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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  17 Inch tires are really bad - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Stacey - April 14 - 1:43 am

  I love driving my car, however I have put on 17,000 miles and I am getting ready to put on the 3rd set of tires. Dealership says these cars eat tires and I agree! At $200.00 a pop for 205/50R17 they are expensive!

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  Suzuki is for normal people - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By oasis - April 12 - 2:23 am

  The Suzuki SX4 Sport is for the ordinary person who wants a car that is priced right. The car looks good and drives well. The cvt is a plus. I have just driven 100 miles without any problems. The car runs a ruff and you will notice this at idle. With the sports wheels you will feel the road bumps. The car does not leak when I drove it through the car wash. Do I recommend it? Yes! The price is the point of sale for this car. So go for it, the car is peppy and a good starter and commuter car. Some sports car enthusiasts will also like this car. 3-16-10 -Oasis

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  Excellent - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By shibu - April 8 - 8:20 am

  I have had this truck for two months and have found it fun to drive, very adequately powered and to have a very pleasing interior and exterior. The controls look as if they are frome a very high priced vehicle and it is an awesome SUV. Two thumbs up for this one from Suzuki.

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  I like !! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By roy71 - April 8 - 6:12 am

  Well, we got the Forenza 6 months ago with 29,000 miles. It now has 36,400 miles and only "problem" was one bent rim, which was no cost to us, the dealer even put a new tire on it for us =) I think its fun to drive, we have the 5speed manual. The design is really awesome, it beats the boring civic or corolla hands down. It has proven reliable so far. It seems like you get a really bad Forenza or a really good one. Ive read the reviews, after we bought it, if i would had read them before we bought it, honestly i probably would not have purchased it, but i dont regret purchasing it =)

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  Great Small Truck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By bossaboss - April 8 - 3:36 am

  After looking at several other small SUVs, the Grand Vitara was a stand-out. Suzuki was smart to be the only make to offer a true RWD-based 4x4 against the weaker AWD car-based competition. The fit/finish of the interior and exterior are excellent, and I often receive compliments on the styling. The 2.7 V6 engine has decent power if you are willing to keep the RPM up. So far I am getting about 20-22 MPG on mountain highways.

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  I like mine and Im a big guy - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By John Phythian - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Love the acceleration, and smooth ride, 100x smoother that Jeeps & CRX, gets 25 mpg on the hiways at 90mph with no hesitation/"maxing out". probably will do 120 mph if need to! Anyway, I feel very good about the price and performance. Great sound system with cd and tape player.

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  Great authentic SUV - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jared - April 3 - 9:30 pm

  Great little SUV. I wanted a compact SUV that was an actual SUV not a crossover so I took a look at this vehicle. Interior materials and quality is top notch and its very comfortable to drive in. Heated seats warm up nice and quickly. Great styling.Engine is nice and peppy. Gauges are superb and easy to read. Brakes are good. Drives like its on rails even in snow.Very maneuverable in tight spots.Takes potholes without worrying about getting a flat tire. I bought the GV because of terrible roads in the winter and the potholes that only seem to spread more and more as well as for off road and towing.Gas mileage is not bad at all, averaging 20 mpg so far.Take a look at it you will like it.

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  Suzuki Verona - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By allonmyon - March 31 - 4:00 am

  I love the Suzuki Veronas great feel. It has a great ride and a great price. It just needs a little more power and youll have a great car.

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  Great Car for a Great Price w/ toys - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Shelltop - March 30 - 9:43 pm

  I stumbled upon this car after looking at Hondas and Corollas with higher price tags but bare bone. I have been pleasantly surprised I got this car for $11k.. power windows, radio, large "roomy" interior feel. Im happy with the purchase. The extra window front panel was weird initially but I see more copycats out there. I recommend taking a look at this brand.

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  All-Round Duty-Bound - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Scott Keirn - March 30 - 12:10 am

  Great little SUV in this day of outrageous gas prices. By traveling 5-10 mph under the speed limit, my scanguage tells me I average 31-32 mpg. Good little vehicle for a man or woman and fun to drive and easy to maintain.