2002 Suzuki Aerio Review
2002 Suzuki Aerio Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+8
Used Aerio for sale
Appraise This CarSuzuki Aerio types
- Sedan
- Wagon
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Affordable price, large interior, powerful standard engine.
Cons
- Missing a few key features.
What’s new
The Aerio is Suzuki's new compact car. Available in both sedan and wagon format, the Aerio boasts a powerful engine, distinctive styling and an affordable price.
Edmunds says
A worthwhile compact car from Suzuki. Still a few paces off the pack leaders, however.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Suzuki Aerio S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$161/mo for Aerio S
Aerio S
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Compared to the Japanese giants like Honda, Nissan and Toyota, Suzuki has never achieved huge success with its cars here in America. Trucks and motorcycles have been its forte. For 2002, Suzuki finally hopes to make some real noise with its Aerio.
Available in sedan and hatchback versions, the Aerio is all-new. Its styling is meant to look aerodynamic (hence the name) and distinctive. The sedan, despite being shorter in length than most other compact cars, offers a surprisingly roomy cabin and trunk. The Aerio SX hatchback (looking more like a tall wagon than a hatchback) is also big inside. Something we're not so fond of is the digital gauge cluster; a variety of automakers tried these in the '80s, and the buying public hated them. Also, the list of safety features is short: ABS is available as an option, but Suzuki has decided not to offer side airbags at all.
Both the sedan and hatchback are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 141 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual tranny is standard, with a four-speed automatic available as an option. An all-wheel-drive version of the Aerio will make its way to dealerships near you come September.
Buyers of the Aerio sedan get to choose between two trims. The S offers standard features such as air conditioning, a six-speaker single-play CD audio system, power windows and a tilt steering wheel. The upscale GS trim offers add-ons such as power door locks, cruise control, front-seatback pockets, 15-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles and mirrors, a height-adjustable driver seat, keyless remote entry and a rear spoiler. The Aerio SX comes with the same features as the GS sedan. No matter what you order, you won't be paying much; the GS and SX have MSRPs less than $15,000.
But is a cheap price enough to justify a purchase? The compact car segment is more competitive than ever, and there are a few cars that we would likely pick over the Aerio. However, Suzuki's contender does manage to separate itself from the pack by offering all-wheel drive; currently, Toyota and Subaru are the only other automakers to offer this on an economy car. If you're looking for a compact capable of beating down rough weather, the Aerio might be worth a look.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Suzuki Aerio.
5 star(72%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(2%)
58 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
Suzuki Aerio 2002 GS
blubaustin, 07/21/2013
2002 Suzuki Aerio S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Pretty cheap car to buy bought one for $1400 with
95k miles, currently has 98k miles. Pretty good starter car if you can invest the money in it to keep it running. For example: a person who cant consistently pay a car payment ontop of full coverage insurance but can afford to save up money and eventually fix stuff. Car is pretty peppy so I don't know what other people are talking about … on the car not having pep. Also seems to get pretty good gas mileage. Hwy it averages about 35mpg city, I haven't really measured.
4.88 out of 5 stars
This Car Should Definately Be Revived!
kimmypoo, 03/30/2009
2002 Suzuki Aerio SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I bought my car used from a dealership. Hadn't ever seen any model like it. I was actually one of the first in my entire community w/ this type of car, stopping traffic w/ people asking me what type of car it was how cute it was. So, that tells you something about it's looks. Driving experience has been wonderful. No problems whatsoever. I use mine everyday over 123k now and still … great. Roomy (even for 6,4 husband), reliable, works great! I'd want to buy another one if needed but found it's been discontinued. W/ this car's reliability record, this should not be! Bring it back Suzuki!
2.38 out of 5 stars
Sub-Toyota Quality
tucsonics, 08/09/2012
2002 Suzuki Aerio SX 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
The quality sucks. I had to have the water pump replaced, engine mounts replaced, right axel replaced, and only have 99k miles. The front spoiler is too low, and got hooked on many curbs. It's trashed and costs $800 to replace. Not worth it. Poor paint job, scratches off easy to reveal black primer on bumpers.
3.38 out of 5 stars
175000 and still runs great
Mike, 12/27/2007
2002 Suzuki Aerio S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I use this car for work. Stop and go driving. I start and stop the engine approx 41 times a day and the car runs for 10-12 hrs at a time. I have beat this car into construction sites, drilled a guard rail doing 65 mph backwards, and drove it off road nailing rocks and going over logs. I replaced tires, two front wheel bearings at 150,000 miles, 4 front brake rotors, a serpentine belt. … It now needs a full exhaust system and a radiator, its not the most comfortable car on the market or the most fuel effecient but keep good fluids in it and it should provide you with adaquate transportation. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.
2002 Aerio Highlights
Sedan
S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $13,499 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $161/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
Related Used 2002 Suzuki Aerio info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Lexus IS 200t 2013
- Used GMC Suburban 2013
- Used Ram Promaster City 2016
- Used Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2014
- Used Lexus RC 300 2016
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Kia Seltos
- 2025 Honda CR-V News
- Kia Ev9
- Kia Niro Auto
- Mercedes Maybach
- Kia Rio
- CX90 Mazda
- Toyota Prius 2023
- 2023Lexus RX
- 2023 Bronco
Other models
- New Land-Rover Discovery-Sport for Sale in Mount Vernon, OH
- Used Subaru Crosstrek in Gilbert, AZ
- Used Jaguar XK in Appleton, WI
- Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Snellville, GA
- Used Toyota Avalon-Hybrid in Riverdale, GA
- Used Mini Cooper-Coupe in Chaska, MN
- New Lexus LX for Sale in Kokomo, IN
- New Toyota Prius-Prime for Sale in Saginaw, MI
- Used Mercedes-Benz Slc-Class in Port Chester, NY
- Used Mercury Montego in Anoka, MN