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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  Automobile Industries Best Kept Secret - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Argavaynne - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car, doesnt get more clearer then that. More features and better warranty then most other manufacturers at a lower price.

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  Great car for the price - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By kentan - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to buy for a first time buyer.It has a lot of great features like power windows,locks,it has a CD changer and cassette,controls for the radio on the stearing wear.I also like the brake pad on all 4 wheels instead of drums on the back.I handles great.I would buy another one in the future.

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  Price, warranty, and economy - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ron Pink - August 8 - 1:23 pm

  I love my Aerio, especially its great fuel economy. At 65 miles per hour I am getting 35 to 40 mpg which has been a great suprise since it was rated at 25 and 32 respectively.

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  So Good that I bought Two! - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Winko - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The price got me interested but the performance has made me a believer. We were so impressed that we bought two of them. The AWD is great we live in Northern Michigan - lots of snow and ice. They handled as well as our previous Subaru! Less ground clearance but I didnt get stuck once! How about room? Im 66" but plenty of leg and especially headroom. OK - the interior isnt fancy but functional and solid. Great pep in the small engine - it doesnt hesitate to move you down the road. With the extras like a 6 CD player and a very nice sound system - solid heater and AC - this is a great car for the money. Im getting 29 mpg on the daily commute.

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  HOTTTT!!!!!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By ofp01 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Its the best car out there for the price and its HOT.

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  Best Little Car Around - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By miliboi84 - July 31 - 6:46 pm

  Great Car, it gives you everything you need with only a few drawbacks. Besides the cheap interior plastics, it is great. Room in the front and back seats are good, storage is great, performance is good, and finally it is fun to drive.

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  Excellent value - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jonas - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed thusfar with my vehicle. I previously owned a Toyota 4Runner and am quite happy with the Suzuki. The extra seat is wonderful for a growing family. I would like it a little wider but can live with it. However, I would not buy from Empire Suzuki in Montclair, CA. I encountered several problems with their dealership and dealing with these problems via their purported customer service was a most unpleasant and caustic experience. Fortunately, the vehicle makes up for it.

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  love it ! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Mike Lapietra - July 28 - 2:53 am

  I bought this car in the dead of the Canadian winter and had to commute many days through snow, ice and slush. With the ABS, AWD and heated mirrors this is a great car if you live in Canada. It is a lot of fun to drive and it is loaded. It looks small, but there is lots of space inside for the passengers and when you fold the back seat you really have a good station wagon. Also, the drivers seat can be pumped up very high, so you will have great visibility. So far I am really happy with it and the Suzuki dealership I bought it from offers outstanding customer service.

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  Suzuki Aerio Review: best safety&comfort - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Plusdememe - July 24 - 2:00 am

  See for yourself as I did: Suzuki Aerio has best automotive safety crash test[visit website from new carlink]in its class & against almost all other makes/models(compare overall number of g ratings to lexus, bmw...)and anyone who cares about driving safety will also appreciate comfort & handling. Aerio SX standard features are loaded: ABS,dual airbags,tilt steering,large easy view windows+rear wiper,6CD,power accessories for almost everything,child rear seat restraint,& extra travel cups!

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  so fun to drive - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By supersam1977 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  i just recently purchased a 2003 suzuki aerio sx five speed fwd. i have to say that this is by far one of the most fun cars to drive on the market today. my wife likes the room and i like the power.