The History of Suzuki Cars

Japanese automaker Suzuki has been producing cars since 1955. Thirty years later, Suzuki sold its first cars in the United States. Throughout its history, Suzuki has set automotive trends and responded to the demands of customers by addressing the ever-changing needs of drivers around the world.

Origins

Founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki, the Suzuki company originally manufactured weaving looms. Over the first half of the twentieth century, the company expanded to produce motorcycles and, eventually, cars under the name Suzuki Motor Company, Limited.

Suzuki's first car to be mass-produced was available for sale in Japan in 1955. Dubbed the "Suzulight," it was the first ultralight car, a classification that became essential as Japan entered the world of driving culture. The Suzulight was powered by a modest 360cc two-stroke engine. It was also revolutionary for including such mechanical features as rack-and-pinion steering and independent suspension.
Early History

Suzuki continued to focus on its highly popular motorcycles, opening a direct import dealership in the United States in 1963. Car development took a backseat to not only motorcycles but also new off-road vehicles including the first four-wheel ATV.

Car production did continue to advance, though, as Suzuki offered its first van in 1968. Other compact coupes and sedans were designed to keep up with rapidly growing automotive technology. The popular Suzuki Alto (a subcompact model, known as a "kei car" in the Japanese market) was introduced in 1979 and has been in continuous production ever since.
Entry to the United States

In 1981, Suzuki focused on international expansion. This strategy led to an agreement with American auto giant General Motors under which Suzuki models would be "rebadged" and sold under the Chevrolet brand in the United States. The first model to receive this treatment was the Suzuki Cultus, a compact three-door hatchback that was sold in the U.S. as the Chevrolet Sprint starting in 1985.

A year later Suzuki introduced the Samurai, a compact, Jeep-like SUV. Suzuki cars, eventually sold under the Suzuki name when the stigma associated with foreign automobiles wore off, were instantly popular as Suzuki outpaced other Japanese entrants to the American market with strong sales from the very beginning.
Evolution

Suzuki offered other popular models through the 1980s and 1990s. Most were small cars brought to the United States after proving themselves in the Japanese market. These included the Suzuki Swift, which was popular in the U.S. as both a hatchback and sedan. The Sidekick SUV (and the similar Geo Metro) was produced in Canada under the ongoing partnership with GM. The Sidekick became one of Suzuki's best selling and most recognizable models.

By 2006 Suzuki saw annual sales in the United States top 100,000 units. The company's small, affordable cars allowed it to endure the overall drop in auto sales that followed from the rapid rise in gasoline prices during the 2000s and the credit crunch of 2008-2009.
Current Models

As of 2009, Suzuki offers six models in the United States. The SX4 Sport is a compact sedan that represents Suzuki's entry-level offering. A derivative hatchback is known as the SX4 Crossover and features all-wheel drive. The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV with four-wheel drive. The XL7 model is a more up-scale SUV. Finally, Suzuki offers two pickup trucks, known as the Equator Extended Cab and Equator Crew Cab. Of Suzuki's full auto lineup, only the XL7 approaches the national average price for a new vehicle of around $25,000.