2011 Suzuki Kizashi

Known for offering small cars and SUVs in the 1980s and ‘90s, American Suzuki Motor Corp. eventually expanded its product line. Its final lineup was a mix of unique designs and products that were developed with other automakers. The Suzuki Forenza was based on a design shared with Daewoo and General Motors, and the Equator pickup truck was almost identical to the Nissan Frontier. The Grand Vitara midsized SUV was Suzuki’s own design, as were the last Suzuki cars sold in the U.S., the 2013 Kizashi sedan and SX4 hatchback. Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs, and marine products are still sold in the U.S., and Suzuki cars and SUVs are still available in other countries. Any used Suzuki cars still on the road will likely not have the latest safety and convenience features.

The Kizashi is a sound and capable car, but not quite the bargain sports sedan Suzuki hyped it as being. Kizashi slots in at the smaller end of the family sedan category, with a snug cabin and tight rear seat. The ride is taut and controlled, but a little stiff. The front seats are well shaped and comfortable, the cabin is well-finished, and most drivers should find sufficient head- and legroom. Fuel economy is pretty good, but acceleration is rather leisurely and the CVT transmission makes the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine struggle to keep up the pace. Alluring features such as keyless ignition, seat-position memory, and automatic climate control are welcome, especially at this price.