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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  My 1st SUV - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By JoanieK - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a great SUV to drive...so much fun!

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  Great Car! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By pbwaters75 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased our 04 Forenza a couple of days ago. It is a gret car, with great options. I am a little concerned about it being the first model year, but all reviews looked promising. For the money you cant beat this car. It has fabulous standard options and provides a solid ride. I would recommend it to anyone. The stereo, warranty, and styling also make it hard to resist. When compared to some other cars in its class, I dont see how anyone could pass it up!

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  Excellent and Fun. - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By DDay - January 19 - 4:30 am

  Enjoying this car every-time I get in and drive. The fact that I can switch from 2 wheel to all wheel to locking into 4x4 mode is brilliant. The car handles well and has an upscale approach to styling and material. Two thumbs up and I have owned aver 18 cars in my life.

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  Remarkable - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By CanAmGuy - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my new Aerio SX in Yellow and I agree. The color makes people stop and stare, children wave, and the highway is always a funny journey. I was stopped at the Tolls in NH to be asked who made the car and what it was!! Love the car. Ride is great, and the size is perfect. Wish it had a Sun/Moon Roof for the future. I am ready to do the Commercial in order to show just how much fun a person can have in the car.

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  WHAT A GREAT BUY - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Joe Peck - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I had no idea that Suzuki produced such a fine SUV. Any other brand SUV would have cost a lot more green. I have the hard to find Limited and love the detail in every part of the SUV. I belive this should be on any ones list looking for value and quality. I am sold.

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  Best car for the money and fun to drive - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Bob ( Florida ) - January 8 - 11:00 pm

  This is one of the best cars that I have owned. Fun to drive very responsive, lots of interior room, a very good ride for a smaller car. With all the extras like climate control,cruise control, outside temp. indicator, computer for milage P/G and fuel distance left in tank, all the control are handy. Suzuki did a fine job putting this vehicle together. I would recommed that anyone looking for a car take a good look at this one before making your mind up on a purchase of a car like this.

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  Nice Redesign - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By AlRod - January 7 - 3:36 am

  For the money, the Grand Vitara is a very nice vehicle. It is much bigger than the Toyota RAV4 and with lots of nice features. The 06 is much better than last years model in looks and quality.

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  a fun little car for the wife - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By zaesar - January 6 - 10:00 am

  it is a nice little car that is a lot of fun to drive.wish i had the headlights in my mustang gt.the only bad thing that i can say right now,it needs better tires these tires squeal if you corner just a lttle fast my next tire will be dunlop sp5000.so far lots of fun.

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  I love my truck! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By hpeaks - December 30 - 8:00 pm

  I love the way the Suzuki Grand Vitaga feels when I drive. It feels good and is fun to drive!

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  14K miles, not a hiccup! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By outfieldpete - December 30 - 6:40 pm

  I bought this car new in March 2007, and after 14,000 miles and 14 months the SX4 is rock solid. It goes in the snow, seats 4 adults in a small car thats large inside, and parks anywhere.