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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  Major Pain, Nice Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By tisalazar - November 25 - 11:53 am

  I have gotten lots of compliments on my Verona. The style and the color are great. I am at 32,000 miles and have had problems with it. The check engine light has come on and it is stalling. I have had to drive it with gas and the brakes at the same time in order for it not to turn off. I have taken to dealer to have fix three times and just yesterday the light came on again. According to the dealer the first time was a blown fuse, the second time was a computer, and the third time the motor went out, and I wonder what they will tell me this time. I am at 35,300 miles on it. I got this car on 10/05 with 25,372 miles on it. Also, it makes a popping sound when steering from side to side, like the old cars do. My 99 Ford Taurus runs better and faster than this one that is newer.

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  Suzuki the other Japanese Auto Company? - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By DK - November 15 - 8:50 am

  I have purchased a Suzuki product once before and was please with the quality and performance. I was looking for a car for my daughter and found the Forenza, its quality and performance match that of the previous 1995 Esteem. Suzuki has one of the best car warranties around.

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  So far so good! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Suzifan2003 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my XL-7 for 2 months and still am very much in love with it. It is fun to drive, good in turns and after switching to synthetic oil, have been getting 25 mpg on the freeway.

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  Happy so far. - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Reno Owner - November 7 - 9:20 pm

  We bought a 06 Reno a few years ago and so far has been a reliable car, overall I like the car. Im around 6-2ish and I fit comfortably into the vehicle. No knees into the glove box, no hair touching the upholstry on the roor. Has gotten a bit cramped with the addition of a car seat, had to move pass seat forward. Have not had any major mechanical problems to this point. Have not experienced the bad starting as some others have. Did eat through the factory serp belt though by 36,000. Have flushed the engine cooling system and serviced the auto trans, no problems with the fluid exchanges either. MPG is nothing to totally rave about, but full it once a week, not terrible.

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  Suzuki Reno - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By John - November 4 - 8:40 am

  When I bought the car, I loved it. Specially the one on display which had special rims and tinted windows. I had decided to get a manual but ended buying the auto. I read reviews and the person did not recommended doing this, but to me its a very reliabable car. I drove it during the snow and it took me to and back from work. The only thing that I dont like is the fact that is not good when it comes to gas.

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  Decent car/ great price. - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Gabe - October 21 - 7:50 pm

  I bought the car because it was so cheap. i received a killer warranty and great service from the dealer. I financed the car for 60 months, but as long as i owe money on it it is covered because they gave me a 7 year/100000 mile bumper to bumper. who could beat that. it gets good mileage and is a fairly decent looking car. They beat everyone elses price by thousands and gave me a car easily as nice.

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  Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tim - October 21 - 10:30 am

  I only have 3500 miles, but so far I have got great fuel economy. Hauls crowds of people down the highway easily.

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  Suzuki Grand Vitarra--2001 - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Nicoblu - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I was disappointed in the fuel economy. The vehicle is also somewhat unstable in the back during inclement weathe. Even at low speeds the rear end tends to fishtail around curves during rain or drizzle.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By suz21 - October 15 - 4:44 am

  Bought this car new. In the first two years, the brakes needing changing out a couple of times, & I am not a heavy brake user--but once I had ceramic brakes installed, no more problems. Apart from that, Ive had zero problems with it for the most part. Very reliable. I am at 80,000 miles and it runs like a dream. Only complaint I have at this point is living in Pacific Northwest & wet winters causes my car to slide about on slick roads if I have to stop too fast. It doesnt have a lot of road traction, and Ive been told due its light weight. The tires are good winter tires, and Ive only had to replace them two times.

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  Affordable, Comfortable, and Stylish - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By sandersfan20 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 Taurus, but it had to go. I needed more room. I traded it in and thanks to a dealer incentive lost no equity on an already reasonably priced vehicle. I really wasnt sure what to expect but so far at 4200 miles I am still very happy with my purchase. I opted for the automatic and no 3rd seat. The cargo room is great and no stoplight shifting for me. If you have more money than brains like most Americans, you need to spend 30K on an overpriced SUV. If you want results for a reasonable price, then I reccommend the Suzuki XL-7.