Overview & Reviews

Despite spending an impressive six years on the market -- and enjoying advantages like a roomy cabin and available all-wheel drive -- the compact Suzuki Aerio remained nearly invisible to most consumers. If you ask us, it probably had something to do with the Aerio's average-at-best overall report card. To use a football analogy, it was like a second- or third-string specialty player that Suzuki forced to suit up against several heavy-hitting, all-purpose first-stringers. This wasn't a game the Aerio was likely to win -- yet it was a better car than its sales numbers and anonymity would suggest.

Most Recent Suzuki Aerio

The compact Suzuki Aerio debuted in 2002 as a sedan and four-door hatchback wagon. Initially, there were S and GS (later called LS) trim levels for the sedan; the hatchback came in SX trim only. Later Aerios were offered in either base or Premium trims. Versatility was always a strong point for the hatchback -- with the rear seats folded down, it could carry an impressive 64 cubic feet of cargo.

Aerios were initially powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine; displacement was later bumped to 2.3 liters, with a commensurate increase in power. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on entry-level cars, while a four-speed automatic was optional on those models and standard on higher trim levels. The Aerio was available in either front-wheel or, beginning in 2003, all-wheel drive.

With either transmission, the Suzuki Aerio was sufficiently responsive for running errands around town or commuting. However, although the Aerio provided a soft, smooth ride on the highway, we found there was a penalty to be paid: excessive body roll around corners, which was exacerbated by the car's relatively tall, tippy stance. Opting for AWD settled things down a bit, and of course it improved the Aerio's traction in wet weather as well. Indeed, that optional all-weather capability was one of the few compelling features the Aerio had to offer.

Thanks to its high roof line, the Suzuki Aerio boasted a surprising amount of interior room for its size, and we found ingress and egress to be an all-around cinch. The Aerio offered a generous 14.6 cubic feet of trunk space, too. Unfortunately, interior plastics quality, execution and overall refinement were below average compared to the economy class leaders.

Some notable changes occurred after the Aerio's debut. In 2003, it received a slight power boost to 145 horsepower (from the initial 141 hp) and minor interior trim refinements; uplevel GS and SX models got a six-disc CD player and could be had with all-wheel-drive traction. The 2.0-liter engine was replaced by a 2.3-liter unit in 2004, and horsepower rose to a rather impressive 155. Suzuki added more standard features in 2005 and redesigned the instrument panel, which we had previously criticized as having hard-to-read gauges and a lack of storage compartments. The wagon was dropped for 2007, leaving the sedan to finish out the Aerio's production run by itself.

As a used car, the Suzuki Aerio does have a few things going for it. Its attractive price when new looks even better now that depreciation has taken its toll, and its peppy engine and optional all-wheel drive were pleasant qualities. But the Aerio was never particularly enjoyable to drive and generally came up short in terms of refinement and features.

User Reviews:

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  Does it get any better? - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By sal96 - June 28 - 2:17 am

  I bought my Aerio with 130k, and I couldnt be happier. The Four cylinder, is quiet, built well and doesnt lag. As with typical small japanese cars, required service is minimal, changing your oil, ATF (very important), brakes every 20k. When it comes time to do service like timing belt and alternator, it is still easier to do than many other vehicles. Headroom inside is very good

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  Peppy Aerio SX AWD - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By amentzriona - June 2 - 5:00 pm

  Initially, when I brought this vehicle, I was terrified by the gas mileage that I originally had. I wasnt happy with the it and I spoke with the dealership. They told me that it was normal and that it would get better within the next 5,000 miles. I was really skeptical but they were true to their word. I currently have 10,000 miles on the car and I never regret my decision on buying this vehicle.

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  My Aerio sx ( THis is the 2002 2wd ) - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By philip bart - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I travel all over the Houston and surrounding areas, putting on the average of about 250 miles per day. I drive this car hard. For the most part this car has outperformed itself. It has handled well in the rain, and has stood up to grid locked traffic in 100 degrees weather. I have taken turns around freeway corners at up to 85 miles an hour with ease. Coming equipped with low profile tires (195 55 15), I found a 60 to look better. I didnt like all the space in the wheel well. Overall this car is something I consider special even though it is completely built by maCHINES.

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  More Bang for your buck! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By JoyceAnn - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Car is peppy, easy to handle, fun to drive. Plenty of power, outstanding comfort. Best car out there for the price. More room then Focus and Matrix. Complete loaded with all the good stuff.

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  Never thought Id buy one - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By richmini99 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  For the money, I just couldnt pass on the Aerio. we also looked at the Matrix/Vibe, Protoge 5, and the Focus ZX5. The Matrix/Vibe just wasnt that comfortable, and to get a version with any power, it would have coast us $5000 more than the Aerio. The Protoge 5 was suprisingly small inside and didnt exhibit the performance that its apperamce suggested. the ZX5 was ok, and the $3000 back also madeit look attractive, but at the end of the day, I just couldnt get past the fit and finish of the car. The Aerio SX gives you flexability, and performance at a great price. The build quality is on par with the offerings of the Hondas and Toyotas or the world.

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  Great car and value for little cash - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By suki - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The SX is sporty and I loved its off-the-line acceleration even mine is an automatic. I wish that there are more silver accent for the interior. However, I am pretty satisfied with it.

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  Aerio Wagon, great used car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Alan - February 13 - 5:50 pm

  I was researching many different cars and trucks focusing on Ford Rangers, which I like a lot, Corollas, and the Matrix Wagon. As soon as I drove the Suzuki Aerio around the block I was sold. The car had 45,000 miles on it but ran silky smooth, has good acceleration and go cart like handling. I will definitely consider buying another new one. Suzuki has made a believer out of me. Like another reviewer here I am 63" and this car has more head room and open space inside than my Subaru, or Rav, which are both great cars as well, its just the Aerio is the best handling sporty drive of the three and shifts gears so smoothly I rarely feel it. The sound system also rocks.

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  So far so good! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By John-O - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this vehicle from Cottonwood Suzuki in AZ. Was a little skeptical at purchasing a first year vehicle but the difference in price between the Suzuki and the Toyota Matrix was the deciding factor. I paid $14,464 for the Aerio SX, with the same features the Toyota would of been $17,800. Also, the Suzuki has a larger engine, approximately 10HP. So far it has exceeded expectations. It handles nicely, engine is very quiet while idling although when you punch it you know its there! I just hope it will last as long as a Toyota engine. I guess Ill find out.

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  ZOOM, Zoom, zoom...boom, boom, boom - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By balddaddy - February 6 - 11:36 pm

  Bought the cheapest no frills car I could find for my 40 mile/day round trip commute. Couldnt find a decent used car so I took all the incentives (military, graduate, end of model year...) and got this Aerio for under 10K! Wow, what a surprise, the stereo sounds awesome and the five speed manual has alot of pep. I bought the optional roof rack and now I carry a 12 foot kayak on the roof every weekend. Definitely a fun, reliable, economical ride, and I even had a kid say "cool car" to me... This care definitely supports my hobbies and budget

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  This Car Should Definately Be Revived! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By kimmypoo - February 2 - 7:06 pm

  I bought my car used from a dealership. Hadnt ever seen any model like it. I was actually one of the first in my entire community w/ this type of car, stopping traffic w/ people asking me what type of car it was how cute it was. So, that tells you something about its looks. Driving experience has been wonderful. No problems whatsoever. I use mine everyday over 123k now and still great. Roomy (even for 6,4 husband), reliable, works great! Id want to buy another one if needed but found its been discontinued. W/ this cars reliability record, this should not be! Bring it back Suzuki!