2012 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS AWD Drive and Review

[@tatertotsandbattlebots]

I've worked on a few of these and my own mom has them, it really is a shame they didn't take off. They were fantastic cars for the price with every feature you could ask for from any other brand.

[@LittleKatyMonsterCat]

I recently sold my 2010 Kizashi to get the 2015 Chevy Malibu biggest regret of my life! :'( my Malibu was so defective while my Kizashi felt like new for 6 years 😢😢

[@KonohazFinest]

im thinking about getting one but was unsure about its reliability

[@super_street_racer5094]

natanael murga Yeah me 2

[@KonohazFinest]

SUPER_STREET_ RACER but from what I hear there pretty good. Where I live I seen two with about 50k to 60k miles for about $7000.

[@LittleKatyMonsterCat]

+natanael murga get it you won't regret it. it's pretty safe and you won't struggle with it!

[@WhinedUp2004]

My dad has one he absolutely loves it. We live in the uk and he has had it for 2 years. He doesn’t want to get rid of it for anything. It really hasn’t aged and he wants to get another. Reliability is good and parts aren’t crazy expensive

[@LynxStarAuto]

This car is much better than most of the junk Nissan makes these days

[@Eeaotc02]

+Lynx Star Automotive (Gabe V) Tell me about it.

[@Ryce_Cubed]

BRADEN BASSES CHANNEL thing is, Suzuki sold a rebadged frontier as the Equator

[@michaelduong3852]

currently have owned a 2012 suzuki Kizashi sport AWD in red. bought it with 200k kms on the clock now has just over 230k kms and all i can say is absolutely brilliant car. The engine still runs as if its brand new, the CVT is actually pretty fun to play with in manual mode since it actually really feels like an automatic in manual mode, the awd system is actually really good when i got stuck on a really steep gravel hill. it takes corners very nicely and the steering feel is actually very good. the downsides though is that it is pretty heavy for its size, no manual option with the AWD, the leather seats are very stiff (but pretty supportive) and the suspension is pretty stiff... though its understandable since i did go with the sports version and the electric mirrors are not memory when the seats are! makes no sense imo. But overall, i do not regret getting this car at all! because of the low numbers, people would always comment on how they love the way the car looks or people would literally stare at the car as i drive past.

[@Ryce_Cubed]

Got one as my very first car, and all I have to say is that for a first car, it's an excellent vehicle. The engine and transmission is fairly good, the awd is a godsend, and the lack of external input is a pain in the ass. In shirt though, I couldn't have gotten a better first car, only wish that they had these with the manual and awd

[@CCK-jd8nc]

Thanks. I’m considering this as my first car.

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

I just bought my first 2013 6 speed MT Kizashi. That car is a blast. Woooow

[@toyoscio]

Wait until 2022 if you still have it then

[@AirRideFanatic]

What trim level?

[@Tom_pr]

@@toyoscio and then??

[@aayonce4]

@@Tom_pr right like wth lol

[@azmi0000]

@@toyoscio oh okay

[@liddlebopeep]

True. Sadly, Suzuki just announced today they will no longer be selling cars in the United States. It's a shame. The Kizashi looks like a terrific car.

[@zooks3894]

great car. i have had mine for 3 years and its built like a tank and very reliable. love it. 😁

[@basiccartips]

A coworker of mine has one of these in black and I instantly fell in love with it. She said her husband got his for 5k (he works for suzuki) and since they are leaving the north american market they practically gave the cars away at his location. I can careless about the lack of dealers. I perform my own maintenance on my cars and for the work that I can't do, I have a friend that owns a shop.

[@hb4f4]

Just an FYI - Suzuki hasn't left North America. They only discontinued car sales here but they are still here and 90% of their existing car dealers stayed on to continue with parts supply and service. All warranties are still in effect and Suzuki is still here. The North American operation is now called Suzuki Motor of America.

[@basiccartips]

hb4f4 Nice. Thanks for the info. Thumbs up for you.

[@50desoto1]

Only problem, losing the CVT removes the TCS system they borrowed from Porsche on this car. When you corner tightly, the CVT equipped Kizashi will transfer power from the inner side to the outside (the inside will be slipping) so that you can corner faster. DOWNGRADING to the manual, makes it just any other car. I dig it. there is also a 300hp V6 model available.

[@scottcooneymusic6736]

the cvt is an awful transmission.

[@blanchbacker]

The V6 was only a one off concept not for sale

[@dom6561]

​@@scottcooneymusic6736 Forcément quand on ne sait pas l'employer.Apprendre c'est aussi grandir un peu!!

[@Ryce_Cubed]

Got one of these as my first car, and I have to say that it's been great so far. Only gripe I have with it is the lack of parts and Mods. Typically you will have to work with the overpriced OEM parts

[@TFLcar]

I own a 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark V and a Yamaha WR. My daily drivers are the cars we test and review.

[@projectg408]

What?

[@855glt]

You ignored it's only car with AWD in it's class when comparing price, it's the only car with any sort of sporting credentials in it's class. You said it was bouncy? I call that well-dampened. Sure it's harsh compared to a Toyota Camry, but that's like saying a cookie is crunchy compared to a piece of cake. You're turning all the positives around and acting like they're negatives. I also have no idea where you came up with the numb steering. NA needs more cars like the Kizashi and less camrys.

[@WiltedRaven2]

Suzuki is also the first company to put in electronic power steering wich is also inside the kizashi.

[@volvocare]

Truly an awesome car....feels like it will last me 10 years no issues.

[@joeraynor3363]

How did it hold up over the last 7 years?

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

@@joeraynor3363 They hold over 200k...cvt needs servicing oil change to keep it healthy. Engine is bulletproof. Old school 2.4 port injection.

[@keith11]

I’ve had mine for 11 years now and really not much has gone wrong except finding parts for the damn thing !! I love it though and I just hit 150 mileage. Oil change and good care this car will last !!

[@TFLcar]

Keep in mind that we're testing cars at a mile above sea level. A sea level 0-60 MPH time will be much faster.

[@tonybrown9779]

My 2010 XL (base model) has done 200K and running just as well as when new. A few very minor issues and far better than my old '98 Camry. Easily the most reliable car I've ever owned.

[@opinionmatters7119]

Best cars ever. Bought one new in 2012, still own it and runs like a Timex watch. 120 k and replaced rear brake pads only. I’d buy a new one today if I could so I’ll hold on to this one

[@rodorozco9453]

Is that a manual transmission or a CVT Kizashi? How would you rate the performance? (In most reviews they mention that the CVT makes the car slow and that it has a relatively high fuel consumption, and that even the one with manual transmission has kind of the same problems).

[@toyoscio]

Check back in in 2 years.

[@Tom_pr]

@@rodorozco9453 fuel consumption is as suzuki says. Suzuki is one of few brands that has a pretty honest fuelconsumption. I drive it 7.8 to 8.2 average over long times. Got 7.3 on a 4000mile holiday (that liter per 100km which is around 30+mpg)

[@ottodob]

very cool distinctive car

[@sajbakshire]

Take the turbo diesel from the European Grand Vitara and put it in the Kizashi make the ride a tiny bit softer and put a dual clutch auto on AWD and you will notice a sales jump.

[@truffleshuffle709]

This is too bad. Suzuki is a solid Japanese motor company known the world over for making good quality products. They have a lot more to offer, and Americans haven't yet been able to see their full potential.

[@jodystrickland9150]

I own the 2013 model and I love it

[@ryune8872]

Me 2... I have 2011 and i really love it 🥰

[@XZAKLY99]

this was my first car and i miss it everyday

[@ddemetrashvili]

Good handling ?

[@opinionmatters7119]

Love this car. My son told me about them now going up in value. Go figure. The young ones want them as they can modify them to add 100 plus hp. Seen one in Edmonton Alberta at a dealer for 16900 the other day..a 2012 with 80k. I can see it. Japanese made and from what I’m hearing, extremely reliable.

[@zinotoubal3215]

Opinion Matters Yup

[@ASJacob]

It's got the vitara engine, awesome engines, can handle alot!

[@toyoscio]

@@ASJacob Lol

[@toyoscio]

Opnion Matters Give it 2 years, Lol

[@phw2274]

@@toyoscio how about 10 years of completely trouble free driving. My 2012 is just as tight and solid as the first day I drove it off the lot. Best car of many I've ever had. A keeper.

[@Malte-Micha]

Great cars they were! bad gas mileage!! i had a SX4 Sedan, best car Ive ever had! I stand 6 ft 5, I still fit !! :) I was always getting stopped by the cops for my car!! SX4 sexan looked like a race car! Now you cant even find them around! uber rare for sure both cars are! great vid!!

[@mr.2cents.846]

Actually it has a little bit of a Giulia QV style.

[@alexvalle750]

Lol this car is far more reliable than the Altima. I have a 2011 S with a 6 speed manual.. It's such a great car!

[@2steaksandwiches665]

Always liked these but these were CVT when CVTS were really bad.

[@yesh3279]

This 2022. I’ve owned this car since new in 2011 . It’s been a good little car , no problems what so ever @120K (kilometer) My only criticism is the steering and that only on straight ahead. it’s dead and makes for a nervous car.. As far as acceleration , it is adequate. Why would anybody buy any car in this class and be concerned about that point ? If I wanna go fast I’ll take my C6 Z06 for a spin. My plan is to drive this car ‘till the wheels fall off , so I’m unconcerned about resale value. BTW, my wife drives a ‘13 SX4 AWD and is equally happy with it. If one understands that all the cars in this class should be considered everyday transportation and by no means “ Sporty “ they’ll be happy with any of them .

[@brandonwright2067]

I saw one at a stop light here in north west Az and was blown away I thought it was the car behind me was a new better looking Jetta this is a sexy car but it has a cvt tho

[@raine7418]

My mom has one when your in it it feels like your in a plane

[@rashidgaylon1236]

Brenda Finnegan why? Is it because its noisy?

[@Jaxksworld]

Rash O'Reilly no because the way it feels and looks it's very smooth and ahead of its time I own mine and I love it

[@NesperandJeffreyShow]

I'm always curious as to what cars reviewers drive at home. Could you guys do a review of your personal cars????

[@bruschmidt9943]

Saddest part was, this was their BEST attempt at cars, a motorcycle company who built Hyabusas, legendary race bikes, etc for DECADES. Where was their focus when it came to cars? ..."Uhhhh, let's let Honda & Toyota stay #1. We'll just skim along the bottom of the pack" ... of losers!

[@toyoscio]

LOL oh well. Honda bikes ranked above them as well

[@Tom_pr]

There 4x4 are still very popular all alround the world. The swift is selling very well from 1983 till this day where the swift sport gives the best as a driverscar that gives you lots of fun ( with only oil, filter, brake and tyres). The kizashi is actually better in lot of ways then some cars that are 10k to 20k nore expensive in the same class.

[@Tom_pr]

@@toyoscio maybe but they won moto gp this year with not too much money. They did well for 30 years in pikes peak with their 800 to 1000hp monsters.

[@hejmuesli]

Would be interesting if you did a behind-the-scenes kind of thing. Like film the entire process from contacting a dealer, to planning the shoot, editing, and finally uploading.

[@Pedal2TheMetal]

It's sad to know these cars don't sell well. They are great cars and I would take it over a Camry any day! It looks great and is fun to drive. Plus it comes with AWD! Too bad Suzuki doesnt do any marketing on such a great car

[@mohammedbarakat79]

Still looks. Good 2021 I have one model 2016 I love it

[@1guyin10]

I like the Kizashi. Its a nice car and really stands out. I wouldn't buy one though because it really appears that Suzuki has no plan to stay in the US long term. All they seem to be doing is controlling costs and letting the dealer network wither until it won't cost much to get out. Kind of a shame really. They could do some interesting things if they wanted to.

[@heatmakerr12]

1) when did you start the rating scale? 2) no indepth descriptions regarding the AWD system and any tech the car features?

[@mrkongsimr]

Then you get this really nice car used 2011 for around $14000 , not bad .

[@rosspapagelakis5693]

great car they stoppe d bringing them over end of 2015 and just bought a 2015 with 22,000 ks this is close to being perfect no call backs no real problems so why the crap marketing????????????????

[@karhaulr29]

I like the look of the kizashi, but leary of the sparse dealership network. You mentioned its competetion as camry, altima and accord. Wouldn't it be directly up against the subaru impreza AWD?

[@ManGaribay]

Finally a serious review from Roman. Maybe you and Nathan should not work together anymore, it seems like when you guys are, all you do is play around. Definitely like your serious style more.

[@racers115]

Yes the Kizashi is tunable. Road Race Motorsports makes complete kits for upgrading Kizashi's HP and performance. Check it out.

[@kpatterson14206]

Such a nice car, but the CVT only option on the higher trim kills it for me. That and no turbo option :(

[@trainlinezoo]

Yes I have heard of the WRX - I own a Subaru. The WRX was developed from a rally car - it can indeed go off road - there are plenty of KZbin videos that prove how well it handles off road conditions. Sales for the WRX are not high - they sell about 12 per state per month in the US and now that the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru BRZ have arrived the WRX sales will decline even more. Besides - it is Suzuki that is closing US operations, not Subaru.

[@FedeJ2023]

Back in 2012 I'll buy a Mazda 6 2.5 auto I really want a Kizashi but Suzuki dealership turn me down....I still missing that great car 👍

[@dom6561]

En Suisse les gens ont compris que les Suzuki étaient des voitures très fiables.On en voit plus que les allemandes à la fiabilité catastrophique(idem les soi disant premium)Ou j'habite,j'ai recensé 7 agents ou concessionnaires Suzuki dans un rayon de 25 kilomètres.J'ai le choix pour les services de ma kizashi!!

[@chickenfarm09]

still looks good in 2020

[@Dialysisforever]

You know, I had never even heard of this model until last year. Maybe another reason it didnt sell well was because of the lack of advertising. I watch a lot of TV and never saw one of these. On another note, I didnt realize TFL had been around this long.

[@romcomomg]

Kizashi ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍

[@gemster18]

Great review as always....what was the name of the speed app. He used....?

[@racers115]

It IS the Nissan CVT, which are made by Jaatco for both Nissan and Suzuki as well as several other brands of cars.

[@Maverick_Van_Traveller]

My dad just bought one of these, I had never even heard of one before.

[@icoombs73]

I wish they still made this and Suzuki was still around

[@bradenbasseschannel9543]

My mom had hers for 2 or 1 years

[@76carmel]

I like what you've said about the Kizashi; Suzuki's only problem? A weak dealer network, and Suzuki is a name for motorcycles and JetSkis. Suzuki usually makes off-roading cars.

[@MrChevybaja]

REALLY?!? I used to live in kirrkland, and I actually bought my Baja from Biddle in 1998!

[@amchewa9683]

why this car doesn't lack the door automatically? and the light to

[@Trades46]

Someone forgot about the new Ford Fusion and Subaru Legacy. Those cars are similar in price and both cars have stiffer than norm suspension setup. I agree North America needs less Camrys and Accords though.

[@projectg408]

“Puts out a hundrendy horsepower”… that’s literally what I heard

[@BeyondEllisBeck]

is the suzuki kizashi tunable? like could i add headers and a forced inject and turbo?

[@NathanDAdlen]

I still say that the Kizashi GTS FWD with the 6-speed is a bargain in this class.

[@maurinethelizard6085]

I want one of these before they're too hard to find. I'd get an SE AWD

[@TheWTFsauce]

Good car but for the year shame Suzuki couldn’t keep up in the USA

[@toyoscio]

Compete against Toyota and Honda, have to bring your A game

[@gene978]

While Roman drives his 76 Mark V I yearn for 78 or 79 mark V the Diamond Jubilee edition.

[@buzz86us2005]

i am looking into either this or the Altima... mainly because Nissan doesn't make an Altima with AWD and Subaru isn't the best lately as far as reliability goes

[@noventay4]

Subaru is the best for reliability

[@vwmatt33]

I've always liked this car. Drove one once and liked it. I just cant see buying one maily because of no dealer network. I wish Suzuki wouldnstepnup a bit or they will justvfade away here. It's a good car no one knows about

[@clarenceexd]

Is the CVT that bad on this car, how does it compare to Nissan CVT?

[@bradenbasseschannel9543]

My mom has the same exact one seriously it even makes that nose when you get inside too

[@seanmurph1221]

Cant get in the back with the front seat fully back?? WTF who is tall enough to have the front seat all the way back? And why compare this to a camry? Suzuki didnt aim for that market at all, they aimed for a higher market of BMW 3 series, Merc C class etc and bang for buck pretty well shits on them all! yeah the cvt is shit. give you that one, but the ride is great and positive, sorry its not a floating boat piece of crap, put it round a corner and its great!! This is one of the worst reviews.

[@Existentialcrisis_1488]

sean murph Agreed , my father owns one. I've driven it and it was a blast; the Kizashi was actually tested on the Nurburgring and it may feel firm because of that , but that's why it has superb sport car like handling

[@Trades46]

This car had so much potential, but then again America is moving away from midsize family sedans to small SUV so it wasn't doing this car any favors.

[@Eeaotc02]

+Trades46 It's not that America is seeking more Crossovers, when it comes to mid-size sedans there's plenty of competition. It's not easy to compete with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, etc.

[@Trades46]

Michael C Look at any sales chart in 2016 and the numbers don't lie: low gas prices & a shifting tastes now means SUVs/CUVs and trucks now outsell sedans and hatches by a longshot. FCA just axed the Dart & 200 just so they can get more Ram & Jeep production to cash in on this. Toyota has rumored to scale back Prius production (possibly axe the Prius V & Prius C) to make more hybrid Rav4s and Highlanders. Escapes have long outsold Fusions, CRVs outselling Accords and Rav4s outselling Camrys. I couldn't care less for Accords and Camrys, but I will ALWAYS prefer a sedan over any bloated inefficient & worse handling SUV. Unfortunately the rest of North America thinks otherwise. The midsize sedan is now a dying breed, being crushed by compact SUVs and on the other side, by compact premium cars like Audi A3, Mercedes CLA and Lexus CT. Well, for Suzuki it doesn't matter at this point since the company is dead in NA.

[@Eeaotc02]

Trades46 And that is not going to last long. Once the gas prices go back up, the need for SUVs will not be as popular as they are now. I don't see sedans going going away anytime soon. However I do see the truth when I drive everyday. Also I do agree with you, I would choose any sedan than Crossovers or SUVs. I just don't like hatchbacks.

[@Trades46]

Michael C And back in 2009~2010 people were crying when gas shot up to $5/gallon or $1.50/liter. Now everyone and their mom has a hard-on for SUVs and gas guzzlers now oil price is artificially pushed down by politics. I'm waiting to laugh once it goes back to what oil should cost as of now. All while enjoying a electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle now they're discounting due to $2/gallon price tags.

[@Eeaotc02]

Tell me about it. Large cars are going to have some big issues in the foreseeable future. That's why my next car will be a compact car. Not too small but certainty not too big for a car and that's the way I like it.

[@MrChevybaja]

the car itself is probably fine. But my concern is dealer network. I live in Seattle and the nearest dealership is 40min north of Seattle. I live 20min south of Seattle. That does not work for me.

[@miguelmatias3033]

Cool

[@thenewsubscriberb2065]

I have a black suzuki kizashi

[@waeelsuroor5524]

سلام

[@tom11zz884]

No Suzuki dealerships to get it fixed if something goes wrong...lol.

[@851995STARGATE]

Its too bad suzuki has given up the U.S. market now, I was thinking 30 Grand for an awesome fully loaded AWD sports sedan that can rival with the camry would get some people interested

[@cocacola3269]

It's like am watching Porn. 🤣

[@fakih121]

Why do they put paddle shifters on a CVT??

[@851995STARGATE]

This is for people who aren't looking for an offroad CUV though is it not?

[@Arora94]

i wish we got the swift here. like the car though. i wish more people bout Suzuki's

[@zamaller]

Thats 10 sec in COLORADO faster in other places...

[@Planebeach]

To get it for $26.000 is cheap as hell. In Norway its $ 78.000 and up for this car :(

[@pattycarljackson]

no you can get the fusion with AWD and the Subaru legacy has AWD also.

[@racers115]

Did you know that there is a Suzuki dealer in Bothell? What part of Seattle are you in that Bothell would be 40 miles from? Check out Brooks Biddle Suzuki. They also are very competative with their pricing!

[@PacificBlue51]

hey Suzuki! How can you sell cars with no dealers? I don't get it. No dealers in SF Bay are. what?

[@profoundclarity8497]

i like the looks but needs more power

[@inoteproduction]

We get it, you r up for Camry

[@TheMichaelRN]

give them 7-10yrs and suzuki will be like hyundai/kia today. this is how koreans started their revolution.

[@jotch4113]

it's been 7 years

[@catalinIntimidatorul]

CVT ? No way. I hope the CVT will disapear FAST!

[@dom6561]

..et toi avec pauvre ignorant!!

[@projectg408]

This guy: 0-60 in 10 seconds… “not bad but you won’t be embarrassed” Me: are you actually being serious right now? 10 seconds has been an embarrassing 0-60 time since the 70’s

[@851995STARGATE]

Ever heard of the subaru WRX it can't go offroad in the way you think yet its sales are high

[@jasonhamilton1780]

I had one nice car but CVT went in it 2 times CVTs are just unreliable

[@andreasfriedrich4432]

0-60 automatic xD sry but you should learn to drive with real shifting.. As a german that "test" was just a joke to me. Mine needs 8 Secs...

[@itsbictor]

My 1999 Cadillac Deville gets 18 City and 28 Highway... No other V8 that I know of doesn't even get 28 Highway...SMH

[@WhiteGravey]

same price as a wrx... im sure it will sell great.

[@fuadjanjua3778]

0-60 mph or kmh

[@Tom_pr]

When they talk 0-60 its always miles. Thats 96+kmph. Kizashi manual does 0-100kmph in 7.8 seconds.

[@venom5809]

I am pretty sure with a 0-60 time of 10 secs, you will be embarrassed at stoplight drag races. lol

[@ericaltinkaya9713]

ven0om5809

[@ericaltinkaya9713]

Gemini

[@JustAnotherPersonHere]

so so review...if there were no paddle shifters, you wouldn't test them, but there are paddle shifters.....um, so why not test them?? I've seen you not test the paddles on the 2012 Impreza too. I'm like huh? It's like manually shifting thru L, 2, D when you have an automatic. Come on guys!

[@jumpman366]

I dont get your steering comment... you'd have to be steering like an ass if somebody wouldn't be happy with you during the drive.

[@AnAn-zs8sb]

Чому не державною?

[@speedemon1992]

Who is that chick at 0.40? She looks alot like Keira Knightley!

[@lewisatkinson1813]

It looks. Looks nice. vest encouraging What's happening.. 11

[@4x4forlyfe]

That's dull. I'd just get an Evo, an STi, or a Golf R by that price.