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 Car for the Money - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By cathie1 - February 27 - 4:16 pm

  It is a great car. It is extremely comfortable. When you are driving it, you feel like you are driving a SUV. The car does not have great initial pep, but once you get moving it takes off. It has a very smooth ride even on rough roads. Everyone I have taken in it likes it also. Even the people who sat in the back seat which is also very comfortable. It is more comfortable then the Honda CR-V, which my brother owns. I only paid $14,900 for it. It is not a $17,000 + vehicle like someone else said (unless you get a lot of upgrades) and on an empty take it cost $19 to fill up at a cost of $2.23 per gallon. It even comes with a great warranty (7y, 100K bumper to bumper) which gives you confidence.

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  XL7 a deal - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Maniac - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Originaly I did not find much info when I purchased my XL7 in 2001 so here goes. I would purchase another for the same reasons. My four children and Spouse are able to go anywhere the larger SUVs tread, yet we find parking not a problem due to the layout and size. Economy could get a boost yet, I pulled a 2000lb trailer with ease and yes, all four children and Mom were present. If you want a rugged and refined SUV that delivers towing capacity and looks great at the theater which fits in a parking lot, than go buy one. 0% financing was a fabulous bonus. You wont regret passing up the Blazer for it. Ask for the Fuel warning light, I still cant locate mine.

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  XL-7 - GREAT RIDE! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jeff Towry - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Five months and 7200 miles and were still in love with our XL-7. Wife had reservations about SUV (previously drove Cutlass), but now says she will never drive a car again! Truck rides and drives GREAT! I no longer get tired on long trips! Daughter loves the rear air, extra leg room, and reclining rear seats. We didnt need third row seating, but had to buy that way to get rear air. We removed third row seat cushion and that provided flat load floor. Still needs cargo net to keep groceries from falling out on feet when rear door opened. Truck has not been back to dealer since the day we left. There has been no need!

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  Good Value with proper maintenance - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Frank & Danielle - February 21 - 7:53 pm

  Overall, my 1998 Suzuki Sidekick did well for its intended purpose. I did experience a spark plug blowing out of the cyclinder, but that only cost $187 to fix. Also, the clutch went at 92,000 miles, but thats not too bad. The truck never really left me stranded. Its 4x4 performance in serious offroad driving was surprisingly good!

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  Love My Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By luvmycar - February 18 - 3:16 pm

  This is a great "little SUV!" Its compact enough to fit into any compact space and its soooo fun to drive. Its a little jerky but I think thats the charm of it plus mine is manual so its extra fun and animated! I have only had it for a year, but I havent had ANY problems mechanical, electrical or otherwise. I drove across the country with it and it is still in superb condition. It has been very reliable! I am absolutely in LOVE with my Vitara, I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants their cars to be reliable with personality (not in a bad way).

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  Great little Car!! - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By Chels - February 14 - 8:26 pm

  I just bought this car about 2 months ago. I got a great price for it and it only had 49000 k. The gas mileage is amazing! (coming from an 89 oldsmobile). It is so much fun to drive! The manual transmission is just fun alone but zipping around in this car makes it better! I love to just open the sunroof and unzip the back window. Sits like a truck but drives sporty.

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  No Problems Here - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Phil - February 14 - 8:10 am

  Great small SUV thats fun to drive. Have had it just a few weeks, but have had no problems with it. The only thing I dont care for is the gas mileage, seems Im stopping more often than i use to with my Olds Silloutte I traded for it. It however does have smaller tank too. It is very peppy though when it comes to getting out on the highway which I like.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Paul - February 13 - 8:56 pm

  I am really impressed with the Grand Vitara. It is a well built vehicle. I like the interior and exterior styling. It gives a solid sound when the doors are shut. IThe interior controls are well thought our and driver friendly. Its good handling is a plus. For anyone looking for a small SUV, take a minute to check out the Grand Vitara. You will be gald that you did!

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  I paid too much for it. - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By PUDDIN - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I know for a fact I was overcharged by them after looking at the pricing on your website. It was probably because of my bad credit and they knew I had not done my research on it.

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  Love that Reno! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Bob Figuly - February 7 - 12:40 am

  This is the second Suzuki I have owned in the past four years. They are the "smartest" and best designed cars ever! I was considering a Toyota, but the test drive of the Reno sold me. Smooth, quiet and powerful, the Reno won on all accounts. When I drive the Reno, the people driving the Mercedes and BMWs all crane their necks to see what Im driving. The dealership was great and helpful also.