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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  Suzuki Aerio for Fun and Economy - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Larry - April 2 - 4:23 pm

  I LOVE my Aerio. I bought it to combat $3.00/gallon gas but have discovered a new fun and exciting driving experience. Its quicker and less expensive than the competition with more amenities.

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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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  Great Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By mancow - February 24 - 4:40 am

  I bought this car new in 2003 My work round trip is 184 miles my car just went over 402000 miles I have had no problems. Just oil changes and two set of brake pads and at 250000 clutch presure plate thowout bearing all which are wearout parts.

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  Fantastic - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By S.K.T.Kumar - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2003 Suzuki Aerio as brand new. WoW. a lot to say about good thing. very roomy, so comfortable, very very good on gas on FWD vehicle. I had few problems on this car too. The wheel alignment goes bad so frequently. at least every year I have to do wheel alignment. Breaks are very good. Engine is so super. less noise compare to other cars on its class. The other problem is, The quality of the body, They made in cheap material. The front bomber get damaged easily. The side skirt that came with it as original also very cheap material. I dont have them in my car right now. They were flew away years ago. High way drive in fantastic. very comfortable view. Totally its a super car.

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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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  A Car For Any Season - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By 13Edge - February 11 - 3:56 pm

  If you are looking for 0-60 acceleration or fast and furious performance, dont get an AWD Aerio. The automatic tranny just wont allow it. The interior is well designed with the controls for everything placed just right. The car is very comfortable for my 63" 280 lb. frame. The factory radio is incredible and with the rear seats folded down I can fit more things in this than the old S-10 Blazer I had. This car really shines in bad weather. It handles snow and rain like a champ, and it eats up country dirt roads. All in all, with the interior room, all weather capability, and storage space, you almost feel like you are driving an SUV... except this has more standard features that most SUVs.

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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!

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  "Git n Go" - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Altoid43 - January 29 - 4:50 pm

  I have had my Aerio SX for three years and have had no problems whatsoever yet. She runs just like the bikes. At 90 mph runs smooth as silk. Can run with the big boys, and the gas mileage is very good. I love this gal.