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2002 Suzuki Aerio Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2002 Suzuki Aerio Review:
2002 Suzuki Aerio Review
Aerio is a new entry-level subcompact introduced in 4-dr sedan and wagon body styles with front-wheel drive. Due in fall 2002 were all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons Suzuki says will be the least-expensive AWD vehicles on the market. Among the smallest cars available in America, Aerio is about the same size as Suzuki's subcompact Esteem sedan and wagon, which will be discontinued after the 2002 model year. Aerio's sedan offers S and uplevel GS trim, the wagon comes as a single SX model. All use a 141-hp 4 cyl that's among the most-powerful standard engines in the subcompact class. Manual transmission and extra-cost automatic are available. ABS is optional, but standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, tilt steering wheel, CD player, split folding rear seats, and a tachometer. The GS sedan and SX come with 15-inch alloy wheels that are optional on the S in place of 14-inch steel rims.
Competition
A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is as good as ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. We also love almost everything about the Ford Focus, but were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less.
Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
News
Aerio is a new vehicle. Check back soon for sales and future information.
2002 Suzuki Aerio Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Visibility | Noise |
| Maneuverability | Brake-pedal feel |
| Entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
With automatic transmission, acceleration is a bit tepid from a stop, but improves nicely once underway. Engine has little surplus of power in the 40-65-mph range, but transmission downshifts quickly for passing. Acceleration improves with manual transmission, which has very smooth clutch and shifter action.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3.7 |
With automatic transmission, acceleration is a bit tepid from a stop, but improves nicely once underway. Engine has little surplus of power in the 40-65-mph range, but transmission downshifts quickly for passing. Acceleration improves with manual transmission, which has very smooth clutch and shifter action.
Fuel Economy
Test manual-transmission GS 2WD sedan averaged a satisfying 31.5 mpg in predominately highway driving. Test SX 2WD wagon with automatic transmission averaged 22.3 mpg in a city/highway mix--not great for a subcompact.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 6 | 6.7 |
Test manual-transmission GS 2WD sedan averaged a satisfying 31.5 mpg in predominately highway driving. Test SX 2WD wagon with automatic transmission averaged 22.3 mpg in a city/highway mix--not great for a subcompact.
Ride Quality
Reassuringly stable at highway speeds, and tar strips and smaller bumps are absorbed surprisingly well. Some larger bumps pound through and set body to jiggling or bounding.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Reassuringly stable at highway speeds, and tar strips and smaller bumps are absorbed surprisingly well. Some larger bumps pound through and set body to jiggling or bounding.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Quick steering and well-controlled body lean combine for almost sporty feel. Short overall length and tight turning circle help in close quarters. Brake pedal suffers long, mushy travel, particularly in simulated panic stops.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Quick steering and well-controlled body lean combine for almost sporty feel. Short overall length and tight turning circle help in close quarters. Brake pedal suffers long, mushy travel, particularly in simulated panic stops.
Quietness
Wind, road, and engine noise intrude at highway speeds. Engine sounds coarse and loud under full throttle. Larger bumps drum through body.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3.6 |
Wind, road, and engine noise intrude at highway speeds. Engine sounds coarse and loud under full throttle. Larger bumps drum through body.
Controls
Gauges are digital and readable in all light. Big, bright speedometer digits, but fuel-level bar-graph and some other indicators are undersized. Radio and climate controls just out of easy reach. Lots of hard plastic surfaces, but varied textures, colors, and shapes keep interior from looking cheap.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Gauges are digital and readable in all light. Big, bright speedometer digits, but fuel-level bar-graph and some other indicators are undersized. Radio and climate controls just out of easy reach. Lots of hard plastic surfaces, but varied textures, colors, and shapes keep interior from looking cheap.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Tall build, height-adjustable driver seat, and very low cowl combine for commanding view of the road, though thick rear pillars detract from over-the-shoulder visibility in both sedan and wagon. Plenty of head and leg room. Firm, supportive seats are mounted high for simple, step-in-and-out entry/exit.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4.4 |
Tall build, height-adjustable driver seat, and very low cowl combine for commanding view of the road, though thick rear pillars detract from over-the-shoulder visibility in both sedan and wagon. Plenty of head and leg room. Firm, supportive seats are mounted high for simple, step-in-and-out entry/exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Quite good for this car's exterior size. Wagon's tall roof affords ample head room; sedan has lower roof that cramps passengers taller than 5-ft-9. Knee room slightly better in sedan than wagon, but neither feels tight unless front seats are pushed far back. Entry/exit eased by high seats and large doors.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 3.2 |
Quite good for this car's exterior size. Wagon's tall roof affords ample head room; sedan has lower roof that cramps passengers taller than 5-ft-9. Knee room slightly better in sedan than wagon, but neither feels tight unless front seats are pushed far back. Entry/exit eased by high seats and large doors.
Cargo Room
Sedan's tall trunk is large for the class but doesn't go far forward. Wagon's bumper-height cargo area easy to load, and removing its floor panel reveals several handy compartments. Small-item storage rather limited inside, though there is a pull-out drawer under the front passenger's seat. All Aerios have split rear seatbacks that fold easily and lay flat once seat bottoms are flipped forward.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 3.3 |
Sedan's tall trunk is large for the class but doesn't go far forward. Wagon's bumper-height cargo area easy to load, and removing its floor panel reveals several handy compartments. Small-item storage rather limited inside, though there is a pull-out drawer under the front passenger's seat. All Aerios have split rear seatbacks that fold easily and lay flat once seat bottoms are flipped forward.
Value within Class
Except for their tall build, Aerio sedans don't stand out among subcompact cars. But the wagon is roomier and more versatile than most subcompacts. Both are efficiently designed, relatively entertaining to drive, and very competitively priced. Noise levels detract, but Aerio's biggest shortcoming is Suzuki's low profile in the marketplace and its poor resale value vs. the top import brands.
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 4.7 |
Except for their tall build, Aerio sedans don't stand out among subcompact cars. But the wagon is roomier and more versatile than most subcompacts. Both are efficiently designed, relatively entertaining to drive, and very competitively priced. Noise levels detract, but Aerio's biggest shortcoming is Suzuki's low profile in the marketplace and its poor resale value vs. the top import brands.
Total Score
| GS 2WD sedan, man. | SX 2WD wagon, auto. | Class Average |
| 48 | 49 | 44.2 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 31 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2002 Suzuki Aerio Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/08/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door sedan, manual | $13,499 | $12,962 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door sedan, automatic | $14,499 | $13,922 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door sedan w/antilock brakes, manual | $13,999 | $13,422 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door sedan w/antilock brakes, automatic | $14,999 | $14,382 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| GS 4-door sedan, manual | $14,499 | $13,922 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| GS 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,499 | $14,882 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| GS 4-door sedan w/antilock brakes, manual | $14,999 | $14,382 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| GS 4-door sedan w/antilock brakes, automatic | $15,999 | $15,342 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| SX 4-door wagon, manual | $14,499 | $13,922 | $500 |
|
|
|||
| SX 4-door wagon, automatic | $15,499 | $14,882 | $500 |
|
|
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| SX 4-door wagon w/antilock brakes, manual | $14,999 | $14,382 | $500 |
|
|
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| SX 4-door wagon w/antilock brakes, automatic | $15,999 | $15,342 | $500 |
Price note: AWD price and equipment not available at time of publication.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
185/65R14 tires, wheel covers.
GS adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power door locks, remote keyless entry, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, 195/55R15 tires, alloy wheels.
SX adds to GS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cargo cover, rear wiper/washer.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Floormats
|
||
|
GS, S, SX
|
$75
|
$48
|
|
|
||
2002 Suzuki Aerio Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Suzuki Aerio 4-door sedan | Suzuki Aerio 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.6 | 97.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.3 | 166.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.7 | 67.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 60.8 | 61.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2604 | 2668 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.6 | 39.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.7 | 40.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 39.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.0 | 35.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 141 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 135 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 26/33 |
| 4-speed automatic | 26/31 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Suzuki Aerio 4-door sedan | Suzuki Aerio 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 3/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Suzuki Aerio Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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