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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  You have to buy one - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Paula P - October 31 - 10:00 am

  No matter where I go, people look at my car. They make comments like, wow nice car. Friends love to ride in it. I baught my car exactly one week before my father died. He took it on a test ride, he wanted to go out and but my mother one. He loved it. For him, that was saying a lot. My sisters and many friends one want one to.

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  What will I do in 10 yrs?!!! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By robmerz - October 27 - 1:31 am

  I just bought a slightly used Kizashi SLS, with 21,000 miles. I traded in a 2009 Suzuki SX-4, which I had outgrown. I test drove the 2013, and cant really tell a difference from the older models. The car is amazing, and has every bell and whistle you could possibly want. I needed AWD vehicle, and cant afford a Audi, and didnt want a crossover. I did look at Subaru, and looked at a few crossovers, but this was by far the best car for the $. I actually look forward to my drive home! Open the sunroof, crank up the Rockford Fosgate sound system, and watch the time melt away!!! My biggest dilemma is now, how am I going to get a new Suzuki in 10 years when this finally outlives it usefulness.

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  Great! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By kalayah - October 26 - 7:03 am

  I purchased this car on Halloween and I love it. It rides really well, its fast and fun to drive. I love the gas mileage I get, especially since gas seems to be going up again. It has ample leg room and a roomy trunk. Its great!

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  Reliable!!! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By I Like It! - October 24 - 3:23 pm

  I went from owning a Grand Prix to purchasing this vehicle. The gas mileage is good but could be better! Compared to a honda civic, This vehicle is more comfortable and roomy. I have not had any starting problems with the vehicle other than the time that it didnt have gas. its starts every time in the -30 degree weather we get in chicago! Up til now Im recently having an issue with the transmission, hope its nothing serious!

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  The Most Power and Style for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By JC - October 18 - 4:30 pm

  The Reno is a great car with Italian design. It has more power than the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Scion xA or XB, and the Chevrolet Aveo. It has more standard features and a longer warranty as well. I bought this car for well below invoice. I love this car. You can not find a better value. Compare it piece by piece to the others and you will see.

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  Yeah baby! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By bigmalik - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a fully-loaded XL-7 / Touring 4WD (show car, which had 7,000 miles on it). Got it at a really reasonable price. Nice on the road. Not really a gas drinker. Very fun to drive! Interested if Suzuki will ever make a soft-top version?! LOL!

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  Enjoyable and Reliable - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Walter Farrer - October 15 - 5:23 am

  So far the Suzuki Grand Vitara has been a very enjoyable and reliable vehicle. I truly like the vehicle line, style and comfort. Features I would have liked to have are bluetooth, a power lock/unlock button on the passenger side, and an iPod jack.

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  overlooked winner - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By hummelhh - October 10 - 1:39 pm

  When taking my Suzuki SX4 for a minor repair recently, I noticed a 2010 Kizashi parked hidden on a side of the building. To satisfy my curiosity I took it for a brief ride and fell in love with it istantly. Having owned it now for 2 months I am highly impressed by its predictable, secure handling. This car can stand up to the Audi4, BMW3 among many other upscale brands. Considering the many quality & safety features this car is a steal. Unfortunately, dealers representing this franchise as a second or third line treat it like a stepchild. Salesmen take the easy route selling Toyotas, Hondas etc. With some more effort, this car could be a great success. Wake up Suzuki factory/distributor !!!

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  This is a Great Car! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Kaley Blesse - October 10 - 5:26 am

  This is a great looking car and it drives wonderfully. I drive about 40 minutes to work everyday and its great on gas! The only thing that I can say I dont like about this car is the size of the tires. No one carries this size tire that makes it inconvenient to find replacements. I had two flat tires in one week. But otherwise this is a great car!

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  Nice family SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By sam - October 7 - 4:26 pm

  I have used Toyota vehicles till now. We were reluctant to buy Suzuki. But when we compared Highlander to Suzuki, the price won and we decided to try Suzuki XL-7. XL-7 has still not disappointed us at all. It has been reliable, no troubles at all. So far satisfied with its performance. We used it to tow when we recently moved and it was great. Nice SUV.