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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  diamond in the rough - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jet - February 5 - 1:13 am

  I bought my 2006 Aerio SX premium package based on my roomates expirience with his 2004 SX AWD. I think its the best car for the money. Its warranty has no deductable and is FULLY transferable, not just to a family memeber like the Korean brands. The only negative about the car is buzzing door panels on rough roads. Talk to your dealer, they will fix for free like mine did. If you can find any of these cars left, then snatch it up because they are no longer making them. A new car is coming out but it wont be an Aerio. Hurry before they are all gone!

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  My Second Aerio, better than the first.. - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gkxp - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had most cars in this class including a Civic, Insight, Corolla, Cavalier, Elantra, Sephia, Escort and Swift. Having a previous good experience with my Suzuki Swift, I bought a 2002 Suzuki Aerio with the 2.0L 4 Cylinder. I loved it so much, I went back to Suzuki and bought another! The power improvement for 04 is VERY noticeable without a penalty in MPG. Suzuki also addressed the lack of a driver armrest and my 2004 seems much quieter on the inside (engine is very quiet on both). I would suggest to would-be compact class buyers to test drive an Aerio after driving an Echo, Corolla, Civic or Scion XA or XB & Im sure youll be impressed!

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By CK - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Our family has had the XL-7 for a month now, and are very pleased with the vehicle. First, it has high value as it provides more features than its competitors do compared to selling price. Second, the exterior styling is pleasing -its lean and clean. Third, the interior is comfortable and the ride is very smooth for a truck. Controls are logically positioned. Lastly, the third row seat is a definate plus. Overall, the quality is very high in all aspects. The XL-7 is a great alternative to a mini-van and is a lot of fun to drive. There is a lot to like about this vehicle compared to what you pay for it.

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  LOVE IT - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By LuvItSUV - January 27 - 5:56 am

  This vehicle is the best I have ever had. Ive had many other vehicles from various makes and models, but this by far is the BEST.

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  Is there a higher selection than 5 for excellent? - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By mmagana - January 26 - 3:50 am

  I purchased my SX4 AWD for zipping around town safely and to go up to my cabin in Big Bear on the weekends, in fact, when going up to the mountans, I dont have to place chains on the tires when snowing, saving me time and hassle. The All-Wheel-Drive system works perfectly!!! The car drives great, very comfortable seats that sit up high and give me a very secure feeling. And with 8 airbags, Im very comfortable placing my family in the car. I did a lot of reserch before buying, based on the value, safety ratings, and Consumer Reports recommendation, my choice was very easy. I have nearly 60k miles on it and never had a problem other than routine maintenance.

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  Great Car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By nhurta - January 25 - 8:53 pm

  I looked at 3 different cars that looked just like the Reno, and in my opinion nothing compares to it. This car handles better than the other ones I looked at, and is more comfortable.

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  Great small SUV!! - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Daniels family - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We love our Grand Vitara!! With the rising gas prices it is wonderful to have a 4x4, attractive, and dependable family car!! Even though it is small, there is plenty of space! The interior is comfortable and stylish also!

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  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Brunson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car about 2 years ago, and I have not had a speck of trouble with it. Only service that I had done to my car is getting regular oil changes; whoops! A tank of gas cost me less then $20.00, and it last me about three weeks around about town; it last me about a week in a have going from Harford Co. to Balto.City to work 5 days a week. Its a Great CAR!!!!!

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  Suzuke Aero GS Sedan - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By suzuki000001 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Well built, handles well, good performance for the fuel mileage. Averages 30mpg

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  Good Wagon for the Money - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jim Malkin - January 22 - 7:30 pm

  Its hard to find a company that isnt discontinuing its wagons in favor of some kind of crossover thing. Suzuki still proudly offers them and I was pleasantly surprised with the price, standard features and styling.