Common car brands beginning with S

Subaru, Suzuki, Scion, and SsangYong are the major car manufacturers whose names start with S. Each produces vehicles across different price ranges and vehicle types, from compact cars to SUVs and trucks. You'll find these brands sold in the United States, though availability and model lineups vary by year and region.

Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for all-wheel-drive vehicles and boxer engines. The brand sells sedans, SUVs, and crossovers under names like Outback, Forester, and Impreza. Suzuki, also Japanese, makes smaller vehicles including the Swift hatchback and Vitara compact SUV, though the brand exited the U.S. market in 2012 and returned with limited models in recent years. Scion was Toyota's youth-focused brand that ran from 2003 to 2016 in North America; its models included the xB, tC, and FR-S. SsangYong is a South Korean manufacturer that primarily sells in Asia and Europe.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru and Suzuki are the S-brands most commonly found in U.S. dealerships today, with different model ranges and price points.
  • Scion, which operated as a separate Toyota brand, stopped production in 2016, so any Scion you see is a used vehicle from that era.
  • Subaru vehicles are recognized for standard all-wheel drive on most models and a loyal owner base.
  • If you're shopping used, knowing which S-brand you're looking at matters because parts availability, warranty options, and resale value differ significantly.

Subaru models you'll encounter

Subaru's current lineup includes the Outback (a wagon-style crossover), Forester (compact SUV), Crosstrek (subcompact SUV), Impreza (compact sedan and hatchback), Legacy (midsize sedan), and Ascent (three-row SUV). The brand also makes the BRZ sports car in partnership with Toyota. Most Subaru models come standard with all-wheel drive, which is unusual in the industry and a major selling point for buyers in snowy regions.

Subaru has been sold in the United States continuously since the 1960s, so used Subarus from many years are still on the market. Parts are widely available through dealerships and independent shops. If you're considering a used Subaru, the model year matters because the brand has updated its engine and transmission technology several times over the decades.

Suzuki models and availability

Suzuki's presence in the U.S. market has been inconsistent. The brand sold compact cars and small SUVs here from the 1980s through 2012, then left the market entirely. In 2018, Suzuki returned with a limited lineup focused on the Vitara compact SUV and Swift hatchback. If you're shopping for a used Suzuki, you're most likely to find models from the earlier era: the Swift, Esteem, Forenza, and Reno sedans, plus the Vitara and Grand Vitara SUVs.

Because Suzuki's U.S. presence has gaps, finding parts and service for older models can be more difficult than for Subaru or Toyota. Some independent mechanics work on Suzukis, but dealer service is limited. This affects both the cost of ownership and the resale value of used Suzuki vehicles.

Scion: a brand that no longer exists

Scion was Toyota's attempt to build a brand aimed at younger buyers. It launched in 2003 with the xB (a boxy hatchback), tC (a compact coupe), and xA (a subcompact hatchback). Over its 13-year run, Scion added the FR-S sports car (co-developed with Subaru) and the iQ microcar. Toyota discontinued Scion in 2016, folding its remaining models back into the Toyota brand.

Any Scion you encounter today is a used vehicle from 2003 to 2016. Parts are available through Toyota dealerships because Scion vehicles shared platforms and components with Toyota models. The FR-S became the Toyota 86, so that model line continues under a different name. If you own a Scion or are considering buying one used, you can service it at any Toyota dealer.

Other S-brand vehicles worldwide

SsangYong is a South Korean automaker that makes SUVs and crossovers. The brand is sold primarily in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In the United States, SsangYong vehicles are not commonly found, though the brand has occasionally attempted to enter the market. If you see a SsangYong in the U.S., it is likely an import or a very recent market entry.

Smart is a German brand owned by Mercedes-Benz that makes the ForTwo, a two-seater microcar designed for city driving. Smart vehicles have been sold in the U.S. since 2008, though in much smaller numbers than mainstream brands. They are known for compact size and fuel efficiency rather than power or cargo space.

How to identify an S-brand vehicle

The brand badge on the front grille and rear of the vehicle will show the manufacturer's logo and name. Subaru uses a six-pointed star inside a circle. Suzuki uses a stylized S. Scion used a lowercase "s" inside a circle. SsangYong displays its name in full. Smart shows the word "smart" in lowercase letters.

If you're shopping for a used car and want to know the brand, the badge is the clearest indicator. You can also check the vehicle's title or registration, which lists the manufacturer. Online resources like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book let you search by brand name to see what models were made in specific years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scion still making cars?

No. Toyota discontinued Scion in 2016. Any Scion vehicle on the road today was made before that year. Some Scion models, like the FR-S sports car, were rebranded as Toyota models and continue production under the Toyota name.

Can I get parts for a Suzuki if the brand left the U.S. market?

Yes, but it depends on the model and year. Suzuki returned to the U.S. in 2018, so dealerships can order parts for current models. For older Suzukis from before 2012, parts are still available but may take longer to source. Independent mechanics and online retailers often stock common replacement parts.

Why do most Subarus have all-wheel drive?

Subaru makes all-wheel drive standard on most of its lineup because the company believes it improves safety and handling. The brand's boxer engine design (where cylinders are arranged horizontally) pairs well with all-wheel-drive systems. This standard feature is a major reason Subaru is popular in regions with snow and ice.

What's the difference between Suzuki and Subaru?

Both are Japanese brands, but they focus on different vehicle types and price points. Subaru specializes in all-wheel-drive vehicles and has a continuous U.S. presence. Suzuki makes smaller, more affordable vehicles and has had gaps in U.S. availability. They don't share platforms or engines.

Can I service a Scion at a Toyota dealership?

Yes. Because Scion was a Toyota brand, Scion vehicles share components with Toyota models. Any Toyota dealership can service a Scion, and parts are available through Toyota's supply chain. This makes owning a used Scion easier than owning a used Suzuki in most areas.