2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio Review:
6.
7.
Suzuki Aerio Full Review
8.
9.
10.
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation
Suzuki Aerio. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free
price quote for this generation Suzuki Aerio.
2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio Review
Aerio was a new entry-level subcompact, introduced during the 2002 model year in four-door sedan and wagon body styles with front-wheel drive. Among the smallest cars available in America, the Aerio was about the same size as Suzuki's subcompact Esteem sedan and wagon, which were discontinued after the Aerios debuted. Suzuki's Aerio sedans came in S and uplevel GS trim, while the wagon came only in a single SX level. All Aerios used a 141-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which was among the most-powerful standard engines in the subcompact class. Both a manual transmission and an extra-cost automatic were available. Antilock braking was optional, but standard equipment included air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, CD player, split-folding rear seats, and a tachometer. The GS sedan and SX wagon rode on 15-inch alloy wheels, which were optional for the S in place of 14-inch steel rims. Competitors included the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Mazda Protege.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Suzuki Aerio:
All-wheel-drive versions of the Aerio sedan and wagon debuted in fall of 2002. Suzuki claimed that these were the least-expensive AWD models on the market.
2004 Suzuki Aerio:
Aerios gained power for 2004, exchanging the original 2.0-liter engine for a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that generated 155 horsepower. This year, the uplevel sedan was called LX rather than GS. QuadGrip all-wheel drive was available for the LX and SX with an automatic transmission.
2005 Suzuki Aerio:
Aerio gains revised styling this year, including clear-lense tail lamps, new front bumper and grille, a new dashboard with analog gauges, and the steering wheel gets audio controls. Also, front side airbags were made standard this year.
2006 Suzuki Aerio:
Antilock brakes are standard instead of optional for 2006.
2007 Suzuki Aerio:
Suzuki's smallest car drops its hatchback body style in 2007, leaving a 4-dr sedan in base and Premium trims.
2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio Road Test
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Pros
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Cons
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Visibility |
Noise |
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Maneuverability |
Brake-pedal feel |
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Entry/exit |
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Available all-wheel drive |
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Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
| Aerio SX 2WD wagon w/automatic |
Rating |
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| Performance |
2 |
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| Fuel Economy |
7 |
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| Ride Quality |
4 |
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| Steering/Handling/Braking |
4 |
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| Quietness |
2 |
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| Controls/Materials |
5 |
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| Interior Room |
4 |
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| Room/Comfort (rear) |
3 |
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| Cargo Capacity |
3 |
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| Value within Class |
4 |
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| Total: |
38 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brake noise:
Clicking from the front brakes, most noticeable when changing directions, requires the installation of revised caliper springs. (2002-03)
Engine noise:
Lifters drain down (collapse) after cold soak causing ticking noise from 2.0L engine briefly after startup and, if running the engine for 20 minutes at 2,000 rpm does not clear up the problem, lifters must be replaced. (2002-03)
Engine noise:
Ticking noise when engine is started may be due to hydraulic lifter bleed-down and may require replacement lifters. (1999-2003)
Keyless entry:
The keyless entry system may quit working. On 2002 models, the transmitter and receiver may need to be replaced. On 2003 models, the system may be reprogrammed without replacing parts. (2002-03)
Tire wear:
Rear tires may wear in the inside shoulders due to incorrect toe setting, but may also be due to problem with viscous clutch. (2004-06)
Windshield washer:
Windshield washers dribble fluid, due to a lack of check valves in the hoses. Countermeasure hoses are available. (2002-03)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
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| A/C Compressor |
$320 |
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| Alternator |
$290 |
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| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle |
$2,010 |
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| Brakes |
$250 |
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| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing |
$350 |
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| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing |
$1,600 |
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| Exhaust System |
$180 |
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| Radiator |
$400 |
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| Shocks and/or Struts |
$890 |
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| Timing Chain or Belt |
$350 |
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NHTSA Recall History
2002-06 Aerio w/5-speed manual transmission:
Due to the improper shape of the clip, the retaining clip that keeps the gear shift cable attached to the gear shift lever can contact the gear shift lever housing and break the clip. Dealers will replace the gearshift cable retaining clip with a clip that has a different shape.
2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio Prices
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| 2002 |
| Aerio |
$3,500-4,100 |
$2,800-3,300 |
$900-1,100 |
| Aerio SX |
$4,100-4,700 |
$3,400-3,900 |
$1,400-1,600 |
|
| 2003 |
| Aerio |
$4,400-5,300 |
$3,700-4,400 |
$1,500-1,900 |
| Aerio SX |
$5,100-5,800 |
$4,300-4,900 |
$2,000-2,300 |
|
| 2004 |
| Aerio |
$5,500-6,700 |
$4,700-5,800 |
$2,300-2,700 |
| Aerio SX |
$6,400-7,500 |
$5,600-6,600 |
$2,800-3,300 |
|
| 2005 |
| Aerio |
$6,700-8,300 |
$5,900-7,300 |
$3,100-3,800 |
| Aerio SX |
$7,700-9,000 |
$6,900-8,100 |
$3,900-4,500 |
|
| 2006 |
| Aerio |
$8,200-10,000 |
$7,400-9,000 |
$4,200-5,100 |
| Aerio SX |
$9,200-10,800 |
$8,300-9,700 |
$4,800-5,600 |
|
| 2007 |
| Aerio |
$10,300-12,000 |
$9,300-10,800 |
$5,500-6,400 |
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification |
4-door sedan |
4-door wagon |
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| Wheelbase, in. |
97.6 |
97.6 |
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| Overall Length, in. |
171.3 |
166.5 |
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| Overall Width, in. |
67.7 |
67.7 |
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| Overall Height, in. |
60.8 |
61.0 |
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| Curb Weight, lbs. |
2604 |
2668 |
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| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. |
14.6 |
39.1 |
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| Standard Payload, lbs. |
-- |
-- |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals. |
13.2 |
13.2 |
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| Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
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| Front Head Room, in. |
40.7 |
40.6 |
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| Max. Front Leg Room, in. |
41.4 |
41.4 |
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| Rear Head Room, in. |
37.6 |
39.0 |
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| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. |
36.0 |
35.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 2002-03, each Aerio held a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that drove a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Initially, only front-wheel drive was available, but all-wheel drive became available for 2003. A larger, more potent engine went into 2004 models, producing 155 horsepower.
| Engines |
Size liters / cu. in |
Horse- power |
Torque |
Transmission: EPA city/hgwy |
Consumer Guide Observed |
|
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| dohc I4 |
2.0 / 122 |
141-145 |
135-136 |
5-speed manual: 26/33 |
5-speed manual: -- |
|
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| dohc I4 |
2.3 / 140 |
155 |
152 |
5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 25/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.
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%.
Built In:
Japan
Drive Wheels:
transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Also in the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio Review:
6.
7.
Suzuki Aerio Full Review
8.
9.
10.