With the 2.0-liter engine and an automatic transmission, acceleration is somewhat tepid from a stop, but improves nicely once underway. A two-wheel-drive SX with automatic reached 60 mph in 10.7 seconds. The engine has little surplus of power in the 40-65 mph range, but the transmission downshifts quickly for passing. Acceleration improves with the manual transmission, which has very smooth clutch and shifter action. Despite the larger engine in 2004 models, takeoffs remain on the sleepy side. However, AWD models don't feel slower than Aerios with front-drive. Fuel economy varies. A test manual-shift GS front-drive sedan averaged a satisfying 31.5 mpg in predominantly highway driving. But SX wagons with automatic and front-drive averaged 22.3 mpg to 25.9 mpg in a city/highway mix. With all-wheel drive, the figure dipped to 20.1 mpg--not great for a subcompact. The Aerio's ride is reassuringly stable at highway speeds, and tar strips and smaller bumps are absorbed surprisingly well. Some larger bumps pound through and set the body to jiggling or bounding. Gusty crosswinds can result in mild wander, too. Quick steering and moderately well-controlled body lean combine for an almost sporty feel, but small tires lose their grip early in aggressive cornering. Short overall length and a tight turning circle help maneuverability in close quarters. The brake pedal suffers long, mushy travel, particularly in simulated panic stops. Wind, road, and engine noise intrude at highway speeds. Both engines sound coarse and loud under full throttle. Larger bumps and rough surfaces tend to induce tinny body drumming. Digital gauges are readable in all light conditions. Big, bright speedometer digits are especially easy to see, but the fuel-level bar-graph and some other indicators are undersized. Radio and climate controls are just out of easy reach. Hard plastic surfaces are abundant, but varied textures, colors, and shapes keep the interior from looking cheap. A tall build, height-adjustable driver's seat (except for S sedan), and a very low cowl combine for a commanding view of the road. However, thick rear pillars detract from over-the-shoulder visibility in both the sedan and wagon. Front occupants get plenty of head and leg room, though tall drivers may prefer more seat travel. Firm, supportive seats are mounted high for simple, step-in-and-out entry/exit. Rear space is quite good in view of this car's exterior size. The roomy wagon's tall roof affords ample head room. Sedans have a lower roof that cramps passengers taller than 5-feet-9. Knee room is slightly better in the sedan than the wagon, but neither feels tight unless front seats are pushed far back. Entry/exit is eased by high seats and large doors. The sedan's tall trunk is large for the class, but does not reach far forward. The wagon's bumper-height cargo area is easy to load, and removing its floor panel reveals several handy compartments. Small-item storage is rather limited, 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 for the Money
Quirky and a bit sluggish, Aerio sedans can be efficient, low-cost commuter cars. Except for their tall build, though, they don't really stand out among subcompact cars. Wagons are roomier and more versatile than most subcompacts. Both are deftly designed, relatively entertaining to drive, and were very competitively priced when new. Noise levels detract, but few subcompacts match the superior foul-weather traction of an AWD Aerio. Weak resale value against the top import brands could make the Aerio an appealing secondhand buy.