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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  Way to go Suzuki! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By John - June 20 - 1:06 pm

  This is a big car in a little package! It is fun, safe, and very roomy. The Aerio is very practical, especially if you have pets or children.

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  Fun Car To Drive - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By joyce - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Aerio SX for 14 months now. If I had it to do over I would by the exact same car again. It fits my use perfectly. I researched other wagons but found the Aerio SX was far superior in meeting the needs I have for carrying my agility dog around yet having plenty of room for passengers. Its fun and comfortable to drive and ride it. Suzuki did good in designing this car.

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  I enjoy my little wagon - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By burt weiss - May 2 - 11:50 pm

  Picked Aerio SX after much hands on comparison with Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. The Aerio has much more equipment, is much peppier up hills, and costs about $3,000 less. It might depreciate faster than the Toyota, but I plan to keep car until the end of its warranty, at least seven years. What I like most about the car is how it is so easy to get in and out of. You dont sit down in this car, you sit up - just slide right in and buckle up. It has lots of foot room and lots of headroom in the back. Does this height compromise cornering? As I do not do high speed chases through town, I havent noticed. There is an occasional creak coming from somewhere that I could do without. Also, I would have liked 16" wheels. This car has a great stereo. I can tune in out of town ball games.

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  Extremely Dangerous on Highways - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By khunt2 - April 25 - 1:50 pm

  The 2005 Suzuki Aerio is a danger on the highways because the front axles may suddenly break without warning!! In July 2011 while in a parking lot about to make a left turn from a stopped position, the left front axle broke. The dealers shop replaced Control Arm only. Two weeks later, went someplace else & had wheels aligned because car vibrating badly. Found CV joint damaged & boot ripped. CV joint replaced Sept. 2012. Oct. 2012, while stopped at a corner about to make a right turn, the right front axle broke. Called Suzuki in Calif. but they arent interested in the danger. Owners should stay off of highways and have front end carefully checked at once under strong light.

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  Best Bang for your Buck in the Class. - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gord Simpson - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Im going on nine months with the car, through a cold Canadian Winter with plenty of snow and ice, as well as the heat of early Summer. Reliabilty has been 100%. Cold Winter starts have been no problem (regularily -35C in Winter). AWD was wonderful for Winter, although it does take a slight change in driving style over your typical FWD, took about month to accustomize to taking corners properly in an AWD on ice. But now that that has occured ill never go back to FWD. Air is very capable in Summer heat. Car has plenty of power for its class. Excellent standard options. Suzuki has built a winner here.

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  What a cute car! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By moimoi - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car purchase and I couldnt be more pleased. Ive had the car less than a month and have already put close to 1800 miles on it. Drives great and catches the eye of many. I was first interested in the Pontiac Vibe, until I found the Areio SX - an awesome value for the $$.

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  My Wifes New Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tazdiablo - April 3 - 10:16 pm

  I bought this little car for my wife. She like the color and and the interior creature comforts. I am 6 4" and have not missed many meals, but I can still get in with hardly any problems. The cabin is roomy even with my wife, two kids, and myself in the car there is plenty of room. The car has the power to do what we need and still gets great fuel economy. For a guy who loves the big cars I am really impressed with this little car. Driving it is fun, just ask my wife. She herself is tall and she is extremely comfortable in it and loves the stereo and steering wheel controls. Neither of us would be shy about recommending one of these little cars to our friends or family.

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  Great Vehicle - I Love It - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By blayzmoon - March 26 - 10:10 pm

  I love my Suzuki Aerio. It is very comfortable, with a surprising amount of room inside. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It gets great gas mileage and its controls are easy to use.

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  Great Little Wagon - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Salena - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Im a college student who needed a new car, and I lucked out with my Aerio. Both my father and I fell in love with this car within minutes of driving it for the first time, and after a few months of ownership, and a once over by Suzuki, I am happy to say I have not experienced any major problems. My radio had to be replaced upon purchase and the light in the temperature/clock display didnt work, not major problems. Found out this was a rental car before I owned it, so considering that its in great shape!

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  my take on it - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Hay-Oh - March 19 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Easy to park.