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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  very good car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By jancope - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. lots of extras you have to pay for in the Matrix , 6 cd changer, out side temp monotor.Lots and lots of room to carry things.

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  Best buy, and Ive been looking forever - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Luv my aerio - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I have my yellow Aerio SX hatchback and I love all of the looks I get. Ive been looking for about 3 months now. Ive driven every car in its class and this is by far the best buy for your money. With the $2000 rebate or 0% interest rate, its much cheaper than the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe. There is much more room in the back seat. Theres a built in cover for your privacy of articles in the trunk. The reversable floor mat and water bucket are very nice. Theres lots of storage in the rear and an additional cup holder for the back passengers. It drives like a champ. Theres plenty of pick up and the gas just never ends.

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  My First New Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By RJL - December 16 - 4:33 pm

  I just bought a 2006 Suzuki Aerio Premium and I love it! Its so easy to handle. Its a perfect little car to keep me on the go.

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  Love my Red Zuki - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By kmw - December 4 - 1:33 pm

  The Aerio is a great car to drive. I have had it for almost a year with no problems. It is a cute commuter car with a suprising amount of room. I have loaded everything into it including my new range in the box. I traded my big SUV for this car and love it.

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  My Car ROCKS - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By his&hersAerios - November 10 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I bought two Aerios in July. We both love them. He wrecked his after one payment and promptly replaced it with yet another Aerio. They are fun to drive so far! I have the standard comments on the + and - sides: + Zippy for the price, great sound, cute car, lots of storage, good gas mileage. - the door mouldings on the inside rattle. I cant configure the tilt and seat position to reach the gear shift properly so my shoulder hurts if I am in stop/go traffic. Other than that, we both love both cars.

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  Rise of the Tall Cars - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Michael Rahl - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Aerio because it was the least expensive AWD vehicle I could find. The new style of building the car up rather than out is what sets this vehicle apart. I shopped the competition but their interiors felt cramped in comparison. Why do automakers have you sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you? This is a style of automaking that should go the way of the dinosaur. The exterior styling has grown on me, and I enjoy being one of the few in my area that has this car. I get many favorable comments on it from other motorists. I cant believe that a car in this price range has so many standard features.

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  This makes 2 - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Dane T. - October 24 - 10:00 am

  After purchasing our first used Aerio Sedan in April, 2004, I was so impressed with it, that I bought a new Aerio SX in May...just about a month after the first purchase!!! These are sharp looking and performing cars...am a little disappointed that the gas mileage is not higher...but hey, at 29- 32 miles per gallon, who am I to complain with all the Aerio has too offer!!! I recommend these autos very highly!!!

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  Fun, economy, and unbelivable space - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jiggha - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun, economy, and unbelivable space

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  aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By dan sauvie - September 16 - 2:00 am

  i had my aerio for 2 days when the ice buildup on the wipers cause the wipers to freeze up and, when they freeze up the car automatically blows a fuse in the fuse box and disables the wipers...this is a safeguard against the wipers motor stripping out the gears..i later found that out but i was glad that it did that...good safeguard

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  just the best - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By radnel justine - September 3 - 2:00 am

  just the best value in a compact vehicle and a smart value too.