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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  DRIVING IN THE COLORADO ROCKIES - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By DAVID STONER - July 18 - 2:00 am

  When not commuting to work, I spend a lot of time heading for the slopes in Colorado. The car handles great in the snow and has enough zip to get up some of the steeper passes I encounter. There is plenty of room inside for four skiers plus our stuff. The sound system is great and because of its unusal design, it is easy to spot in parking lots. My only complaint are the Yokahama tires. I have already replaced two. Outside of that, and for the price, this wagon is terrific.

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  who knew ? - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By R_ALPH - July 14 - 10:00 am

  WHO KNEW SUZUKI AERIO IS SUCH A NICE CAR. I LOOKED AT AND DROVE LANCER, CIVIC AND COROLLA, BUT LOOKING FOR SOMETHING AFFORDABLE RELIABLE AND FUN ISNT EASY. THE OTHER BRANDS OFFER CHEEP MODELS AS WELL, BUT ITS HARD TO CALL THEM "WELL EQUIPPED" OR SPORTY.

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  happy/unhappy - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By terry goins - July 11 - 10:03 am

  miles good/gas good ride is great.body work could have been better,bumpers front and back had to replace both too low to ground.radio,cd player out sometimes the radio will come on but not stay on station.has to replace four other parts,i change my all my oils and fluides on reg basis.wheel bearings out on front wheel hard to find parts.

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  Fun for tiny bucks - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jlandshark - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have around 10,000 miles on the car now. It has been a fun car to drive with great gas milage. For going to and from work it can not be beat. Lots of interesting looks and questions from others on the street. Way cheaper and faster than the Protege5 and the Matrix.

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  My New Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By SuzukiKidA5 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my suzuki. I am a past suzuki owner and have been impresseg with their line-up right from the days of the sj410 (samurai). The only drawback I see to the Aerio is the lack of aftermarket performane enhancements like an exhaust kit . K and N makes a typhoon kit for the car and it makes a bit of difference in the performance and a substantial difference in fuel economy. As I am a tall man, 63", I really appreciate the headroom in the front and back seat!!

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  aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By patrico cobalt - June 1 - 10:00 am

  this carc has a great stereo system and a powerful engine. its a very lovable xcar and is loaded with features. it is very smooth riding and is a joy to just be in. i love it.

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  My New Aerio - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By mrmmac - May 6 - 2:33 am

  I purchased this car three months ago and am still very happy with it. The only problem is the driver side does not have enough leg room.

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  Roomy but should have better gas mileage - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By David G - April 24 - 2:00 am

  It is fun to drive, shifting is not very smoothe. Fuel economy 30 on highway not very good for such a small car! The interior is very roomy and seats four very well 5 if 5th is child! Has alot of amenities for the money and warranty is excellent! Long trips or snow driving not very good (low ground cleance) even though it is front wheel drive! Might want to get 4WD version for snow areas!

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  Amazing Vehicle! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By jason132 - April 24 - 1:47 am

  I bought this car new and now have over 290,000 KMs (180,000 miles) today. You did not read that wrong! I have never had a problem with the engine or transmission. To put this in further perspective, I live in the coldest city in the world, Winnipeg MB. This car has been an absolute blast to drive! It still handles beautifully and still has as much power today as the day I drove it off the lot. With routine maintenance I dont think this car will ever die. I would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Liz Marshall - April 12 - 10:43 pm

  The Suzuki Aerio is the best AWD deal out there. I am looking at a safer commute with a small price tag. I love the roomy interior, it handles well, it is great looking, and its a good value. I love this car!