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:

• 

  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!

• 

  Interior great (except display panel) - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By acechikita - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Okay, you have to understand I purchased this car for economical reasons. I drove an Integra that was quick and love to drive fast. This car is fairly zippy for fun driving downtown and is comfortable on highways. Its faster thasn the Protege 5, Toyota Camry and cheaper than a Civc once you add all of the sporty features. Id like to try and sell it before my lease is up so I hope it holds its value well!

• 

  good car watch resale value - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By belden - March 5 - 8:00 pm

  Have enjoyed this car. Moves well although not so fast at picking up speed and up major hills works hard. Winshield defrost is not so good. The left and right sides of windshiel do not defrost well. Usually have to scrape when frosted. Side mirrors not too stable, jiggle in the wind. Overall, decent car if you can get at a decent price.

• 

  A Good Pocket Rocket - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Glen-Tacoma-WA - February 13 - 10:03 pm

  I commute 158 miles round trip every weekday, so was looking for a reliable, economical, and fun to drive car at a good price point. What I got in the 2005 Suzuki Aerio SX Sport Wagen surpassed my requirements. With its 155 hp engine, its pretty darn quick, and it sticks to the road in corners really well. The handling is excellent, but the steering could be a little crisper and more responsive. New for 2005 is the Techno Blue Metal paint color. Its beautiful. While I initially didnt like the body styling all that much, its been growing on me. It looks a little boxy at first. The interior is very comfortable. The instrument panel glows crimson red at night. Awesome.

• 

  so far so good - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By tango123ny - January 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent power and fuel consumption for awd. 155 horses feels good under the hood and the ride is comfortably stiff. The styling is a standout, unique and sporty. Great warranty and easy maintenance schedule.

• 

  Stone-axe dependable - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tom Merrill - January 18 - 3:13 pm

  I grew up riding and racing Suzuki motorcycles and other than basic maintenance found them very reliable, fast and fun. When my wife and I could no longer stand being a one car family, and the monthly payment on our Honda mini-van was becoming unbearable, we went shopping. Id been keeping my eye on the Suzuki automobile offerings for the previous year or two and was quite smitten with the unique styling, AWD, fully loaded Suzuki Aerio SX wagon. We shopped around and bought two AWD Aerios which drive great (especially in the snow) can carry alot and, just as I found with their motorcycles, very reliable. Gas prices? I drive just as much as I please, loving my Suzuki, in any weather. We dig our Suzukis!

• 

  Value for Money - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By sidharth malhotra - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I was very apprehensive when buying a suzuki since i havent seen many on the road. But when i took a test drive i was very happy with it. Good power, good mileage, great sound system, looks good and drives well. I had a corolla before was thinking of buying the same car again. But after driving a suzuki aerio i changed my mind simply because i was getting more car in an aerio than in a corolla. My experience was good, hope yours was too.

• 

  Traded in my Aerio after 2 MO/8K CAUTION - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By gkxp - November 16 - 10:00 am

  In April, I bought a 2003 Suzuki Aerio S. The low price, black interior, 145HP Engine and digital dash sold me. Now in June and after 8000 miles, I traded it in. Reasons? VERY BAD handling in windy/highway driving! Black fabric on drivers-side door trim armrest is already pealing off. Be forewarned if you do a lot of highway driving as I do. Depreciation Percentage higher than others in class.

• 

  Fun! - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By WSU - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has a great little boost for passing, easy to park, seats 4 adult fairly comfortably, suprising head room...my husband is 6ft. tall and has plenty of room.

• 

  Reliable but the body stinks! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By April - June 7 - 9:16 am

  I bought my Suzuki in 2003... OH I was in love with it and I still love this car. The gas mileage... you can really depend on this car! However you should know that the body was made very cheap. Every Suzuki I see on the road is missing the same front and back pieces on the front and back bumper... both pieces fell off on their own. Of course in 2009 I had well over 130K miles on this baby because I traveled A LOT in it so my car never had any major problems... Another thing you might want to know is if you get into an accident with the body parts being so cheap your car will most likely get totaled. I know this because someone hit my car while it was parked last Saturday and totaled it!