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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  my suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pforstie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive

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  swift - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By pforstie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive to and from work every day

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  From 4x4 dakota quad to grocery getter - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By bow - January 23 - 4:13 am

  Traded in a 2004 dakota quad cab loaded (fuel reasons). Love the suzuki. Wish it had a bigger gas tank. No problem doing over 100 mph. Back seat is not really ideal for a baby seat, very tight. Goes anywhere (so far) in the Pittsburgh area winter. Purchased in oct 07. suspension is not too good with the potholes in sw PA. Handles very well. Cup holders questionable.

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  BEST COMPACT SUV - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By RIVERAS - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I PURCHASE IT NEW ON 8/2002 AND NEVER HAD ONE PROBLEM EXCEPT FOR A RECALL THAT SUZUKI STATED ABOUT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.ME AND THE FAMILY ALWAYS USE IT ON TRIPS.FOR A SMALL SUV ITS GOOD ON GAS,GOOD POWER,AMPLE ROOM AND VERY ATTRACTIVE.I INSTALLED A TV FOR MY SON AT THE SUZUKI DEALER WHICH THEY DID A PROFESSIONAL JOB.

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  Big Bang for your buck - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By dbean - January 21 - 10:00 am

  A lot of car for a very reasonable price. Packed with features that are optional on other cars. Great ride and handling and plenty of power for me.

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  2001 suzuki - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By aarika - January 18 - 10:00 am

  very reliableand fun to drive. also a great looker always getting compliments. also great gas mileage

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  SX - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By steven Netti - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Not Bad The dealer was bad==not the car I would buy again elsewhere

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  Good looking and inexpensive SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Rich C. - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall My wife and I are pleased with our XL-7. It handles well and has good pickup for a smaller V-6. We enjoy the CD player, and the A/C works well. I would like to have seen a few more upgrades ,such as a low fuel warning light, door ajar lights (especially since we have a small child), and a power lock switch on the passenger side door. The third rear seat is nice despite that it really only seats children or short adults! We got a good deal on it, especially with the zero interest financing for 5 years. The only problem so far has been the front disc brakes squealing from time to time. We have had them fixed once, but the problem has since reoccured.

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  04 Aerio SX -- Best Blend - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By MAD777 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I tested a HUGE number of cars before buying. I found the Aerio peppy (pulls well in any gear and handles most hills with cruise on in 5th gear), eager to go, great confident cornering (unlike the Vibe/Matrix which scared my wife and I when we drove it after testing the Suzuki -- we were never sure where the Vibe/Matrix was going to go when going into turns, and they required constant mid-course correction). Cant understand Edmunds review that handling is sloppy on the Aerio SX! Did the reviewer check the tires for proper inflation? I think it deserves another review! Could use a bit more storage, better cup holders, but love the rear under-floor storage.

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  Love 95% of this car! - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By kltschida - January 15 - 9:26 am

  Being a suzuki owner for the past 6yrs, I didnt hesitate to buy another. I wish I would have looked a little harder though. I got a good deal, but I understand now that my monthly savings on my loan is going straight into the gas tank. Features are missing too... but I didnt miss them until I started reading the other reviews. I didnt mind that the steering wheel buttons didnt light up until I read about it and now it drives me NUTS! I love the size, I can haul a lot inside and tow my camper with no problem. I would recommend to a friend but warn them that gas will kill ya! Nice to read about the K&N Airfilter on the other review, Ill try that! Oh, whats with not having an ipod jack????