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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  04 Aerio SX -- Best Blend - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By MAD777 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I tested a HUGE number of cars before buying. I found the Aerio peppy (pulls well in any gear and handles most hills with cruise on in 5th gear), eager to go, great confident cornering (unlike the Vibe/Matrix which scared my wife and I when we drove it after testing the Suzuki -- we were never sure where the Vibe/Matrix was going to go when going into turns, and they required constant mid-course correction). Cant understand Edmunds review that handling is sloppy on the Aerio SX! Did the reviewer check the tires for proper inflation? I think it deserves another review! Could use a bit more storage, better cup holders, but love the rear under-floor storage.

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  Budget but Beautiful - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By KC in WA - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a used ex-rental(with a touch under 18K miles) Aerio S automatic for my wife. OK its a budget car, (power windows, but no power locks, why?) but in silver she be lookin fine (both the wife and the car!) Due to the price I paid, $8900 ($92 more than Edmunds TMV!), I am persona non grata at the used car lot, but hey its the car my wife wanted at the price I wanted!

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  Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gary - December 17 - 5:16 am

  We are now on our 4th Suzuki. We love them, they are fun to drive and very reliable. 29 miles to the gallon isnt too shabby either. You get your moneys worth and more. I wish they would come out with a truck.

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  Love it ,Love It, Love It - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Kathy - December 12 - 11:20 pm

  I purchased my Aerio after driving my sons 2003 Aerio. I love how easily it handles and boy what acceleration for a compact car! It gets great gas mileage too. The interior is redesign from the 03s, which is a real positive. Im very satisfied.

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  Great car with great mileage - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By John - November 3 - 5:43 am

  This car has been great. I bought it three years ago with 32,000 for $4500. I am now at 180,000 and still going strong. The only problems I have had is struts and CV axles, nothing else. I would recommend these cars to anyone wanting a cheap transportation option.

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  best car for the buck - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Christo - October 25 - 10:00 am

  The Aerio GS is a great car , fun to drive . With the new 7/100000 power train warranty should you ever worry , the body is stylish and the exterior is unique .The only problem is the car is NEW !NO AFTER MARKET parts.I went to have the oil changed to find out the local oil change garage didnt have the car in the system .I am also looking to change the fog bulbs to yellow , but cant find a aftermarket part #, only the gunuine suzuki part #. But DAMN the car is fun to drive.My car is 1 month old but i will get back to this in 6 months for a follow up.

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  my experiance driving the car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By allen eberman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive and and satisfied with the pep and handlang.

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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By BIG LIMO DADDY - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS WAGON THE FIRST DAY I SAW IT @ THE AUTO SHOW.LOTS OF LEG&HEAD ROOM.I DRIVE 190 HARD MILES PER DAY AND I LOVE IT,THE ENGINE SCREAMS FOR MORE.I ADDED A COLD AIR FILTER AND A HIGH FLOW EXHAUST GAINED 7 MPG.CANT SAY MUCH MORE THAN I LOVE IT. CANT WAIT TO DRIVE IT TO WORK EVERYDAY.

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  Love My Suzuki Aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By CrazyKitten - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Aerio, its a great car, big enough to move anything I need to but small enough to be cute. I would recommend them to anyone.

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  The Little BIG Car! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jess - August 20 - 9:06 pm

  After renting two Aerios, once to drivefrom Seattle to Portland, OR, and back, and second to use for a week in Palm Springs, CA, I literally fell in love with this powerful, frisky, solid, and adorable car! I owned a high end Cadillac, and longed for a reason to move to Suzuki. Even bought an extended warranty, and plan to drive this equisite and personable charmer as long as its willing to go . . .It sucks up everything on the highway, and also slides easily into tight city parking. Heartily recommend!!