2003 Suzuki Aerio Consumer Reviews

Suzuki Aerio SX Wagon is good

Written by: T.F. on 04/11/2007

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio SX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

You pay less for Suzuki up front but you have to upgrade them to your liking. For example, the suspension needs to be upgraded, the engine needs a performance boost but the overall car is fine. The only complaint I have is the Suzuki should have promoted the Aerio for the long haul but instead they dropped the model just like the Esteem model line. The transferable warranty is makes them a good used car buy.

Favorite Features

Quality, the AWD is great, price, reliablity, warranty features, Japan built.

Suggested Improvements

Bouncy suspension, 2.0L engine is gutless but they did upgrade this to a 2.3L already, black paint is dull.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Can Anyone Get Parts for These Cars?

Written by: dnrportch on 01/19/2007

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio S Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

You can't get parts for the Aerio in a timely manner. Example one: the transmission went out in 2006. It was still under extended warranty, but it took 6 weeks to get the parts and it had to be repaired twice. We have a great dealer. It's the car and the factory. The car runs fine now. Example two: after a low speed collision with a deer (he jumped on the hood while chasing another deer across the road in front of us!) we had two dealers try to order replacement parts on three separate occasions. The parts never arrived! It's been eighteen months. You should also know that the car is terrible in wet snow or snow over ice. It is geared too powerfully relative to the weight of the car. I like the gas mileage it gets, but would not buy another.

Favorite Features

The good gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the strength of the bumpers - they crack and break when snow fills the tire wells. Solve the problem with obtaining parts. Increase the clearance - the front bumper is easily damaged by parking blocks because it is so low. Redesign it to have safer snow performance or don't sell them in northern climates with winter weather.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Beware

Written by: Dinslaken on 10/28/2006

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio S Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car has a lot of value for the money and the first 48,000 miles were trouble free. The engine needed oil frequently, which is not that bad, but despite more maintenance than required, the engine blew at 48,560 miles, then the transmission went at 54,000 miles. The axle seals were replaced twice, and the brakes need replacement about every 10,000 miles. The worst part is that Suzuki refused to honor their "Best Warranty" on both occasions due to "lack of proven component failure." According to other owners, this problem is increasing. Suzuki was sued for both instances, and we were reimbursed by court order. Other than that....nice car!

Favorite Features

Lots of features for the money.

Suggested Improvements

Stand behind the poor craftsmanship, like other automakers do. Listen to consumers who have sued Suzuki in the past 2 years for similar reasons (total of 184).

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Happy Aerio Owner

Written by: Pastor tom on 09/05/2006

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio SX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car is a joy to drive. It has handling on the highways I drive that is comporable to the European cars I have owned in the past. It has plenty of get up and go, the gas mileage is not as good as my Swift's was, but it doesn't do badly at all. I get about 32 miles per gallon on highway. I live in the desert and I drive the state highway all the time. I do not do any city driving at any length. I have had no repairs done except for scheduled maintenance. I now have had nearly 50,000 miles of touble free driving, which is very important in the middle of the CA desert.

Favorite Features

The sound system is very good for one that is factory installed. The windows work well even after so many miles. I love the cruse control and how eaisy it is to use. This car has a lot of little extras that are not expected and loved, like the storage in the back and the tape storage under the passenger seat.

Suggested Improvements

The one thing it lacks is better soundproofing! There is too much road noise for such a nice car! It has a nice interior, comfortable seats, but too much road noise.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Well Equipped for the Price

Written by: chilaxin on 08/16/2006

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio GS Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The Suzuki Aerio has a lot of options for the price and it's the only compact car you do not have to be a contortionist to drive.

Favorite Features

I like the CD changer, cool A/C, power doors and windows, and remote entry for comfort and functionality. The rear spoiler and alloy wheels really add to the looks.

Suggested Improvements

It should have better brakes, craftsmanship quality, and larger wheels / tires for a more balanced look.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Suzuki Aerio is underated

Written by: T. F. on 06/29/2006

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio SX AWD 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is our fourth Suzuki auto and we are pleased with it overall. We have no major complaints at this time.

Favorite Features

The car is versitile and performs well for a car in this class of autos.

Suggested Improvements

We hope that Suzuki keeps making them in Japan and doesn't drop the model as they are prone to do.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Very good car

Written by: A. Smyth on 03/12/2006

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio SX AWD 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I have put 36,000 miles on this car. So far it has been very reliable, but I have had some minor problems. The catalytic converter had to be replaced, and it's rattling again. Also, the overhead light shutoff failed twice. I had better replacement brake pads installed by dealer better than the originals. However, I enjoy every minute that I drive this car, Its handling is very good (did the Edmund's reviewer even drive it?), It is a better value and has a smoother ride than the Subaru Impreza. The all wheel drive is great. I would definitely buy another.

Favorite Features

Handling, interior space, AWD

Suggested Improvements

Eliminate minor rattles and electrical problems.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Very happy with my Aerio SX

Written by: Jim on 10/13/2005

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio SX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

After 2+ years and almost 40,000 miles we are still very happy with our Aerio SX. Oil changes and other fluid changes are the only money that we've spent other than a burnt out light bulb in the dash, (which was fixed in 15 minutes under warranty). This is a lot of car for not much money. Its gas mileage is a steady 27 - 29 in mixed city / freeway driving. We will purchase another Suzuki product when the time comes!

Favorite Features

The upright seating, lots of glass, and styling. The controls are laid out nicely.

Suggested Improvements

A bit more tire from the factory would be nice, as would a bit more roll stiffness (this is easily cured with upgraded sway bars or bushings).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Nightmare Suzuki Aerio

Written by: jlfresearcher on 09/22/2005

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio SX AWD 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased my Aerio new in Feb. 2003 & absolutely love the way it handles in snow but it has been a lemon since the day I bought it. So far I have replaced the automatic transmission, California air emissions controls,the rear rim,I am not hard on a car. My front passenger side has been filled with rain water 4 times as the drainage hose from the hood to under the car keeps letting go & dumps the rain into the car. The base of my battery cable corroded & has taken over 2 weeks a new factory part. I feel like I have been on timeshare with my dealer. I should have relinquished the car after the 4th trip for the transmission prior to replacement. I'm out of warranty & it is getting expensive!

Favorite Features

Snow handling is excellent. I have been able to move my daughter back and forth to college in one trip. Once I took a Jeep Liberty and it had less interior space than the Aerio.

Suggested Improvements

Improve drainage connection between the windshield drainage area to under the car, remove it from entering the interior of the vehicle. Remove the CA Emission controls for all except those sold in CA. The tires are extremely expensive as they are a special order item. Include a more standard size.

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Aerio SX, best in class

Written by: adnizzle on 09/01/2005

Vehicle

2003 Suzuki Aerio SX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I got my 2003 Suzuki Aerio three weeks ago and so far it's a beauty. By looking at all the other high reviews for it, that doesn't seem to change as time goes on. It is a great, reliable car...in my opinion best in its class.

Favorite Features

6 CD changer and tweeters.

Suggested Improvements

Stronger body moldings.

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