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.