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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  Incredibly reliable experience - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ron - April 1 - 6:20 pm

  We bought this Suzuki as a commute vehicle for my wife. Its simply been an incredible experience, as the car has been not only a lot of fun to drive, but it has been reliable beyond all expectations. With only normal dealer maintenance service, we have not had a single mechanical problem. As a huge bonus, the handling, braking, steering, and utility have all been enjoyed and utilized a tremendous amount.

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  Aerio SX, best in class - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By adnizzle - January 18 - 9:50 pm

  I got my 2003 Suzuki Aerio three weeks ago and so far its a beauty. By looking at all the other high reviews for it, that doesnt seem to change as time goes on. It is a great, reliable car...in my opinion best in its class.

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  Best Buy - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By PromoGirl - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I drove a Honda Accord, followed by an Olds Alero (CRAP), and this is by far the best price, and most comfortable. Great visibility, large windows, and lots of energy. First car Ive had without power locks and a sun roof, and dont miss them at all. This car is way too much fun! And there arent too many of them on the road.

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  The best - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By gregeber - November 14 - 2:00 am

  price $15000 plus for the 5speed GS alloys and spoiler and it has some nice things for it price

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  OWNER - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By NYRICAN69 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  ITS BEEN THE BEST THE PICK UP THE WAY IT STOPS WHEN YOU BREAK THE COMFORTABLE SEATS AND THE STABILITY ON THE ROAD IS SUPERB! WHAT I REALLY LIKE IS WHEN I EXCELERATE PASSING A CAR IT GIVES A GOOD PICK UP

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  Best In Class - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By tony - October 29 - 11:00 pm

  I must be honest. My other car is a Porsche, so I expect alot from a car. I have an SX version, red with auto trans. This car is great for an all around commuter - 28 mpg, lots of room for passengers and cargo with more power than anything else for 15,500. Most Materials for the interior are outstanding for price. I think it compares well with the likes of Honda CRV and Hyundai Tuscon, if you dont need the extra 10-15 cubic feet of cargo space - especially with the Aerio being $5-7,000 less. The handling could be a little crisper with flatter cornering, but the red dash lights and the supurb stereo system more than makes up for it. I dont seem to be driving my Porsche so much.

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  A VIC to an AERIO - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Motorhead73 - October 27 - 5:56 am

  I LOVE the AERIO. The couch in a boat(crown Vic) was scary driving on wet roads and the weight was great for coasting. The security the Aerio has provided is the biggest seller for me. It hugs the road and grabs the corners without any sway. The control of the front end with the Aerio sets the ice fear to the back burner. The power on the 2 uphill climbs over looking a steep cliff makes me feel !!!! The seat wraps around you like a race car seat for secure fit in a drive of great head and arm room with two people in the front, I the larger lovebug and I do NOT feel crunched in any way. Like sitting in a chair, sliding across the seat for entry (not a drop to the floor)

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  Speed baby - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Grabowski - September 21 - 10:00 am

  WOO HOO, sit down, shut up, and hang on

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  REAL 33.5 mpg - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By credto - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I currently have 14,284 miles on my gas saving commuter. This car has a the comforts of a 20k car but sips gas like a Kia... my last tank of gas was $11.35 and I got 327 miles on that tank. The 6 disc 7 speaker stereo plays great, and I get alot more electronic bells and whistles than my wifes 2001 Subaru 2.5 rs, that cost 7k more.

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  Love It! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By driver - August 31 - 12:40 pm

  So far, this car has been great. We average 30 mpg. We are older, and very tall people and find the comfort and convenience all that we can ask for in this inexpensive car.