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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  1995 Suzuki Swift HB 1.3 Soho - 1995 Suzuki Swift
  By Matt - September 21 - 4:19 am

  I have a 1995 Suzuki Swift HB 1.3 L sohc 4cyl engine 5 speed manual so fun to drive. Has now 203,200km.

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  Out lives it’s conpetition - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Pete - October 29 - 12:01 pm

  My 2000 V6 Grand Vitara is built for the long haul. Everything is simple, reliable and easily serviced. I have a 2” lift and take it places you usually need an ATV to get to. It is fun to drive around town because it is fast enough and can park anywhere. I get 23mpg on trips even with 30” tires an my dirt bike attached to the trailer hitch. The manual transmission shifts great, 1st is a little notchy at a stop but nothing to worry about. I recommend keeping up with oil changes due to the V6 timing chain intricacies but all overhead cam motors have the same issue. The only issue I have is the water pump is under the timing cover which make a 2 hour job a 12 hour job. I have 100,000 miles and haven’t done the pump but have done the research. It is the price to pay for the 165hp motor.

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  nice - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By boi - October 26 - 8:58 am

  really nice car. has reliability problems, tranny is crap. but the acceleration at higher speeds is nice.

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!! - 1998 Suzuki Esteem
  By joe ploch - January 8 - 2:58 pm

  guys i got this esteem just a year ago got it last year its been a short time but wow this is a great car,nice space,very practical,the maintenance its very practical and this lil g16b 1.6 engine can really run!! for me the best underrated car ever!

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  Value with Extras and Power - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By FJG - December 30 - 5:10 pm

  This was my first Suzuki purchase and it was a good choice. The car has ample room, comfort and offers good performance. Its 155 horsepower delivers over 30 mpg in combined city/hwy driving. I have owned it for six months and had zero issues.

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  First year of new Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tim - December 30 - 7:06 am

  The Grand Vitara is a well done, real 4 wheel drive SUV at a reasonable price. Suzuki was not prepared for release of this new model though. Its service techs have not been trained on repairs, and parts are not available for many weeks if needed.

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  Solid Vehicle AND Value - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Paul - December 27 - 9:03 am

  2003 LX_7 Limited 4x4. Well constructed with thoughtfulness and care in detail execution. Solid in feel, construction, handling and performance. Well appointed and laid out interior. No gizmos: everything you need is there where you need it ... and it all works! Very smooth engine provides steady push rather than neck-snapping, wheel-spinning antics. Smoothest automatic transmission Ive ever experienced in a moderately priced vehicle. 2 to 4 wheel drive shift on the fly works impecibly. Best truck-based mid-size SUV road handling in its class. Great road handler as well as city parker. Tremedous cargo and people volume, though more of one means you trade-off on one for the other.

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  Megamega Tire Eater - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Joe - December 26 - 3:40 pm

  Our car eats tires. We also lost our AWD. Our dealer has fixed the viscous coupler joint and aligned the tires. We still have a serious vibration at 55 mph and above. Our current tires are wearing fast.

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  liked it - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Brian L (NY) - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck through all kinds of weather, on the beach & road. I can tell you the 4 wheel drive system is excellent. Its a nice smooth truck with decent power & good handling. Enjoy!

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  Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By vintagerodder - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with the quality and thoughfulness of the construction of my Suzuki Grand Vitara. I dont agree with Edmonds that it is underpowered. I find the power to be adequate for my needs. I am also pleased at the number of features that are standard in the Suzuki that other makes charge for. I recently went on a long weekend road trip and found the Grand Vitara handled and drove quite well. The "suggest a style" menu does not include the EX models, of which mine is.