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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  Still Happy after all these months - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By evb - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Been driving my Aerio for 6 months now and Im still smitten. Cant understand why there are so few on the road. Handles great, even in the snow with front wheel drive. Great head room and I love the height; all the convienence of my old Toyota hatchback without having to stoop to get in.

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  GREAT car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Flanders - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as it was coming off of a rental. Even after being beaten to death as a rental car, it is still holding up WONDERFULLY. It is my first car and I have had experience driving many different vehicles, I must say it is an awesome car to drive. Very fun. Very comfortable. I like that its built for "real" sized people. I am 59", my brothers and dad are all well over 6 feet tall and none of us have any qualms about head or leg room.

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  Aerio! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By suiteseptember - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The new Suzuki Aerio is fun to drive! I have only had mine for 2 months, but I love it!

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  Quick Ride - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By SXer - December 18 - 1:33 pm

  I have had my Aerio SX Wagon for a year now and it is great. It handles well and looks good. I searched for a good car with good horsepower and came across the Aerio. Its 2.3 DHOC engine is great. I wanted to get another one but Suzuki does not make them anymore. I will have to settle for the Sedan. This car can do more if it had more performance parts.

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  A car for Canadian Winters - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Max - December 2 - 12:30 am

  We purchased the Aerio for my wife based on budget, safety and AWD. My wife had not driven in 7 years so I wanted something really safe for her. What we ended up with was so much more. My first drive in the snow made me love this car. What a tank! I was plowing through side roads and averting traffic, while driving as if it where a spring day. Anyone that has to deal with a Canadian winter should drive this car. We even managed to fit a loveseat into the car with the rear seats down! European styling and decent handling make this a pretty good all round car. Our other car is a 1995 Honda Civic and I have to say I am going to have a hard time deciding whether to trade in for Honda or Suzuki.

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  Great Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By prices - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We purchased car for our daughter to take to school. This car rides like a big car and gets 29 miles to the gallon. Very pleased with car.

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  Excellent, Every Respect - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Westmillguy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  An absolutely great car in ever respect. Its very nimble thus fun to drive. Just had the opportunity to experience the all-wheel drive in snowy conditions, performed exceptionally well! The car has lots of nice features including a super 6-disc cd changer, fog lamps, overdrive, cruise control ad on and on. This one was built in Japan and is tight with body panels well- fitted. Super warranty program!

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  The Aerio SX - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Aligirl - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The Aerio SX is a real peppy and safe feeling car. Its looks a little "egg shaped" which isnt always eye appealing however great for kids. Additionally the only interior color you can get is black. Why not have a neutral interior color more earth tone.

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  2004 Suzuki Aerio Review - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By thom - November 7 - 12:06 pm

  After driving my 04 Suzuki Aerio around the city for the last year I decided to take a small road trip, from Portland to Phoenix and back again through L.A. I experienced absolutely no problems and had a comfortable ride. The high winds had no effect on the drive, despite the side gust warning in the owners manual. I made the same trip in a Toyota Echo a couple of years ago and almost ended up in a ditch several times.

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  Dont Buy One! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By MESX - October 19 - 12:56 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my Suzuki Aerio. Its bushings came out of the sway bar four times before it was finally fixed by having new modified ones installed. I had the viscous coupling replaced for AWD, had power door lock fail, had all four tires replaced due to factory alignment defect destroying them, and the rims are all scratched and gouged from several attempts to repair all the defects. I still have a clunking noise from the front end. Also, the styrofoam is detached from the rear bumper (behind exterior plastic) and the gas mileage is poor.