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:

• 

  Lots of Fun for the Price! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Kevim - May 23 - 12:33 am

  Im tall, 6 4" and commute 120 miles per day. My Suzuki Aerio is very roomy for its size. This was not my first choice, but it was the right choice. It is powerful, roomy and just plain fun to drive. It could use a little more power (for the canyon), but otherwise it is a great buy. With the options for the price, you cant go wrong. Plus it comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. I haven;t had any problems with mine so far.

• 

  Best for the money - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By aerio_sx_man - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Well, its only been three days since I purchased it, but I spent probably 40 hours researching this vehicle. What I needed was a second car that could get me to the airport weekly, make an occassional cross state drive (3 hours), and have the room for 2 adults and 2 small children when needed in a pinch. NOt mention the ability to drop the rear seats and create a huge bed for furniture, supplies or whatnot. This is that vehicle. I got rid of a 95 Taurus sedan for the Aerio SX AWD. Its economical, its inexpensive, and with the 0% interest from Suzuki, it makes a compelling story to buy new vehicle versus used. Just my .02 cents.

• 

  great so far - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By tcw - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Only minor complaints. Wish it got more than 25mpg. Wish seats were a little softer. Otherwise, great deal, great car so far. I hope the quality it seems to have means it will last as long as Id like it to! Smooth transmission.

• 

  alot for a little - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By dave johnson - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I think they did a great job. For the money the car has everything I need Lots of room.Good looks. Pepy engine. list of standard features like CD Radio,kicken speakers,digital dash.rear floor heat,theatre seating {kids and rear passengers less likely to get car sick because of better visability}and my list could go on forever

• 

  To new to tell about reliability - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Doug/Florida - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive,very quick with 155hp.It moves. Car has all luxery power,and remotes you would want on any car ALL standard,also heater and power out side mirrors. Dont look at the 2003s look at the 2004s alot of new standard equipment for 2004. Out the door $17,500. [WITH] the total extended warranty 10 year bumper to bumper only $550.00

• 

  Love On The Road - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Vernell - April 10 - 2:00 am

  great to drive kids love the look cant wait for snow

• 

  Aerio SX YAY! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Qeenasheba - April 10 - 12:16 am

  The 2002 Suzuki Aerio SX was the best car I have ever had. I would give it an 11 on a scale from 1 to 10. Its sporty and fun to look at as well as to drive. It has tons of storage, and kept me safe in an accident. I love this car!

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jacj - March 29 - 6:56 am

  So far this has been a great car. The engine has more than enough power for climbing hills, and still gets about 29 miles to the gallon. I would have liked the arm rest to be a little longer as it does not come out far enough for me. Overall great car.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Daniel Benfield - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car purchase i have ever made. Alot better then my 2001 Mercury cougar That was a piece of junk, nothing but problems with that car. But as for the Aerio, A must buy for any one! 10 Thumbs up!!!!! The Aerio is alot of fun to drive and quick for a 4banger. It gets alot of looks and thumbs up. Every one likes it that sees it.

• 

  Good car till you need a repair!!!!! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By shankus74 - March 12 - 9:25 pm

  Beside changing tires and brakes the other repairs are laborious!!! Try to replace a ball joint, all the bolts are rusted and you need to replace them all!a job of 30 min takes 4 hours in labor. wait and youll see those major flaws!!