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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  So Far So Good! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dean - June 24 - 6:30 pm

  I have 2,000 miles on my 2006 Forenza wagon with an auto transmission. Im 5 11", 265 lbs., and am VERY comfortable in this vehicle. Mag rims are a must; the standard rim / hubcap setup cheapens the look of an otherwise handsome vehicle. I am impressed by how quiet a ride the car has, and doing 80 mph happens without effort. The ride is comfortable, the stereo is supreme, and the warranty, safety features, and other standard features that come with the vehicle are an incredible value in comparison to other imports of its class. I have no complaints whatsoever. I am very happy so far with my purchase.

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  Best car ever !! - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By western mass fan - June 14 - 12:16 pm

  Purchased new for $10,700 with sticker reading $14,999 and love the car. Its sporty drive (5 speed) and great economy 35 mpg or more place it next to my suzuki motorcyle in fun. Oil changes every 3000 miles and original spark plugs at 93,000 miles and running like a top. Rust is starting on door bottoms, and had to replace the front sub frame this month (big bucks). Still cant complain and wish I could get it back from my daughter.

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  Enjoying the Suzuki Aerio Premium AWD - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Hazel - June 12 - 12:26 pm

  The Suzuki Aerio Premium AWD is a winner. It has been navigating icy roads and hills with ease. It has good acceleration and stopping power which I consider important for safety. All of my family members love it. The trunk has a wide opening and plenty of room for an oversize stroller and lots of other items. It is getting good gas mileage, too.

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  Great features! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Charly - June 3 - 6:36 pm

  This vehicle excels in the fun to drive department, at least with manual transmission. I like the exterior design. The fact that there are not too many sx4 in the streets, makes this car more attractive.

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  overall review - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By sirlinehane - May 29 - 2:00 am

  very well put together vehicle, roomy comfortable and best of all lots less then a honda or toyota. better warranty!

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  A good value - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By scharlap - May 28 - 10:00 am

  An inexpensive 7 seater.

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  NICE VALUE - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By blades1 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle really surprised me, great looks nice power and great price.

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  love to drive my Forenza - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By julie wisler - May 25 - 9:56 pm

  I enjoy the way it handles. Its great on gas and so much fun to drive. I had a truck so its a nice change, especially with the gas mileage it gets. Its very roomy, which I like because a lot of small cars dont have a lot of room. My husband is over 6 feet tall and hes very comfortable driving it and being a passenger.

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  a lot of car for a little money - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By peaceful bismillah - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Shockingly, this is a lot of car for $13,500. At first I was looking at the Verona, but I saw the Forenza in a brouchure. I loved its look better than its older brother and kept asking when it would be available. It just so happens that the first shipload came in the next week. So instead of buying the Verona, I saved a couple thousand and bought what I liked better. Now Im eagerly waiting for aftermarket products to personalize my Forenza.

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  Suzuki SX4 - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Tom S. - May 22 - 3:46 pm

  This is a nice small - medium size car. Has a very strong engine (for its category), a lot of space and it is priced better than the competition.