Suzuki Motor Corporation said on Monday a US court again ruled that it can pursue a lawsuit against the publisher of Consumer Reports magazine over a 1988 article which claimed the Suzuki Samurai was more likely to roll over than other sport utility vehicles, Reuters reported.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Suzuki said the US Court of Appeals in California reaffirmed a June 2002 ruling that Suzuki had presented enough information to warrant a jury trial on its claim that Consumer Reports rigged tests of the vehicle before giving it a “not acceptable” rating, Reuters said.


According to the news agency, the court said in its ruling that “evidence of financial motive dovetails with the evidence of test-rigging,” according to Suzuki. The case will now be sent back to the US District Court in Santa Ana, California, for a jury trial.


The company said it will seek damages for its lost sales of Samurais and other vehicles, Reuters said, if it can prove that those losses were caused by disparaging statements made by Consumers Union.


Reuters noted that Suzuki had sold about 120,000 of the inexpensive Samurais by June 1988, when Consumer Reports, which is published by Consumers Union, said the Samurai could roll over during tight turns and gave the vehicle a “not acceptable” rating, the first of its kind from the magazine.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Samurai sales tumbled about 70%, but recovered slightly after Suzuki started offering $US2,000 incentives to dealers. The Samurai was discontinued a few years later, Reuters added.


According to Reuters, Suzuki sued, claiming that Consumers Union faked the tests to draw attention to itself in the midst of a fund-raising drive.


Consumers Union was founded in 1936 and has made Consumer Reports one of the most respected consumer publications in the country, Reuters added.