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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  Well-built for the money - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By Steve Caruso - November 8 - 8:03 pm

  So far, this small SUV has been very enjoyable to drive. The vehicle handles well and it accelerates into traffic very well, though it does seem to lack power going uphill. Overall, I am very satisfied with my new SUV. Excellent value for the money.

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  2000 Esteem Wagon 1.8, Great Car - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By rd400f - November 8 - 5:47 pm

  We bought our Esteem in 1999 but its an 2000 GLX model. I got the car since my father passed away 6 years ago and now in 2013, it still runs like a champ. I did the brakes pads once and then later on got some aftermarket drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic brake pads and new shoes and drums for the back. In all these 13+ years the car has never broke down on the road but once it didnt start in the garage. it was just the CMP sensor and thats about a 15 minute job for this car. Replaced the Idle Control Valve once, alternator and the struts and besides the regular wear items, tires, battery, belt, It keeps on going. My A/C never had problems since new and always blows cold.

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  airbags - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By ohwow - November 6 - 1:03 pm

  I just totaled my car Sunday night and it held up very well I flipped it twice and none of the air bags went off, im okay though. But I was very surprised at how well it held up with some of the thing I found out why the price was so low and they just kinda found the cheep way out. But I was very surprised. But I would never buy another Suzuki car

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  Great car with great mileage - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By John - November 3 - 5:43 am

  This car has been great. I bought it three years ago with 32,000 for $4500. I am now at 180,000 and still going strong. The only problems I have had is struts and CV axles, nothing else. I would recommend these cars to anyone wanting a cheap transportation option.

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  Mileage - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By marvgolf - November 2 - 8:03 pm

  Estimated mileage, 17 city, 22 hwy. More like 14 city and 19 hwy. Trying to be very careful with speed and acceleration, does not help. Very unhappy with situation. 1800 miles so far, and no improvement. Would find it very hard to suggest this vehicle to a prospective buyer. My friends v-6 Toyota Tacoma gets better mileage than I do.

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  In a Class of it own - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Luxury & Performance - November 1 - 3:53 am

  After searching and testing driving so many SUV, I turned into my local Suzuki dealer and took the GV out for a test drive. With in 24 hours I purchased the GV. Everything about the GV is luxury, both the exterior and interior has been well designed, the leather heated seats a major bonus. Have the 4 Mode for off road is excellent. Amazing in snow, took it out in 20" of snow and the GV handle it like a pro. ESP feature is another excellent feature. I have no regrets on this purchase.

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  Worst first purchase! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Meg - October 30 - 12:56 pm

  I jumped into this car way too fast. I have an automatic and it has to be the slowest ever. My cars nick name is "I think I can" because that is what I feel like when I try to pass someone! I have had my car only a year and a half. This car has been in the shop at least 5 times! My computer has been reset twice already! Then my head lights went... an electrical problem. Also the paint is completely gone off my back fenders! My dealership repainted this once and they refuse to do it again. All the paint had chipped off because of the design.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By KP - October 30 - 8:30 am

  Fantastic value--I paid $14,999 for my EX. You just cant get more for your money than that. Interior is as fine as anyone needs, really nicely trimmed with high quality materials. Performance is exciting for someone used to a minivan. Lots of big car features. City mileage so far is about 21.5 mpg, a little better than the EPA estimate of 20. Car even looks better in person than it does in pictures. Exterior door handles are made of metal, not plastic--nice quality touch.

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  Great car! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By kinkyllama - October 28 - 11:10 am

  Ive had my Forenza for over 40,000 miles and Ive taken it to about 20 hours of open track events plus autocrosses and she just keeps holding up! Have only had one problem which the dealer fixed. I have no complaints, I love this car!

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  Still love my Vitara - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By nb - October 27 - 3:23 pm

  I wanted a Honda or Nissan, but the extra $2k or more for those or for the Grand Vitara were budget busters for me. I love the purple color I got (electric cats eye blue) and the cute and fun look; I dont drive a lot (just to work; Im efficient and green) but I got this for off-road and it is excellent for that. Ive not been off-road as much as I wanted, but thats my personal life, not the car. I think this is an excellent value, and should be considered.