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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  Great Car for the Price - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Louie - October 6 - 8:00 am

  The 2005 Suzuki Forenza is well made and fun to drive. It is a surprisingly nice vehicle for the price. It comes standard with many options that are cost extra on many other cars, cush as power windows and door locks. I have owned a number of Hondas and this car is right up there with the Civic.

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Go-go - October 3 - 5:06 pm

  I have been very happy with my purchase. I looked at many SUVs before I chose the Vitara. Looked at Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, even Dodge. The Vitara just felt right. It is fun to drive and well made. Love the features on the steering wheel and the interior. Great value for the money.

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  Great Deal, Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By drdud - October 1 - 4:00 pm

  I traded my Subaru Legacy for this sweet ride. It has a smooth ride, good gas milage, an attractive exterior, and a nice interior. Plus I saved a bunch of money by buying it instead of buying a new Subaru. Its AWD system is the same, it has a good driving position and good seat height (which is important if you have a bad back). Its seat is higher than the ones in Subarus . This is a great little wagon.

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  2007 SX-4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By kBurke - October 1 - 11:53 am

  Great car, great buy. Ive averaged right at 30 mpg on almost every tank. Mind you, I drive conservatively and kick it out of gear and coast whenever possible (manual transmission) but this is still way over the EPA estimates of 23/27. Lots of room, good ride and performance and the all wheel drive is handy in bad weather.

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  GAS WHO? - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By TUNIA - September 24 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS VERY RELIABLE AND IN STYLE THE ONLY QUESTION I WOULD HAVE IS THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT GOSE ON ALL THE TIME THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE GAS TANK I GUESS IT DOSE LET YOU KNOW WAY BEFOR YOU NEED GAS KEEPS YOU WATCHING..

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  affordable and sporty - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Lorre Toler - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Just a great driving car with everythig at finger tips

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  Roomy, stylish, and built well - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By johnny sexton - September 22 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of a 1996 Suzuki Swift with 144,000 miles on it, (and not a day in the shop) I know how well built Suzuki cars are. But I didnt think they could ever come up with a sporty,stylish car. But they have. I love my new Aerio, it gives a great ride,and has excelent acceleration. The seats are a little spartanesque, but extremely supportive. I am sure in 144,000 miles, I will love it as much as my Swift. Suzuki has finally gone mainstream. By the way, Im keeping my Swift also.

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  Happy Suzuki Owner - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By crewchimp - September 20 - 9:46 am

  I recently had to trade-out of my 2008 Wrangler Unlimited. My goals were to get a car which is capable of getting good gas mileage, hauling dogs, mountain-bikes, and whatever else I needed. Payments had to be moderately low, and the car needed to be reliable, comfortable and perform well. All of these are easily satisfied with the SX4. I have been averaging about 29 mpg with mixed city/highway driving. It has been very comfortable to sit in and drive. It has ample room inside for 4 and cargo room is adequate with the rear seats folded. The manual transmission is above average for a compact car, and the ergonomics are above par too. It handles well and grips the road even with stock tires.

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  Great car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Rich - September 17 - 7:13 am

  Had a Chrysler 300 and sold it when gas went over $4.00/gal. Great car for the money and increased the mpg by putting in. a K and N air filter. Now get 36 mpg highway. Fun ride and comftorable and still get looks from others. Suzuki should do more to promote their car line. Give it a look. Great car.

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  My Second Suzuki - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Soldme - September 14 - 9:43 am

  With only 15K on the vehicle I cant say much about reliability, but they got everything right the first time. I also have a 08 XL7 with 40K and neither has ever been to the shop xcept for routine maintenance. One of the first things I did was check out the 4x4 capabilities and I was surprised how well it did. My only complaint is not enough clearance and no skid plates. I have seen some complaints about gas milage but I am really happy with it. Although some x-overs may do better it does well for a true 4x4. I am doing better than most people will, ave. 23.5 this winter and 24.7 since the alcohol was removed for the summer. I do drive 95% highway miles. Overall I love it.