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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  Suzuki Forenza - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By kevin - November 25 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car for work. I drive 134 miles per day to and from work. This car is not roomy enough and does not get very good gas millage on open highway. At 70 miles per hour I average just under 27 miles per gallon. My driving is all highway, with only 4 lights each way. I am not very happy with this performance, but the dealership says it is within the specs.

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  Good car for low budget buyers!! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By tom - November 24 - 3:53 am

  Im using this car for the last 4 years. I drove 62000 miles on it. Running good, never gave me any trouble. Im glad that I chose Suzuki Forenza.

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  Poor Choice for Your Kids - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Mic - November 23 - 10:00 pm

  This car has been a real dog from the beginning. The only good thing is its under warranty for 9,000 more miles. However, I doubt we will keep it that long. We have had repeated problems with three different sensors and had to issue a complaint to obtain a car to drive while mine was being serviced because of its poor quality. You couldnt give me one of these things.

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  2004 Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Ladyb - November 20 - 6:46 am

  I love this vehicle, I did have an issue with it stalling on me, however, my dealer, especially the service dept go above and beyond to correct the problem. They make sure each time it is there whether for inspection of general maintenance, that they check the whole vehicle.

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  Love My SX4 Sport! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MySX4 - November 18 - 6:10 pm

  I drive my SX4 about 30 miles to and from work. I havent had any problems.

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  BAD FUEL ECONOMY - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Kelly - November 18 - 12:13 pm

  I just brought a 2009 SX4 Crossover Tech Package in Nov. 16, 2009. The tag says 21/28 on the feul economy. But I have been using it for the pass week and the mile marker goes down to 16 mpg local and only 20 mpg on the highway. I expected to be at lease 21/28. Other then that the car is great. If anyone is looking for a fuel efficient car I would not recommend this. Also the cloth seat cover seems too thin.

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  Will never buy another Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Gretchiebeth - November 18 - 11:16 am

  I have had my Grand Vitara 2.7 L V6 MPI for almost a year and have driven it for 4 months. The first time it was at Bill Gattons shop in Bristol Tn was two weeks after I bought my Grand Vitara. And The last time I took my Grand Vitara to Bill Gatton to have the motor worked on it was a week before Thanksgiving 2009 and it is now June 1 2010 and I am still without my vehicle. I just found out last week I am the third owner of this vehicle.

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  XL-7 review - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By lara - November 12 - 2:10 pm

  I am so disappointed with this vehicle. The third row is too small for even my children to fit comfortably. The car has electrical problems, the keyless entry doesnt work, my interior light and headlights go out frequently and need to be replaced. I have had problems with my brakes (I dont know if its the car or the place that keeps fixing them).

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  Upgrades - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By djcs - November 9 - 3:33 pm

  The Suzuki Aerio seems to have no power and no leg room. The engine size needs to be a 2.8 liter or larger. This will give much better gas mileage and power to pick up speed due to the wieght of the vehicle. The steering wheel needs to be raised more up words. The dash board could have more features. GPS maybe. This is a family station wagon. The family needs to be safe and know where they are going.

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  Awesome Buy! - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Sara - November 8 - 10:36 pm

  I researched many midsized SUVs before choosing the Suzuki XL-7. The selling point for me was all the options for the small price. I would have easily paid at least $7,000 more for a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. We also have a 92 Suzuki Swift that has never given us any problems, so this was an easy decision for us. I drove it in the rain for the first time yesterday and it handled quite well. I didnt feel that safety in my previous car. We are going to Lake Tahoe for Christmas and cannot wait to use the 4 wheel drive. We have no problems manuvering this SUV in busy parking lots and tight spots. We are verrry satisfied with our new "Zuke"