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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  this cars 4 u - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By sent2u - December 30 - 10:00 am

  *****Very fun car/little suv.As much as i hate it, i WILL SELL MY CAR! Dealer went out of business in Little Rock , Arkansas so no place to get it serviced with in 60 miles!

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  Great Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By ginlj - December 30 - 10:00 am

  We wanted a midsized vehicle after years of owning larger luxury vehicles, but didnt want to drive a commonly seen Altima or Sonata. Happened upon the Suzuki Verona, and fell in love with the Sapphire Grey color and supple leather seats. The touches of wood, combined with lots of chrome and luminescent dials, make it a treat to drive. Excellent sound system! And the leg room is impressive; the back seat is at least as comfortable as the front. We recommend the Verona to those who are tired of the commonplace.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Bill D. - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I saw the Aerio for the first time at the NY Auto Show and was impressed. I bought one and love it. It has good power, handling, general performance. The winshield, and side glass provide a lot of visibility, but that means a lot of eye strain from light as well as the heat from the sun. Also, the LCD display on the radio is hard to see in direct sun. Ive gotten many positive comments about the car and my teenage son likes it too. Id recommend the car to anyone looking for a sporty, affordable, small wagon.

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  Great Value SUV with nice details - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Diane - December 21 - 6:53 pm

  My husband was in a four car crash in 2002 in our 2001 Gr Vitara Limited, there were two fatalities in this accident. We feel that the safety features of the Gr Vitara was definitely put to the test in this accident, even though the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled, but due to the lack of injuries sustained, we felt the safety features were a definite reason to replace it with another like vehicle. The 2002 Gr Vitara Limited had heated seats and side mirror defrosters, both options are great!

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  Import cars lover - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By vacharin - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The interior is wonderful with stylish looking outside, Features, quality that Suzuki offer beat camry,Accord and others in the same class

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  Acceptable: Speedometer dislike - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Debbie1 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  For the most part it is an acceptable vehicle. The speedometer is the only thing that I dislike about the Forenza.

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  Brand new owner - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Moose - December 12 - 12:20 am

  Well, I have been hunting for a new vehicle & stumbled upon this new Suzuki Equator! Looks great, but Ill admit I hadnt done any research on it. Dealer said it was basically a Nissan Frontier, but looks better to me! I just bought mine last night & will come back here after I have some experience with it.

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  Reliable All-rounde SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Mike - December 7 - 12:50 pm

  The looks are a bit dated with the Vitara shape. The fuel tank is too small. It has good safety features and the 3rd row is a big bonus. I was never a big fan of the 2001 model. The 2003 shape, with the redesigned front and rear end looks great. The chrome side steps are an improvement over the plastic ones.

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  APEX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Senior Chief - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car about 3 weeks ago and been driving the hell out of it ever since. Fun to drive!

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  Great Car - Still Lovin It - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By LostInAustin - December 4 - 11:10 pm

  I recently bought my GV and I love it. Lot of car for the money. Everything I wanted in a car, leather, sunroof, heated seats, mp3, alloy wheels, good looking. I came across it on online and took for test drive. Needless to say I liked what I saw. Gas mileage coud be better. Factory speakers fall short but who keeps factory? Like the AWD. Comfortable seats. Needs locking gas door and lighted visor mirrors. Every time I go to my car I love the look of it. I would never have thought Suzuki for a car but Im extremely glad I stumbled upon it on the dealer website. All around great car for the money.