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:

• 

  Suzuki Reno? Something very special!!! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By LS - Atlanta - June 18 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this car few days ago and I wanted to share how excited I was driving this car. From afar the European design catches the drivers eyes. Very roomy, sporty, strongly built, with a predictable steering when strolling or cruising on highway. High quality for the crafted interior as well as the sound system. Comfort gets a 10 as well. The base model comes with a lot of "power everything". The engine performs outstanding. I think it is a great, great value for the money.

• 

  Diamond in the Rough - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Mike V - June 18 - 4:26 am

  I needed a newer truck with better gas mileage and Suzuki delivered. Suprised to find the price was $2000.00 less than the Nissian Frontier. I have been driving Equator for 3 months / 3000 miles and averageing 20mpg around town. The automatic transmission does take a bit of getting use to, maybe due to the 2.5l engine. I added spray on liner and a trifold cover. Many people surprised Suzuki has a truck and impressed with the look.

• 

  Great Compact SUV - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Chris - June 12 - 4:20 pm

  After having the 2007 Grand Vitara for a month, I feel I can fully review this vehicle. It drives great and has a good jack-rabbit jump to it. Its interior is attractive. The comfort is A+. It handles great in the rain. I love the 4 wheel drive. The Grand Vitara does not sway in high winds (under 45 mph). It wont shake when going over 70 MPH. One plus is the vehicle warms very quickly in the cold morning and cold in the hot afternoon!

• 

  Fusion Red Forenza of Hi Quality - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Ray Hg S - June 12 - 2:00 am

  - The safety rating is highest - Love the ext. look produced by Italian Pininfarina + the Fusion Red color. - Interior f+r l+h spaces roomier than Corollas Civics Sentras. Interior materials great quality. Drivers seat has nice side & adjustable lumbar support, nice for aching lower backs - Engine is torqy, 126 hp & 131 ft/lb, silent, smooth & enjoyable ( someone with new Mitsubishi Galant tried to race me, but lost ;-)) - Standard design features good, 195R5515 Kumho tires, good in cornering, Porche-Opel suspension, claimedly tweaked by Lotus, giving definitely good drive - OK 8 spkr cd/cas/radio, pwr: door locks, mirrors, windows, trunk

• 

  Fun Car To Drive - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By joyce - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Aerio SX for 14 months now. If I had it to do over I would by the exact same car again. It fits my use perfectly. I researched other wagons but found the Aerio SX was far superior in meeting the needs I have for carrying my agility dog around yet having plenty of room for passengers. Its fun and comfortable to drive and ride it. Suzuki did good in designing this car.

• 

  Keeps Going and Going - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Glenn - June 5 - 3:36 pm

  After 155,000 (40% off road) this is a little tank! I have not had one major thing go wrong after almost 5 years of abuse. Its comfortable on the road and plenty of room for 6. It can be towed 4 wheels down with ease. Its funny to see the surprize looks when leave people at a light after pushing the power button. For the price you just cant beat it.

• 

  My Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury V6 4x4 rocks! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mary Haran - June 4 - 2:46 pm

  I was a loyal Honda owner until I purchased this great little SUV. I have driven it 2,000 miles so far. The styling is excellent, the ride is great. The ride is stiff but very comfortable (hey it is a 4x4) and there is no sway when turning (by far better than any other test driven). The build quality seems excellent so far, it has great features for the money. I test drove Toyota, Honda, Kia and Hyundai and drove home a Suzuki. I turn heads everywhere I go and it seems to be a safe, solid vehicle. There are so many more standard options including safety and comfort options for the money spent. I have never had a Suzuki before but I think I am now a fan. Its reliability will be the test.

• 

  VERONA FAN - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By REV. JOE - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Very nice autobile that needs more power. Not much take-off power and can almost stale out on a quick take off. The cruise control and the auto climax control and cd player need to be improved. Best autobile in its class.

• 

  European look/Japanese quality - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Ned - May 30 - 4:40 am

  Good looking, fun to drive, good fuel economy and problem free car.

• 

  Great SUV with lots of features - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By rl - May 30 - 2:00 am

  It has air-conditioning on the back, day-time running light, automatically turn on the light when it is dark, very good gas mileage for a 7-seater. (21 mile per gallon) The best part is the 0% interest on car loan. All new 2002 has 7 year 70,000 miles warranty A great SUV that I highly recommended. 94% of the parts are made in Japan! Very well-built car. I never need to do any repair on this SUV yet