2002 Suzuki Aerio: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.