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 for its Price - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Jesse - March 9 - 8:30 am

  This car is really a comfortable ride, it can be bumpy at times, but other than that is is a real fun time to drive, this car is fuel economic, but not as good as someone would expect. The car has an OK acceleration speed for its price, it can get from 0-60 in about 9.52 seconds, it is really stylish, and has a nice look to it, I would recommend this car to new driver that is looking for a fun ride, at a low cost.

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  Sporty, yet practical - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Kevin - March 9 - 1:40 am

  So far I have almost nothing but love for my new SX4. It is very fun to drive. Low displacement allows for high reving with good mileage. It also corners very nicely and has many comfortable features.

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  not so good...do your research: recalls, reliability, parts - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By girlwithacar - March 7 - 8:21 pm

  You would be better off investing in a good, credible, affordable vehicle. Suzuki no longer makes cars; therefore, the parts are difficult to find and most of their car dealerships are few and far between (in other words, very few exist to service those with Suzuki cars.) I purchased a 2004 Suzuki Forenza in 2006, and it had about 20, 000 miles on it. It stopped working in June 2013 because it needed a new PCM ($1,230 to repair) and it had about 103,000 miles. However, between the time that I had it and the time that it died, the car had major issues with gasket, valve, oil, trans sensor. Also, it had at least 4 recalls on parts so be sure to do your research.

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  My Brother Thought It Cost $23,000 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By raderator - March 6 - 3:33 am

  But I paid only $15,599 after some haggling. The handling, ride, and comfort all are top notch. I took it to a local snowed-in park and did mange to finally get stuck, but then I learned to stay in L and keep a foot on the brake to prevent wheel spin. The traction control on the Sport is probably worth the extra $1,000. I love the MP3/WMA CD player, intermittent rear wiper, keyless entry, daytime running lights, and LOW insurance. The automatic transmission shifts very smoothly and runs at only 3,000 rmp at 80 mph, which is 1,000 rmp less than the manual. Im still on my first tank of gas so I dont know the millage yet. The tumble-forward rear seat creates a large, square cargo area, that is great for dogs. But Ill probably remove it.

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  A Real Surprise - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By jewelrylover - March 4 - 5:08 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle daily since August of 2002. Previous to this purchase, I only thought of Suzuki for motorcycles. This car has really outperformed any car I have owned. Snow, sleet, rain, high winds - no problem. Three sons have learned to drive in this car and they have put this car throughthe ringer, but it keeps going reliably. Although I have given thought recently to replace it with something smaller and brand new, I am hesitant that I will find as good and sturdy a vehicle. Vehicle has well over 100,000 miles.

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  Never Thought I would Like a Suzuki - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By KDawg - March 4 - 9:50 am

  I bought this car for my 60 mile one way commute to work. I only bought it because it was cheap as it was a 2007 I bought in 2008 from a new dealership. At this point I would definitely reccomend this car to anyone. It has decent pickup (No race car) great highway mileage, and has cruise, cd, MP3, A/C and the works. No reliability issues either. I am still a truck guy, but for a compact, I love my Forenza.

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  SX4 sport, great car at great price - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Tom - March 3 - 4:26 pm

  Use it for driving to office, half highway half local. Got 28mpg (with 2wd). Feel a little noiser when speed up before get to 50 miles. SX4 is for people would like to have a small car but also have trunk space, and can have 4wd on a snow day. Small car? It actually is not small at all. 6 man sits in from seat very comfortably. It weighs a bit heavy but very stable when driving.

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  Nightmare Suzuki Aerio - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jlfresearcher - March 3 - 5:50 am

  I purchased my Aerio new in Feb. 2003 & absolutely love the way it handles in snow but it has been a lemon since the day I bought it. So far I have replaced the automatic transmission, California air emissions controls,the rear rim,I am not hard on a car. My front passenger side has been filled with rain water 4 times as the drainage hose from the hood to under the car keeps letting go & dumps the rain into the car. The base of my battery cable corroded & has taken over 2 weeks a new factory part. I feel like I have been on timeshare with my dealer. I should have relinquished the car after the 4th trip for the transmission prior to replacement. Im out of warranty & it is getting expensive!

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  Love It! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Aerio_Owner - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Aerio for 4000 miles now, and driven in many different situations - road trips, city driving, 5 passengers - it conquers all with aplomb! My backseat passengers over 6 feet love the legroom of the adjustable back-seats. I love the versatility - I carried a 32" TV IN THE BOX in my Aerio - no problem. The stereo sounds great and is easy to use. It starts quickly and runs well. My only gripe is that the HVAC is a little wierd and takes some getting used to.

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  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By McPeek - March 1 - 1:16 pm

  I love this car and with gas prices continuing to rise it is very affordable!