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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  I love this car! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Bill D. - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I saw the Aerio for the first time at the NY Auto Show and was impressed. I bought one and love it. It has good power, handling, general performance. The winshield, and side glass provide a lot of visibility, but that means a lot of eye strain from light as well as the heat from the sun. Also, the LCD display on the radio is hard to see in direct sun. Ive gotten many positive comments about the car and my teenage son likes it too. Id recommend the car to anyone looking for a sporty, affordable, small wagon.

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  OK BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By MONSTER - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I WAS ACTUALLY DISAPPOINTED AND SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE MITSUBISHI LANCER

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  Nice Little Car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By robarr - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my Aerio. Although it has had a few problems that the dealership could not fix. So now Im stuck with a car that hummmms when I step on the gas and when I come to an idle a rattling sound comes from the front of the car. Very disappointed with the dealerships mechanics and i now have to take the car which is still under warranty to my mechanic and pay out of my pocket. Thanks for nothing Suzuki Techs!

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  a SUV view in a compact car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gerrix - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Its been a week that I test drive this Sedan and so far its a joy. The riding is smooth and quiet at legal speeds. The engine is a bit noisier when pushed but fortunately it doesnt need to be often. The high seating position is probably the most specific feature of this car. Only the Matrix/Vibe can compare in this segment. With this feature, you have a great view of the road and its very easy to get in and out of the car. The digital dash is a surprise, but I learned to love it for its accuracy and its visibility.

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By AerioSX in Edmonton - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car, I scoped out the Matrix/Vibe before settling on the SX. What sold me was all the standard features available on the SX model, which cost extra for the other 2. I opted for the AWD, which will be handy in winter time here in Edmonton, AB. Drives smooth. Handling is not as bad as some reviews might lead you to believe. A fine alt to the Matrix or Vibe, a lot less for more.

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  Great Deal, Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By drdud - October 1 - 4:00 pm

  I traded my Subaru Legacy for this sweet ride. It has a smooth ride, good gas milage, an attractive exterior, and a nice interior. Plus I saved a bunch of money by buying it instead of buying a new Subaru. Its AWD system is the same, it has a good driving position and good seat height (which is important if you have a bad back). Its seat is higher than the ones in Subarus . This is a great little wagon.

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  2004 Suzuki SX AWD auto - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By bren - September 26 - 11:13 am

  I bought my Aerio used with 10,000 miles and it currently has 56,000 miles. Overall my Aerio has been reliable, although the brake pads and rotors seem to require replacement more quickly than in other vehicles.

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  Roomy, stylish, and built well - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By johnny sexton - September 22 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of a 1996 Suzuki Swift with 144,000 miles on it, (and not a day in the shop) I know how well built Suzuki cars are. But I didnt think they could ever come up with a sporty,stylish car. But they have. I love my new Aerio, it gives a great ride,and has excelent acceleration. The seats are a little spartanesque, but extremely supportive. I am sure in 144,000 miles, I will love it as much as my Swift. Suzuki has finally gone mainstream. By the way, Im keeping my Swift also.

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  smokin - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By crazy canuk - September 17 - 10:00 am

  i ninitially was looking at the grand vitara-but once i stepped into the aerio i was prey to the mesh seats and doors-i know style/quality when i see it. i didnt even test drive it-i let my intuition do the deciding. i luv the seats the best- there thick, supportive and make driving enjoyable! as with any 4 cylinder though-acceleration is loud until you reach cruising. its preety quiet on the highway-much quieter than my dads $50,000 suv.

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  Price DOES matter! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jzarli - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Read Edmunds Compact Wagon Comparison test. Dont most of us establish a budget as the first rule of auto buying? Wouldnt you pick a Ford Escape, bigger & better over a Matrix, as they are similar in price? For 2003 the Aerio has a bit more HP & Torque. It did pretty well in the comparison, but the 2003 would likely finish #1. Note the 2003 now has the 6CD changer/radio standard. Who likes the fake metal interior trim of a Matrix??