2003 Suzuki Aerio Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A worthwhile compact car from Suzuki. It is, however, still a few steps behind the pack leaders.
Pros
Wagon-body style, available all-wheel drive, affordable price, large interior, powerful standard engine.
Cons
Strange interior design, missing some key features.
What's New for 2003
As the Aerio is a recent introduction to the market, there aren't that many changes for 2003. Suzuki has bumped the horsepower up by four to 145 and nudged the torque up one pound-foot to 135. Other additions include integrated cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, a three-point seatbelt and headrest for rear center seat and a new cloth design. The GS and SX models drop the rear-seat armrest, get a six-disc in-dash CD player and have the optional all-wheel-drive available.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love this car (even after 94K miles)
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Aerio S Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is the bang for your buck by far. The best purchase I have ever made. I purchased my slightly used 2003 4 door S trim sedan in 2004 for just under $10K. It now has 94,000 miles and I've never had a problem with the engine. I have only had minor problems with the cd player and the piece of the bumper that detaches to minimize damage from towing. This car is incredibly reliable, has good pickup, and is safe and fun to drive. The cabin and trunk are very roomy despite the small appearance of the car. The height of the cabin is great for tall people.
Favorite Features
Design, speakers, soft fabric on the seats
Suggested Improvements
The paint chips off the bumper too easily
Good value, exactly what I expected
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Aerio S Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This has been a good car, mostly short range commuting first few years now my college kid son has it and puts few hwy miles on it. Excellent fuel economy, sporty ride and looks. Had to put a new clutch in at 53k. Possibly due to some student drivers learning to drive a manual trans. The wobbly side mirrors are a recall item I have not got to yet. CD player has a disc stuck in it, outside temp light is burned out... minor things that can go after many years of good service. Never let me down mechanically. As is probably the norm, wife gets the nice ride, kids get the safe, dependable ride.
Favorite Features
Safety, side air bags, split fold seats w/ trunk access! Sporty looks! Awesome mpg even in a hilly town at 6500 feet!
Suggested Improvements
Popular standard features on imports often have pwr locks w/ windows package. This was kind of weird to just get the windows.
Love this car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Aerio SX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my car in October of 2004. It had about 22k miles when I bought it and currently has 114k. I really love this car. It drives like an expensive european car. Since I bought it I replaced the battery in the keychain and the cars battery. I also flush out the transmission ever 40k which I do to all the cars I own, and I change the oil every 3500 miles. The car requires low profile tires (because it handles like its on rails), I recommend Goodyear traction t/a's. I've been able to get 70k miles on them before replacing them. The original tires only lasted about 30k.
Favorite Features
Dash design, exterior style, reliability, sound system.
Suggested Improvements
Make the oil filter easier to get to. Need to remove panel to get to it. Its only 3 bolts to remove it but still annoying when you change it as often as I do. Wish it was a little more quiet when on the interstate.
Incredibly reliable experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Aerio SX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
We bought this Suzuki as a commute vehicle for my wife. It's simply been an incredible experience, as the car has been not only a lot of fun to drive, but it has been reliable beyond all expectations. With only normal dealer maintenance service, we have not had a single mechanical problem. As a huge bonus, the handling, braking, steering, and utility have all been enjoyed and utilized a tremendous amount.
Favorite Features
Sure-footed handling, tremendous utility for its size, instrument layout, standard accessories, and gas mileage (30 town, 37-42 highway).
Suggested Improvements
Additional sound-proofing
What a fun little car!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Aerio S Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased my Aerio with 67k miles on it and man what a great little car! Great price point and good gas mileage. It is fun to drive and as a bigger guy I found myself strangly comfortable in this car and not pressed up against the window like some other cars. Overall a great and dependable car. Only thing I did was get 15" rims and tires, which helped with road noise and turning performance.
Favorite Features
Nice pickup on the engine, nice stereo, good gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
No digital speedo, different cloth interior material, stock 15" wheels.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2007 Suzuki Aerio
- 2006 Suzuki Aerio
- 2005 Suzuki Aerio
- 2004 Suzuki Aerio
- 2003 Suzuki Aerio
- 2002 Suzuki Aerio
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