Suzuki Vehicle Identification
The Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1909 and began producing motor vehicles following World War II. From the first motor-powered bicycles in the 1950s to Suzuki's modern fleet of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles, a Suzuki product can be identified in several ways beyond looking for the trademark "S" logo.
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Historic Motorcycles
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Suzuki's first motor vehicles were bicycles that used small gas engines. Models from 1952 to 1955 feature narrow tires and generally resemble bicycles. In 1956, Suzuki introduced a model known as the Colleda TT. This vehicle resembles a much more modern motorcycle, with a classic tear drop-shaped gas tank and a rear passenger seat. In the 1960s, Suzuki produced many racing motorcycles that feature aerodynamic glass and body panels.
Modern Motorcycles
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Today Suzuki produces a full line of motorcycles. Their Sportbike class feature large exhaust pipes, dramatic body panels, and small, sloping windshields. Suzuki Cruisers are low-slung and usually have accessories such as saddle bags and vertical windshields. Touring models resemble the cruisers but with even more convenience accessories for long-distance riding. Finally, Suzuki produces off-road and motocross bikes, with large, exposed springs and narrow tires that have heavy tread.
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Historic Cars
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Suzuki's first cars were compact models. The Suzulight, first sold in 1955, had two doors, a square shape and a unique single windshield wiper. In 1963 Suzuki began selling cars in the U.S., and new models appeared such as the Carry, which was a kei truck available in several truck and van configurations. The Carry is notable for its short, sloped hood, square headlights and low roof line. Also in the 1960s, Suzuki began producing its LJ series of off-road vehicles that resemble convertible Jeeps but add Suzuki touches such as square body and glass panels.
Modern Cars
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Today's Suzuki lineup consists of the SX4, which is available as a sedan or crossover wagon, the Grand Vitara and XL7 SUVs, the Equator pickup truck, and the Kizashi compact car. While inspired by other popular auto designs, these Suzuki vehicles feature Suzuki badging and large, black trapezoidal grills. The general styling could be described as a mix of straight lines and hard angles, with soft curves and aerodynamic body panels.
Other Vehicle Types
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Beyond its cars, trucks and motorcycles, Suzuki has produced a number of other vehicles over the past 50 years. A number of Suzuki engines are used in watercraft and bear few distinguishing features besides the Suzuki name. Suzuki's all-terrain vehicles can be lumped into two categories: utility ATVs, which are larger and usually feature a hitch for towing machinery, and sport ATVs, which resemble four-wheeled versions of Suzuki Motocross motorcycles with exposed suspensions and minimal body panels obscuring the mechanics.
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References
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- Photo Credit Thomas Doerfer/commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Suzuki_Grand_Vitara_1.JPG
