. The seats are comfortable and the audio is great. It comes standard with 4 wheel disc brakes and good sized 15" tires.

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  Our First SUV! - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Brannan Family - August 23 - 4:26 am

  We have drove several SUVs and just couldnt find the right one. When we test drove the Grand Vitara and were very happy with the style, amount of pick up, and the build of the vehicle. Especially the 100,000 mile warranty. We are also very impressed with all the standard features you receive that are usually not in other SUVs and the great pricing! We recently discovered that Suzuki offers a large amount of assecories for reasonable prices so we can upgrade as we good. This vehicle drives like a sports car, has the power of a truck, and the style of luxury and class. We would recommend this vehicle to our friends and family.

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  2002 Suzuki Aerio - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By sricaud - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Pleasantly surprised with the acceleration and comfort of this vehicle. Priced several models in this category and got the best value and features for the money.

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  First Impressions - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Subvet - August 14 - 4:40 pm

  I wanted to trade a Hemi V8 that I loved for a vehicle with an automatic transmission and better gas mileage. I knew Suzuki for their bikes but knew nothing about their automobiles. After doing some research I found that they have been faily well known overseas in quite a few countries. Anyway, I test drove a couple of different models and was there when the new Grand Vitara arrived. The changes and improvements are quite noticable so I purchased the luxury model. I am coming up to 1,000 miles and my first impressions are favorable. The truck has good looks, and decent pickup with the V6 motor. The luxury package makes the vehicle and it gets reasonable gas mileage. Do your research on some owners sites and go from there. Good Luck.

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  Suzuki Aerio is underated - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By T. F. - August 13 - 4:03 pm

  This is our fourth Suzuki auto and we are pleased with it overall. We have no major complaints at this time.

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  Never thought I would buy a SUZUKI???? - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By John Cusmano - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Suzuki XL-7 Limited is a well designed SUV with all the toys for a reasonable price.

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  The Unknown Car? - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Keefe - August 11 - 1:30 pm

  This purchase was forced on me by my dying truck. I was trying to wait until the summer but had to go car shopping a little early. I test drove the automatic which was what I wanted. This thing moves pretty well. The steering is tight and very responsive. The interior has plenty of head room and the dash is very well lit. AWD is available, but I havent used it yet. Snow has been lite. Strange thing is people question me on why I brought this car instead of a Honda, Subaru, Ford,etc. For me, I like to think outside of the box and not be the follower. This car is more than what some would think. Give it a shot before you shoot it down. Youll enjoy the Crossover and its features.