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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  A happymobile! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By e. wood - October 3 - 4:40 am

  The fit, finish, controls and sound system are excellent. I was initially disappointed with town mileage (17- 19 mpg), but it was winter and the car was new. The occasional use of AWD was handy. At 2500 miles I took a trip to Florida, got 26.1 mpg. The transmission would downshift twice climbing some of the overpasses on I- 75, to maintain the 75 mph speed limit. At 7500 miles, a trip to south dakota and colorado, got 28.2 mpg (I hung a sign, "60 mph" in the back window. Worked okay on the interstate). The wagon held all my gear (camping), and the (2-wheel) bike module is quite stable, although I took a folding stepstool to ease its use. After 14,000 miles it gets 20-21 around town.

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  Gimme an import! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Mr.XYZ - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the second SUV I have owned. I previously owned a Ford Escape. While the pickup and overall power were better in the Ford, it handled like a dump truck. I was afraid to take a turn for fear of turning over. I intensionally took sharp angled turns at above normal speeds during my test drive. The wheels were glued to the road. I never had the sensation of "holding on for dear life" while attacking the turns. I like the center console instead of the steering column gear shifter. The wood trim is a nice touch. It is also a sharp looking vehicle from the outside. Overall, a quality vehicle ot a reasonable price.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By jpcommute - September 28 - 5:40 pm

  I recently purchased a 5spd Reno (46K) for a commuter. I drive 90 miles round trip to work, about 90% interstate. The car is better than expected. The editor reviews seem to be a bit harsh. The ride is good, pretty quiet, handling is OK, peppy engine with the 5 spd, no problems merging etc.The standard features are way above the economy class norm. The mpg has been close to advertised, I have ranged between 26-28.5 mpg with an average 25% city 75% hwy driving. Hwy speeds between 70-77 mph. If you are looking for max mpg, look elsewhere, the Reno offers a pretty good package at the current used prices, shop around and get one at trade-in value and you will have a good 1st car or commuter.

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  Enjoy it - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ajo1975 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, affordable, though not very economical as far as gas goes. 4x4 is fun to use, and helpful in certain weather. Sturdy and enjoyable little ride.

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  Great buy for the money - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By 491965 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Bought new, had for over a year. Comfortable, fun to drive, fun to off-road with. Taken many out-of- state road trips and it has always been reliable and ready to go. Great car for the affordable price. Wouldnt hesitate to but again.

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  my experiance driving the car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By allen eberman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive and and satisfied with the pep and handlang.

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  Check Out The Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By PAnthony - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This Suzuki is pretty nice. Euro styling in and out, looks better than most of competition. Also the good price doesnt hurt.

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  Excellent SUV - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rene - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle for its value and overall performance.It feels rock solid on the road with no squeaks or rattles and the handling is superb. It is exceptionally comfortable in long trips and the overall mileage is pretty good. I have test driven other popular brands before buying and the Grand Vitara is a clear winner by a wide margin.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By John Davis - September 24 - 8:50 am

  I looked at what seemed liked hundreds of cars and this car was the only one that stuck in my mind. I purchased the car and everyone I know has fallen in love with it and what makes it even better is the people at the dealership. Im already looking for another Suzuki for my wife.

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  Sub-Toyota Quality - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By tucsonics - September 20 - 3:56 pm

  The quality sucks. I had to have the water pump replaced, engine mounts replaced, right axel replaced, and only have 99k miles. The front spoiler is too low, and got hooked on many curbs. Its trashed and costs $800 to replace. Not worth it. Poor paint job, scratches off easy to reveal black primer on bumpers.