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The History of Suzuki

Suzuki Cars

Suzuki is a Japanese automobile company manufacturing motorcycles and outboard motors. It was founded in 1909 by Michio Suzuki as a looming company.

In 1937 the Suzuki began to produce prototype automobiles. With World War II waging in the Pacific, the Japanese government declared personal automobiles to be a non-essential commodity. Due to this, Suzuki decided to continue making looms.

For Suzuki the looming industry was very lucrative. That is, until the 1951 cotton market crash. Suzuki decided to focus on the ever-growing motorbike industry.

Suzuki manufactured a petroleum powered motorbike called the Power Free in 1952. The Power Free boasted one of the most innovative components ever used on a motorbike. A double-sprocket that allowed the driver to choose to pedal the bike unassisted, ride using solely the engine’s power, or pedal with the assistance of the engine.

One short year later, Suzuki won the Mount Fiji Hill Climb Race with their 60cc Diamond Free. This success drove Suzuki back into the automotive industry.

In 1955 the Suzulight was Suzuki’s first production car. This was a lightweight car boasting many innovative features such as front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering.

In more recent years models include the Grand Vitara, Ignis, Jimny, Swift, Wagon R, and SX4.

First released in 1999, the Grand Vitara is a compact SUV. It was preceded by the Vitara and the Sidekick. The Grand Vitara comes in two generations and three different models, the five-door wagon, the three-door wagon, and the three-door convertible. The Grand Vitara comes with a V6 petroleum or 4 cylinder diesel variant.

The Ignis is a subcompact crossover SUV. Designed to replace the Swift, it comes in two body styles three and five-door hatchback models. It comes with a four cylinder petroleum engine. The Ignis was first produced in 2000.

The Jimny is a mini SUV. Designed to replace the Samurai, it comes in two body styles, two door SUV and convertible models. First produced in 1998, many different engine sizes have been produced for the Jimny.


The Swift is a subcompact car. It saw its first production in 1984. Since then it has undergone many revisions in body style and mechanics. It is available with a 4-cylinder engine in both petroleum and diesel forms. The swift is available in three and five door body styles.

The Wagon R is a mini MPV. A certified Kei-car, it uses unique dimensions to maximize cabin space but still remain within the dimension regulations. The “R” stands for recreation. As of 2006 only one model is available, the GL, with a 4-cylinder petrol engine.

The SX4 is a subcompact crossover SUV. Although it only comes in one body style, a five door hatchback, the SX4 boasts a wide range of engine choices including a diesel variant. It replaced the Aerio / Liana as it saw production start in 2007.