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:

• 

  Its not your yellow sub its mine - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Its not your sub - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Suz. on looks and the nice storage bins in back. It also came with a nice diaper pale "wash bucket" as some say. The back is also the right height for a changing table. I am the only yellow Aerio SX in 4 counties. I have so many people just stop and go what is that. My mileage is about 25-30 depending on air. Solid car Solid dealer. I also had the dealer spice up the interior with the optional brushed aluminum over the glove box, around the stereo, and around the instruments.

• 

  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.

• 

  new car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By njacks - March 28 - 2:00 am

  It is a fun car to drive, has alot of power for the cars in its class. I have yet to see alot of aftermarket parts, but im sure there soon to come. There is alot of room, Im 64" and i fit in this car pretty good. The resale value is not that good, but its not a civic.

• 

  Could have been better - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Bandguy - March 26 - 10:43 am

  While it is fun to drive, the sound system needs upgrade in speaker placement and sound quality. The cup holders in the front only hold a 12 oz can securely. Anything else will spill all over when accelerating or braking. The seats are comfortable even over long distances. Im very disappointed with the gas mileage. Im getting only 22 mpg. A little car like this should get more like 30 mpg. Perhaps a larger fuel tank so it will go farther. The new Camaro gets better mileage. Cargo area is excellent and the area under the floor is very convenient.

• 

  My Suzuki is the worst purchase ever - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By dawn martin - February 19 - 5:56 am

  My Suzuki Aerio is not even two years old. and we have had it in the shop 8 times now. We are talking major stuff here. The transmission has been changed,along with the head and new pistons. The front axle fell out while my husband was on the interstate. We had the car one month and it went in the shop for the first time. My advice, dont buy this car. We are being told there is nothing we can do about the car. This was by the district manager.

• 

  Kooky looks, but proves itself. - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By maxandcassiesdad - February 12 - 10:03 am

  I picked this car up with 87,000 on it. It was cheap, and I needed a second car, that was small, economical, and a hatchback. We take our Shepherd and Boxer with us, ALOT!. I didnt give too much thought to it when I found it, except that it was in good shape, was a hatchback, and had a/c (we live in Florida). To my surprise, Ive found this little car to be a real trooper. Strange looking, yes, and it does garner strange looks from passer-bys, but, the fold down rear seats, high roof line and enormous front doors have been much appreciated. We are not small people, Im 6, partner is 64", and getting in and out is a breeze. Headroom is fantastic. Its been very reliable too. Good bargain.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By luvmysuzuki - February 4 - 9:16 pm

  After an accident rendered my wifes Escort undriveable we decided to replace it with something just as economical but we wanted something with a little more pizzaz.We didnt have a lot of money to spend so the Corollas and Civics were priced out of our range.We briefly considered a Hyundai or Kia but just didnt get the warm fuzzy feeling with them.As soon as we sat in the Aerio we were hooked.The headroom is massive (enough to accomodate a six foot tall person with inches to spare).There are more standard features on this car than you can shake a stick at (AC,6 disc CD,PW,PDL and heated mirrors are standard!).We average almost 30 MPG and as far as power....Buckle up and hang on!!!

• 

  A Life Saver - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By becky03 - February 2 - 12:45 am

  I have been hit by 13 deer while driving this car. It has had its front bumper. hood and either fender replaced atleast 8-9 times. A racoon took out the front bumper once...The body could be of better material. The rest inside and out is original. After all this I have not been hurt and it is still running. 200,000 miles and all I have done is changed the oil regularly, the occasional alignment, new tires and just had the radiator flushed. Drove it 1800 miles to see family and am driving it back those 1800 miles. I expect to get another 100,000 miles.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.