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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  new review - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Veronica2 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Overall the vehicle is pleasant to drive, quiet and responsive. The 6- disc, 6 speaker cd player is great but causes the door panels to vibrate when loud or when bass is at optimum level. The back lit feature on the player is not a plus as it washes out in sunlight.

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  Extremely Safe and fun to drive - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jbl4445 - September 19 - 6:59 pm

  We bought this car for our very responsible 17 year old son. It looks great, got good gas mileage and was fun to drive. As boys do, he got in a crash, a head on collison. The car was totalled, and so was the other TRUCK. My son walked out of that car with only minor burns where the air bag hit his arms. Heard the safety ratings were good but didnt realize just how good! Thank you for building such a safe car Suzuki.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Desarae - September 17 - 4:16 am

  I have a 2007 Grand Vitara I had a Forenza previously. I love the vehicle I have had no Major issue I have changed tire on the vehicle that is it it was at 30,000. Its reliable and I love it! i would recommend it to people. And I think people below should not complain about maintenance on your vehicle. Its part of being a vehicle owner deal with it!

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  Great, misunderstood car - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By baldwin - September 15 - 7:46 am

  This is a great car! Ive had mine for a year now, and it has run flawlessly and handles great. It very much is the crossover vehicle that it is supposed to be. It is a very small cross-over SUV. People want to compare it to sub- compacts, but it is really not in that class. It has much bigger wheels and chassis, which reduce its gas mileage, but give it much greater strength when stressed. It has a 7" ground clearance, vs 4" for most sedans. This car can be compared to smaller SUVs. Think of something like a Hundai Tuscon, but strip away all the hunky metal. An extremely lean frame is put onto a solid chassis. It has plenty of room for 4 people. It drives well at high speeds/ long distances.

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  Problems are starting at 19000 miles - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Marshe - September 15 - 3:46 am

  I have had my Grand Vitara for two years now. The front stereo speakers blew out after 3 months(I am 52 years old so I did not turn the volume up to a ridiculous level) My back tires are now bald in the center only - they have not ever been overinflated and the front ones are also worn considerably all over and need replacement. My air conditioner started making an awful squealing sound over the weekend. Was not going to use it until I could take the vehicle in to dealership. Today my power steering went out. "Belt tensioner" they say which also was affecting the AC belt. I am worried that this is the beginning of an expensive relationship once the 36000 warranty is up. Buyers remorse.

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  Driving in an egg - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By silkyfurz - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Six months old, less than 2,000 miles, three bumper replacements - 2 front, 1 rear.

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  Love my little roller skate! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By linds77 - September 6 - 5:23 am

  Comfortable and cute. Love driving this car and am looking forward to see how it handles in the snow.

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  Reliability and Economy - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By Martyk - September 6 - 3:36 am

  Bought this car with 85000 miles and am now up to 117000 miles with NO problems. I averaged 41 MPG on a trip across the country and have not had to spend money on repairs. I change the oil, filters and belts when needed. Great car. Radio and speakers are cheap and problematic, but overall car is very dependable and economic.

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  Must be the first one! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Lau - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just buy this one yesterday....maybe the first one...only 6 arrived from port. This was a reservation. Best car for the price. wow!! features!! good motor. Alas, a good fuel drinker. RELIABILIY unknown

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  Beast in the Snow! - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dalx - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Had this for almost a year. Were i live the winters are brutal, hence buying this vehicle. No regrets! Awesome in slippery/snowy conditions. I tryed a few times to get it loose control, and its almost impossible. The ESP will put the brakes on for you if your too slow.