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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  Fun small car - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jaime Ramirez - June 28 - 6:43 am

  My Suzuki Aerio is small, practical, and my kids love it. My wife drives it more the our SUV. It turns heads, and most of all with prices of gas now its a winner.

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  greatcar - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By averageguy - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I had been researching cars for several months looking for something different. I didnt realize that suzuki made cars. When my wife and I went to look at them in person we were instantly sold. Now I couldnt pry her from that car if I wanted to.

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  LOVE MY SUZUKI - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By kellynulf - June 19 - 3:45 am

  I bought my Suzuki with 6 miles on it back in 2003. It now is hitting over 190,000. It has been an amazing car. There have been a few issues. A CD got stuck in the CD player and now that doesnt work. The radio still works fine though. The light on the clock doesnt work, even with replacement fuse. I did start having issues the last 2 years with the heat shield clamps rusting. Overall I will be very sad the day "Shelly" takes a dump.

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  Good Overall Value - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By todd - May 31 - 1:23 pm

  The car has had numerous rattles and trim defects, but has been otherwise reliable. It has fabulous fuel economy, up to 40 mpg with the five speed manual transmission.

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  I love my yellow duck - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By rkymtwoman - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I was planning to buy a Ford Focus but stopped by the Suzuki dealership on a whim. I was blown away by the extras that came with the Suzuki Aerio SX and I loved driving it. When I took it out on the interstate I was sold...lots of power to accelerate. The price was right and I love the bright yellow color of my car.

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  Well Satisfied - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By David - April 30 - 10:53 am

  Purchased used 06 in Jan 2010 with 48,000 miles. Very pleased with 31 MPG. Seats are comfortable and supportive which I believe the tall cabin and upright seating contribute too. Mine is the basic model so no cruise. Wish Suzuki had cut cost on the “Auto” climate control system and made cruise standard. Also wish the intermittent wpers had more variation. One speed intermittent wipers just doesn’t cut it in the Northwest. Clutch is smooth and positive. Impressed with fit and finished of interior except for the carpet which is a bit thin. Large trunk area is nice and fold down seat add to the space but body structure intrudes making the opening behind the seat somewhat constricted.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Curtis - March 23 - 11:20 pm

  I got this car 2 years ago with 45,000 miles on it. I have been in 2 accidents with it and it still runs great. It has 94,000 and Ive never had a problem with it besides now-a-days it doesnt want to shift right away when I get above 50 mph and my radio has a short. Other than that it is a good starter car. I am looking to get rid of it thought because I want a SUV.

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  you got to drive one - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By mike hall - March 22 - 12:36 pm

  i am a mystery shopper full time and needed a car for traveling .i put the aero to the test first week of ownership with a trip from nc to fla 1000 miles roundtrip. first tank of gas i averaged 38 mph and the drive was quick and smooth.i do lots of stops in a day ,my husband drives so some days the car is not turned off for 10 hours i have found that the aero is up to the task and performs unbelievable .it was more than i expected and for the price i would say ,go for it

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  Nightmare Suzuki Aerio - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jlfresearcher - March 3 - 5:50 am

  I purchased my Aerio new in Feb. 2003 & absolutely love the way it handles in snow but it has been a lemon since the day I bought it. So far I have replaced the automatic transmission, California air emissions controls,the rear rim,I am not hard on a car. My front passenger side has been filled with rain water 4 times as the drainage hose from the hood to under the car keeps letting go & dumps the rain into the car. The base of my battery cable corroded & has taken over 2 weeks a new factory part. I feel like I have been on timeshare with my dealer. I should have relinquished the car after the 4th trip for the transmission prior to replacement. Im out of warranty & it is getting expensive!

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  Love It! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Aerio_Owner - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Aerio for 4000 miles now, and driven in many different situations - road trips, city driving, 5 passengers - it conquers all with aplomb! My backseat passengers over 6 feet love the legroom of the adjustable back-seats. I love the versatility - I carried a 32" TV IN THE BOX in my Aerio - no problem. The stereo sounds great and is easy to use. It starts quickly and runs well. My only gripe is that the HVAC is a little wierd and takes some getting used to.