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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  Beware of TPMS fees to re-set - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By schmoos - March 28 - 5:23 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 months. I nice ride love the paddle shifters just to have fun. I travel in heavy traffic to work with light driving on the week ends I average a disappointing 22MPG. I have had studded tires on the car for most of that time. When I put my studs on the console lit up and locked me out of my features. The tire pressure monitoring system was locking the dash up. I had to pay $300.00 for computerized valve stems. I also found that each time I change my tires out I must pay the dealer $30.00 to re-set the TPMS in the on-board computer. Other servicers (Les Schwab) could not do the re-set.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Curtis - March 23 - 11:20 pm

  I got this car 2 years ago with 45,000 miles on it. I have been in 2 accidents with it and it still runs great. It has 94,000 and Ive never had a problem with it besides now-a-days it doesnt want to shift right away when I get above 50 mph and my radio has a short. Other than that it is a good starter car. I am looking to get rid of it thought because I want a SUV.

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  you got to drive one - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By mike hall - March 22 - 12:36 pm

  i am a mystery shopper full time and needed a car for traveling .i put the aero to the test first week of ownership with a trip from nc to fla 1000 miles roundtrip. first tank of gas i averaged 38 mph and the drive was quick and smooth.i do lots of stops in a day ,my husband drives so some days the car is not turned off for 10 hours i have found that the aero is up to the task and performs unbelievable .it was more than i expected and for the price i would say ,go for it

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  Excellent car. Nothing better for the price - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By ggms16 - March 22 - 1:39 am

  Ive owned and still own a few late Mercedes and Bmws Even with my german cars experience, I can definitely say THIS CAR IS AWESOME!. Period! Yes, a few flaws, there are no perfect cars anywhere. but for the price you pay, the thing is amazing. Suspension: PERFECT Brakes: ONE OF THE BEST BRAKES I EVER TESTED Driving dynamics: I wont say its a BMW or a Mercedes, but its close, its wayyyyy over what you get from Toyota or Honda, but its still not a BMW... The price isnt either. Steering: Precise and sporty, love it.!

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  A great AWD car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By noynoyjohn - March 20 - 6:10 pm

  This is a great car-nimble and fun to drive. Have it for 3 months and so far I have encountered no problems. I really like its keyless feature-you dont need to insert key to start the engine (like an expenssive car). Its highly recomended.

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  after one year... - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mtaylor3 - March 15 - 9:48 am

  and 15K miles, not a single regret. The car has been completely problem free and remains a joy to drive. If youre looking for a fun-to-drive, economical, comfortable car, then the Kizashi is tailor-made for you. Many people want to compare the Kizashi to the Civic/Mazda3, but Suzuki has in reality created a bargain alternative to the Acura TSX or even Audi A4. Best seats, handling, and build quality of any car Ive ever owned. Why Suzuki isnt selling more of these is a complete mystery to me. If folks would give a test drive, I think theyd be shocked at what they can get for their money.

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  Very Nice - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Trenlor - March 15 - 4:36 am

  We walked in the dealership and told them what we wanted to pay and BAM... They showed us Suzi ;) Super nice for the price. We paid $8,999 with 26k on it. Runs like a top. Gas mileage for a so called econo car is pretty bad. We get about 23 MPG with 87 octane. But, thats ok! We love the interior to this car. Very sharp looking. People say its noisy in other reviews and I can tell you that this car is quiet!! Maybe they drive on gravel roads and go 4 wheeling. Driving this car is an absolute pleasure!! Handles nice but does have some sway to it. Drive like a human and this car will treat you right. Overall we love this car. Super features for the price.

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  scared to depend - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By marline - March 13 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this car so that I would be able to go home when I wanted to. 4 hour drive. Now Im afraid to go that far. Transmission sensor was just replaced today, still feel a small hiccup though. Not sure what that was. Tires were defective when I purchased the car, but the dealership says that theres nothing wrong with them. Started shaking at 60 mph a month ago I was informed that car was just out of line. I have to admit though, my dealership is awesome about getting it in and getting it fixed. I just Wonder when theyll get tired of it. Oh back door just started sticking as well. No one uses that door. Hmm! Does anyone else pay higher insurance because of the safety rating on this car.

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  2004 Suzuki Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Roberet F. Breton - March 13 - 1:46 pm

  I am very pleased with the overall performance and quality of the vehicle. I have owned or driven several Nissan Altimas and this car performs as well. A great car for the money. I would not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone.

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  Road Hazard - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By tester - March 9 - 7:26 pm

  Engine Light ON and breaks fail before 30,000 miles. NOT WORTH THE MONEY