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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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Calais, ME - July 14 - 1:36 pm

  Purchased as a "Program Car" with 15,000 miles. The vehicle now has a total of 34,150 miles. Under 20,000 miles the heater and blower went. With 30,000 miles the front end suspension and struts needed to be replaced. With 33,000 miles two engine rotors, belts and brakes needed to be repolaced. The front bumper is easliy dislodged with any hint of snow. The 10 year warranty is a scam. Costs of parts and repairs are outrageous

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  Poor tires, brakes, and shocks - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By BrianS - July 9 - 1:30 pm

  The car is amiable. But I had to change all 4 tires at 18000ks and the front disc brakes at 30,000k and I was told the rear shocks are on their way out. To say nothing about the sticking shifter. At 70 years of age, I am hardly a cowboy behind the wheel.

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  Fun car, surprising size - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Opus P - June 27 - 3:53 am

  I have had my Aerio SX with AWD for almost four years. This car has been a blast and has been great for my family of four. Interior has more room than you would suspect. I dont like the all black interior as every little thing shows up. The AWD had been great in snow and on ice. With all the winter driving weve done, only once did we bury it and that was human error. We have had a recurring exhaust rattle that needs to be fixed every few months but the local shop tightens that up every time they change the oil. As my kids approach their teenage years, I will have to make a change, but this car has been great while they were young.

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  Love this car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Junglegirl31 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This car makes my hour-long commute strangely enjoyable. Great for both city and highway driving. It is a smooth ride with great pickup with 145 horse power. Both looks and performance make this a very fun and practical car. Well worth the money.

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  nice car. - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By hid aerio - June 24 - 10:00 am

  i think its a very attractive car since lots of stranger actually asked me about the car. its a good car.. a real bargain too.

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  Lots of Up Keep - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By aggirl - June 9 - 11:40 am

  My car eats my tires. 6 new tires in 2 years! I have to rotate them about every 2,000 miles or they will shred in no time. I have had to replace the brakes twice, both after only 8-10,000 miles, last time I paid up and replaced them outside of the dealership for big money and that seems to be helping. It feels unreliable, I wont drive it long distances as I dont trust my tires on road trips. Needed a new belt at 15, 000 miles and the paint chips off super easy. I would love to love this car because it is so super comfy, tons of room and easy to drive, but it has drained my wallet, it takes more to keep it running than its worth. Perhaps I got lemon.

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  Built to work - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By firnan - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new suzuki to haul around cargo on frozen streets here in pittsburgh. It runs beautifully, handles snow and ice, I opted for all terrain tires and never had a car handle so smooth.

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  Compact Car with a Midsize Feel - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By InHighEsteem - May 17 - 10:53 pm

  Original owner, 4000 enjoyable and trouble free miles. Previously owned an Esteem. That was a good small car but this is a significant improvement all around. Tall drivers should try it. Feels very secure in inclement weather. Really not a problem in high wind. No paint problems on this one (white pearl color). My first digital dash and adjusted easily to it. AC is adequate for me but some people may need more. So far mileage is low to mid 30s on highway and mid 20s round town. Fortunately this car runs just fine on Kroger 87 octane. So save your pennies!

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  Good Basic Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ann - May 14 - 1:00 pm

  The ownership of my Aerio has been very easy. Gas-up and drive. Of course, change the oil every 5,000 miles.

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  Suzuki Aerio RULES this CLASS!!! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gkxp - April 24 - 10:00 am

  The Aerios interior finish/materials feel very Germanic (Golf-like), the engine is very quick off the line and smooth at 80MPH Highway Speeds, the digital dash is GREAT! The seats are all firm and very supportive and there is plenty of room. There is also a TIMING CHAIN, not a timing belt as well as the 7 Year/100000 Mile Powertrain Warranty also. I would just recommend to anyone, before buying anything else in this class to cross- shop this car, because I think you would find it to outperform the others in most categories, aside from the Aerio feeling more upscale and substantial than its price would suggest.