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:

• 

  Not Bad but has a couple of problems - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By drdud - May 5 - 8:36 am

  20 mpg around town 25 mpg on the highway , mystery rattle in the center of the dash in cold weather ? Moans like my old 48 Chrysler when going over a hump .stock tires stink 2 of 4 are square ! All in all its a nice little care & got a great deal.

• 

  Suzuki Aerio for Fun and Economy - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Larry - April 2 - 4:23 pm

  I LOVE my Aerio. I bought it to combat $3.00/gallon gas but have discovered a new fun and exciting driving experience. Its quicker and less expensive than the competition with more amenities.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By mancow - February 24 - 4:40 am

  I bought this car new in 2003 My work round trip is 184 miles my car just went over 402000 miles I have had no problems. Just oil changes and two set of brake pads and at 250000 clutch presure plate thowout bearing all which are wearout parts.

• 

  Fantastic - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By S.K.T.Kumar - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2003 Suzuki Aerio as brand new. WoW. a lot to say about good thing. very roomy, so comfortable, very very good on gas on FWD vehicle. I had few problems on this car too. The wheel alignment goes bad so frequently. at least every year I have to do wheel alignment. Breaks are very good. Engine is so super. less noise compare to other cars on its class. The other problem is, The quality of the body, They made in cheap material. The front bomber get damaged easily. The side skirt that came with it as original also very cheap material. I dont have them in my car right now. They were flew away years ago. High way drive in fantastic. very comfortable view. Totally its a super car.

• 

  A Car For Any Season - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By 13Edge - February 11 - 3:56 pm

  If you are looking for 0-60 acceleration or fast and furious performance, dont get an AWD Aerio. The automatic tranny just wont allow it. The interior is well designed with the controls for everything placed just right. The car is very comfortable for my 63" 280 lb. frame. The factory radio is incredible and with the rear seats folded down I can fit more things in this than the old S-10 Blazer I had. This car really shines in bad weather. It handles snow and rain like a champ, and it eats up country dirt roads. All in all, with the interior room, all weather capability, and storage space, you almost feel like you are driving an SUV... except this has more standard features that most SUVs.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By prices - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We purchased car for our daughter to take to school. This car rides like a big car and gets 29 miles to the gallon. Very pleased with car.

• 

  The Aerio SX - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Aligirl - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The Aerio SX is a real peppy and safe feeling car. Its looks a little "egg shaped" which isnt always eye appealing however great for kids. Additionally the only interior color you can get is black. Why not have a neutral interior color more earth tone.

• 

  My Aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Unruly - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My SX exceeded my expectations for a small car.Suzuki gave me the extended warranty after purchase.The car performs w/pep w the 5 speed manual.It has suffcient power to pass at 75-80mph and has smoothly purred at 109 on a flat road on a hot sunny day.Even at high speed the car handled well with little roll and lower rpms than expected. The interior has room for such a small car, the AC kicks butt over the toyota matrix, vibe and honda civic - in Phoenix it is good to test drive in mid summer for back seat AC performance.Fully loaded at base it was the most logical decision to make over the competition.

• 

  Luv tha Bannana Slug!! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By SlabCab - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Im 28 years old and I bought my 03 Electric Yellow Aerio SX wagona because of price and economy. Traded in my problematic 94 Cadillac Eldorado that I loved so much. Oh well. The Suzuki has proved to be a reliable, fun, and practical car. Plenty of power even in an automatic and great gas mileage. Includes a long list of standard features and extras, plenty of room and cubby holes. Great for traveling or hauling all my friends for a party night in Seattle. I was and still am surprised at the amount of attention this car gets. A real head turner!

• 

  Well Equipped for the Price - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By chilaxin - August 26 - 11:36 am

  The Suzuki Aerio has a lot of options for the price and its the only compact car you do not have to be a contortionist to drive.