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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  2000 SUZUKI-Grand Vitara,4WD - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By D.M. LITTLE - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Very well built SUV.The electronic 4WD operates great. The vehicle is very easy to handle, because of its size, but very comfortable inside.Interior is really nice, and all controls are conveniently located.Lots of room, especially when the rear seats are folded down.Rear door/tailgate, opens very easy, and wide,making loading items extremely easy.Had a Suzuki Sidekick prior to this.300,000 miles, and still running.

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  LOSE 1/3 of price driving off lot!! - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By SCHWAB - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive if you change the cbs and a couple of things off the front suspension.If you dont It pulls dramatically whenever you accelerate or when you go over any type of dips. I would even consider it dangerous if it was being driven by a teenager as a tuner car,because of the handling before aftermarket adjustments to the front end.Problem#2 If you are looking for a car to change the body kit and all the fun stuff forgetit NO AFTERMARKET BODY KITS AT ALL ! AT least the last time I called 500 parts suppliers ) Problem #3- I had the car 2 months and was going to trade it in for an STI to go with my EvoVIII and with only 1800 miles$16

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  Suzuki Forenza LX - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By VBennah - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Nice car to drive,comfortable the price and warranty definitely influence me to purchase it.

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  I Love This Car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Chris Wallingsford - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Suzuki Forenza sort of blind sided. I have previously owned Suzuki dirt bikes, yet have not had any exprience with their automobiles. This car is fun to drive and handles like a much more expensive automobile. The speed sensitive steering is a must. Also, the first automatic transmission I have thoroughly enjoyed using. Both in regular mode and in the "hold" mode. The stereo in this vehicle is "the bomb". One reason I purchased this car, is that I drove this car. 28 mpg is not bad either. I have recommended this vehicle to everyone I know. Like the title of my review states: "I LOVE THIS CAR!!"

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  First three weeks of ownership - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By formerreda3 - October 20 - 1:56 pm

  Having previously owned two VW Corrados, a VW Passat and an Audi A3 (among other cars), my comparison is with them. This car feels like it was cut from a solid block. It rides smoothly, ignores most bumps and makes the passengers feel like they are in a cocoon. It is quiet with little wind intrusion and has a great Rockford Fosgate stereo (10 speakers w/subwoofer) to eliminate any noise that might otherwise exist. The 6 speed manual shifts well and the clutch is easier to use than the A3. Love the smartkey system and am amazed at how fast the heat comes on. Plenty of room for "normal" sized people and far more content than I would have gotten in a comparably priced VW Jetta.

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  Lovin my Suzuki - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Renee - October 19 - 2:23 am

  I commute to work everyday and this car makes for a great ride. The trip is not at all highway and the gas mileage is not horrible, but not what I expected. The features that came with the sport model were one of the selling points. You usually pay a lot more for these options. The looks are deceiving from the outside. Plenty of room, even for larger people. This car is very sporty looking also. The price is great for an AWD.

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  Love My Kizashi - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Tanya - October 19 - 1:50 am

  I learned about the Kizashi months ago from a friend. I had a 08 SX4 Crossover and loved it but wanted more comfort and performance. Ive been bugging my dealership and they called me the day it came in. The first and only Kizashi was brought out (hadnt even been cleaned yet). It was an SLS with AWD in Black Pearl. The look, the size, the increased comfort and incredible quality and attention to detail in the interior completely sold. They cleaned it up and put it in the showroom until I picked it up a couple of days later. It is so comfortable and fun to drive. What an incredible bang for the buck...and the same fuel economy that I had in my much smaller SX4. Great work Suzuki!

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  Best in the Class - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By thomas - October 18 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased my Suzuki after looking at and comparing many vehicles in this class. Mainly I looked at the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. I love Suzuki because it has plenty of power, its fun to drive, and it has a cool audio system with MP3 standard. The best part is the warranty that comes with the vehicle. It has very nice handling.

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  My Reno - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By Dewalt - October 18 - 12:43 pm

  First off, let me tell you that I am one of those guys that races every car I buy. I am a mechanic as well so I do all my own engine work. I have modified my Reno with minor modifications and I do pretty well at the track with it. Because of the type of car that it is no one ever sees it coming and they underestimate it. It does great on a drag strip but the handling leaves a lot to be desired. I bought the car for a work vehicle initially but then my curiosity got the better of me and now that I have raced it I am thoroughly impressed with it.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Cold War Vet - October 18 - 2:53 am

  I live in an area were temperatures fall below -40 and the roads look more like horse trails because of its body on frame design it handles the punishment with ease. It has yet to get stuck in snow or on off road terrain. The build quality is superb.