2005 Suzuki Aerio Review

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Fuel Economy

23 - 24 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

As the most affordable all-wheel-drive car on the market, the Aerio may suit buyers in harsh climates, but in most other respects it lags behind its more refined competition.

Pros

Available as a sedan or wagon, optional all-wheel drive, roomy interior, powerful standard engine, long list of standard features, solid crash test scores.

Cons

Some low-grade interior plastics, sloppy handling.

What's New for 2005

The Aerio receives a new front bumper, grille and foglamp design, as well as a new rear spoiler on sedans, new clear-lens taillights on the SX and new alloy wheels. Inside, all models get standard automatic climate control, a new instrument panel with analog gauges in place of the former digital setup, new steering wheel with audio controls, redesigned console, upgraded seat fabric and a sunglasses holder. Also, side airbags are now standard on all Aerios. The base S model gains power door locks, keyless entry, a rear spoiler and additional interior trim accents.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

ENIGNE, TRANSMISSION & PAINT

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 5 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 5

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Aerio S Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car is junk. At less than 100,000km the paint began to chip, the muffler and exhaust rotted completely, went through 2 sets of tires, and im pretty sure my rotars are long overdue. At 105,000km, I had the engine replaced because of a manufacturers defect. A Piston rod snapped firing the remaining pieces through my block, into the oil pan. At 120,000km, My transmission goes (M.T.). My synchros is finished causing severe grinding when decelerating during a downshift. The stock battery is terrible. I left my stereo on for 10 minutes while the car was off. DEAD. My airbag light came on at 85,000km. The road noise is terrible, the electrical motors in the windows are failing. enuf said?

Favorite Features

... stereo? Acceleration?

Suggested Improvements

... READ above

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Much more than expected

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Aerio SX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought the Aerio SX after surgery because it allowed easy in and out access, and have ended up falling in love with it over the last four years! This car is exceptionally well made (the Japanese are famous for this!) and outperforms many of the more expensive autos I've owned such as Volvo, BMW, Cadillac, VW and MG. Great gas mileage, ultra reliable, has remained tight and rattle free, and shows little wear over the years. Yes, the front bumper is low, and I'd prefer larger tires, but hey, overall no complaints at all with this little gem! The anti-lock brakes and AWD are life savers over and over again. Transmission smooth as silk. Best value for reasonable price!

Favorite Features

Steering wheel controls of sound system, 6 CD player and cruise control. Comfy seats and head room. Amazing gas mileage, superb acceleration, smooth transmission, loading ease, cargo capacity with rear seats down, smooth ride, large visibility all around, slim size for sliding through tight places.

Suggested Improvements

Longer slide back for driver's seat

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Poor tires, brakes, and shocks

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 7
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 7

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Aerio SX Fwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The car is amiable. But I had to change all 4 tires at 18000k's and the front disc brakes at 30,000k and I was told the rear shocks are on their way out. To say nothing about the sticking shifter. At 70 years of age, I am hardly a cowboy behind the wheel.

Favorite Features

High seating position. Easy entry. Good cargo space for a golfer.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe the manufacturer has already improved the brakes, shocks, and tire suppliers. I would think wind and road noise will have been improved also.

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Many repair issues

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 1 Fun-to-Drive: 6 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 6 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 2 Exterior Design: 6

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Aerio SX AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I like the look of my car but the amount of times I have had to have it repaired (many times for the wheel bearings) and number of tires and other mechanical problems I would not recommend it to anyone. I have been a proud owner of 3 Suzukis before this one. I will not recommend anyone to buy these anymore. This has been a nightmare, including the Suzuki repair service causing more problems also. I am also only getting 17 miles to the gallon and my cruise control doesn't work either.

Favorite Features

My favorite feature about the car is how sporty the techno blue looks, and that it is low to the ground. The other feature that I love is the outside temperature display. Of course the 6 CD changer is good too.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the wheel bearings, ann tires.

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2005 suzuki Aerio Sx. Not a happy camper

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 1 Fun-to-Drive: 5 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 6 Interior Design: 5 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 5

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Aerio SX Fwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I can honestly say I felt the same way most of the other reviewers felt on this site about there Aerios when I first purchased the car however 36,000 miles later and its a much different feeling. My Aerio has went through 3 sets of tires which were rotated at 5,000 mile intervals. The front sway bar bushings have been replaced.One week later the squeaking is back. More squeaks in the dash. Paint is not very good. Easy to scratch when opening the doors .They do buff out but the chips on the hood do not. I am very disappointed in the car.I thought it would hold up better.The suspension is terrible on this car.Too many squeaks and rattles .I guess you get what you pay for. Not Recommended

Favorite Features

Nothing right as I am disappointed in the cars reliability

Suggested Improvements

Improved suspension. Heck any kind would do. My go kart is more reliable and has less rattles

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