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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  Good AWD Vehicle for the Price - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Andy - January 13 - 5:43 pm

  I bought this vehicle two months ago. The main selling points were the AWD and lots of standard features for under $15,000. It is fun to drive, very maneuverable, and one of the easiest vehicles to park. I loaded it with five passengers and it did just fine.

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  Good little car - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Great little - January 13 - 8:13 am

  It has been a great little car. I know I was not getting a sports car but for what it is I love it. I have taken it on a few long trip and have had no problems. I think the clutch is going out but that is the only thing that has happened. I have driven it like a teenage. I have not been the nicest to it but it still runs great.

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  XL7 - Fun, Reliable, Economical! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By carjam - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Our XL7 Touring 4WD had approximately 11,000 miles on it when we purchased it. It is extremely fun to drive, very economical and has presented few problems. There is a recurring "rattle" because the hood adjustment keeps getting loose and the front passenger seatbelt malfunctioned and was replaced, but other than that - no problems. It would be nice if Suzuki would make the seats a little more comfortable, too. It is easy to park, corners very well and is easy to control in windy, storm conditions. The moonroof opens easily for just a little ventilation, or for a more "open-air" experience. A very fun, reliable and economical vehicle overall.

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  suzuki forenza lx - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By sue h - January 9 - 10:00 am

  i was just in a horrific car accident this last thursday and was hit in front & driver side going at least 65 and the car being destroyed however, Saved my life. i was NOT taken to the hospital and when it is time to select another one i am HIGHLY considering buy it again.. its a great car, roomy,luxurious,comfortable..just wish it got better gas milege as the corolla.@38 MPG!. its a great bang for the buck!...

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  great truck for the money - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By arnold - January 8 - 12:06 am

  Went from a v8 truck (14mpg combined) to a more fuel efficient truck great ride lots of power,very happy with my purchase looked at frontier,this was a much better deal(gps,side airbags step rails about $2800 cheaper than frontier)most important 7yr/100000 powertrain warranty.Has 2800 miles on it averages 21mpg combined will get better once engine breaks in.

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  Nice car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By john315 - January 5 - 7:20 am

  I bought my Verona last year and I now have about 9,000 miles and I havent really had any problems. Its only been back to the dealership for scheduled maintenances and once because the transmission had to be replaced. The car used to spuck and skit all over the place until the transmission was replaced at 3,000 miles at no extra cost. Now it runs like a gem. It has a smooth, quiet, relaxing ride, with a fairly responsive inline-6. The interior has high quality materials with a pretty decent 6-speaker audio. If you are looking for a midsize sedan and cant go over $20,000, I dont think it gets much better than this.

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  2006 Suzuki Forenza - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By mark - January 1 - 10:56 am

  My car gets me where I need to go. Forenzas and other Suzuki cars can be had at a more than reasonable price with no haggling.

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  not bad but could be better - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By No - December 29 - 6:33 am

  My 2004 Suzuki Verona LX has a smooth ride, but does not deliver enough power. I cant wait for the 2007 model.

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  Budget but Beautiful - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By KC in WA - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a used ex-rental(with a touch under 18K miles) Aerio S automatic for my wife. OK its a budget car, (power windows, but no power locks, why?) but in silver she be lookin fine (both the wife and the car!) Due to the price I paid, $8900 ($92 more than Edmunds TMV!), I am persona non grata at the used car lot, but hey its the car my wife wanted at the price I wanted!

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  The best unknown SUV - Mid range - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By myn4now - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is exceptional especially trim and fit. Power is in hurt considering it is a 6cy. but miles have been reasonably good. comfort and luxury not expected. overall great buy and a real sleeper for under 30K it has it all.