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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  2004 Suzuki Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Rick2004 - July 17 - 10:23 pm

  My 2004 Suzuki Forenza is a great car. Make sure you buy it from a repudable Suzuki dealer though because the dealer I purchased my Suzuki at later decided to stop selling them and now I have to drive half an hour away to the next closest Suzuki dealer for maintence. So far after 6 months and nearly 8,000 miles this car is running great. I have had a few problems, but overall the car handles great and is fun to drive. The car guzzles gas, but thats because I drive it almost a hundred miles a day. I highly recomend this car. It can be a little noisy but overall it is a great machine.

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  QUITE AND COMFORT RIDE - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By kamyeung - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Quite and smooth engine, ride comfortable and roomy, luxry interior in this class.

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  A hidden gem - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Brian Defferding - July 12 - 4:00 pm

  Suzuki Aerios are like the perfect secret. Its a little seen car that will last forever and is a blast to drive. It has plenty of headroom (something other Japanese cars like Hondas and Toyotas sometimes lack), has a spunky engine, performs well in winter. I drive my Aerio around to conventions all around the midwest, racked up tons of miles and any repairs it needs is routine maintainence and oil changes. And the best part - they are totally affordable! I bought mine used at 52,000 miles for $7,500. If you discover this hidden gem for sale, buy it!

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  The best in the market! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By james wellington - July 10 - 12:26 am

  This vehicle has all-wheel drive and is cheap in price but not quality. With all the standard features you can not beat this vehicle!

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  What an Amazing Car! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By ladyshoes - July 7 - 5:19 pm

  Ive owned my Suzuki Aerio SX for 5 years and have over 80k miles. In that time Ive driven it through ice/snow storms, high heat and across country twice. This little car hasnt given me ANY problems whatsoever. In fact, except for fluid changes (and irregular ones at that), 2 new sets of tires and new brakes at 75k miles, Ive had no problems. Body still looks brand new, although the bumpers are a little flimsy and may crack if you hit something high. Interior is very high quality, especially compared with the cheap stuff in cars today. After over 80,000 miles its still running like the day I bought it and body is still solid. Impressive for an inexpensive car that Ive driven hard

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  Exceeding Happy - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By NASA Gal - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle for the express purpose of using it to tour the U.S. (and be able to go anyway) when we retired, and knowing the third seat will be down 99% of the time. Have had the vehicle 18 months now, with only required maintenance done on it and regularly get 20-21 mpg. This is one vehicle I have no problem recommeding to others.

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Willie51 - June 30 - 8:43 pm

  This big guy loves his car. Its flaming red and fun to drive, has great looks inside and out and plenty of get up and go. Its not a go-fast car but it is fun to drive and has a lot of safety features which your insurance company loves to hear about.

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  Awesome - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By cnej - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its reliable, comfortable, a blast to drive with the CVT with manual mode. Style wise, very European in flair which I like and gets tons of compliments, my neighbor who drives a 09 VW Jetta, is in love with my SX4, and is trading her 09 Jetta on an 2010 sx4 on Tuesday.The gas mileage is actually better than its rated, I average 33 mpg. Steven Suzuki is amazing, the best customer service Ive ever had, even better than the Mercedes dealership where I bought my MBZ at. I dont even miss my C220!

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  Reno 2005 - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Jacqueline Range - June 23 - 3:43 am

  The vehicle is very easy to handle on the road. Drives smooth. Not a very big car but plenty of room. Great looks. Two thumbs up!

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  Nice little car! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By StephenC - June 20 - 12:43 pm

  This is a nice little car. I like it a lot. As to what was written in the offical review. It is just a matter of getting to know what your car can do. Sort of like bonding with it. Once you know what it likes and dislikes, this car is really fun to drive.