Used 2004 Suzuki Aerio Consumer Reviews
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Reliable car with great features
I bought my awd aerio brand new with 49 miles. It was loaded with climate control and ABS, I paid $15,000 for it. At first I had a minor hiccup with balding tires (tires went bald after 14,000 miles! dealer fixed it with alignment or something and its been golden since). This was my first new car and I am so glad I bought it. I have treated it well and changed the oil every 3,000 and got a tune up(spark plugs and stuff) at 100,000. I have went through some brakes and a few tire changes. The car has 140,000 miles on it and will be 6 years old next month. The car is great in the winter and I hope to get another 3-5 years out of the car.
Very Reliable Ride
This is the best car I have ever owned. Gas mileage is about 25MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Very peppy drivetrain. Turns on a dime, lots of storage space. Nothing has ever broken down on this car (knock on wood). I have only replace oil, air filters, and a battery. I highly recommend it.
Love that Suzuki!
I purchased my 2004 Aerio SX new in June of 2004 and I love the car. I drove it from Columbus, OH to Cincinnati, Dayton, Mansfield, and Indianapolis, IN as part of my job as a manufacturer's rep until early 2009 and usually got 28 to 30 mpg on the highway. I have over 156,000 miles on the car and have had minimal problems (in fact the only one was the replacement of a catalytic converter), but I change the oil every 3K to 5K miles, and have had two or three brake jobs and one engine tune-up with new platinum plugs plus about three tire (all 4) changes. Even with all the miles it has had very reasonable maintainence costs. Too bad Suzuki dropped this model for a smaller version of it.
131,000 And Going Strong
I've just now finished using my 2004 Aerio Sedan and will now pass it to my daughter. I bought it brand new and put almost every single mile on it myself. Other than utterly routine stuff, I've done virtually nothing to this car. Even the routine repairs may well be more due to my driving style than defects in the car. As a matter of fact, I think I'm still using the original batter on the thing. This has been a super car in almost every way that matters.
A Car For Any Season
If you are looking for 0-60 acceleration or fast and furious performance, don't get an AWD Aerio. The automatic tranny just won't allow it. The interior is well designed with the controls for everything placed just right. The car is very comfortable for my 6'3" 280 lb. frame. The factory radio is incredible and with the rear seats folded down I can fit more things in this than the old S-10 Blazer I had. This car really shines in bad weather. It handles snow and rain like a champ, and it eats up country dirt roads. All in all, with the interior room, all weather capability, and storage space, you almost feel like you are driving an SUV... except this has more standard features that most SUVs.
My Suzuki is the worst purchase ever
My Suzuki Aerio is not even two years old. and we have had it in the shop 8 times now. We are talking major stuff here. The transmission has been changed,along with the head and new pistons. The front axle fell out while my husband was on the interstate. We had the car one month and it went in the shop for the first time. My advice, don't buy this car. We are being told there is nothing we can do about the car. This was by the district manager.
Fun Car, Has Everything I Wanted
This little car has everything I wanted including power. If I was to improve it I would reduce the power a bit and try to get a bit better gas mileage. I can fit all the camping gear, bikes and freinds I want into it. I'm now hauling my new Kayak on top and it has worked out great. I love this car.
My newest purchase
My husband and I purchased a 2004 Aerio SX Wagon Standard on May 1, 2006 to replace my Ford Ranger XLT, which I was putting 45 dollars in gas a week into. I haven't measured the gas mileage, all I know is now I'm only paying 25 dollars a week in gas, as opposed to the 45, which is great. I do a lot of interstate driving to and from work, and this car has so much more oomph than my Ranger did. It's very roomy for being a smaller car, and the storage is great. I love the storage in the trunk.
Great All Wheel Drive
I drive my Suzuki Aerio SX mostly for the 11 city highway miles to work. I took it up the mountain to snow ski and it exceeded all expectations on icy roads. We got 3 snowboards, a pair of skis, and four people inside comfortably. If you are used to high-powered imports, then this car will disappoint, but all four wheels really take you around the corners quickly even when conditions are bad.
Good Basic Car
The ownership of my Aerio has been very easy. Gas-up and drive. Of course, change the oil every 5,000 miles.
Midsize Manners
A significant improvement over the 2000 Esteem which I traded in. So far: 7000 smooth, fun/peppy, trouble-free miles. As smooth as a Camry and quieter than a Civic sedan on highway. Solid handling even in inclement weather. Handling in high gusty wind is manageble and not troublesome. I have the off-white pearl color which hides dirt well. So far, no paint issues. Stereo is hi-fi quality, not sizzly/boomy. AC cooling is adequate. Engine tends to ping in hot weather (85% plus) under load conditions (hills with AC on, or steep hills in general). 89 Octane alleviates problem. Otherwise runs fine on 87 octane. Why are the critics so down on this car? I wonder if they've actually driven the sedan
Great Car
I REALLY DO ENJOY MY '03 SX IT'S A FUN CAR TO DRIVE AROUND. LOTS OF EXTRAS FOR THE PRICE, TOO. I HIGHLY RECAMEND FOR ANYONE WHO DOS'NT WANT TO SPEND ALOT OF MONEY AND WANTS A PROFORMENCE ECONOMY CAR THIS IS IT. ITS POWER TO WIEGHT RATIO IS NOT TO BAD 145HP TO 2600LB COMPARE TO OTHER VEHICLES IN AND OUT OF ITS CLASS. BUT MORE HP IS ALWAYS O.K.
Rise of the Tall Cars
I purchased the Aerio because it was the least expensive AWD vehicle I could find. The new style of building the car up rather than out is what sets this vehicle apart. I shopped the competition but their interiors felt cramped in comparison. Why do automakers have you sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you? This is a style of automaking that should go the way of the dinosaur. The exterior styling has grown on me, and I enjoy being one of the few in my area that has this car. I get many favorable comments on it from other motorists. I can't believe that a car in this price range has so many standard features.
Buyer Beware
Purchased as a "Program Car" with 15,000 miles. The vehicle now has a total of 34,150 miles. Under 20,000 miles the heater and blower went. With 30,000 miles the front end suspension and struts needed to be replaced. With 33,000 miles two engine rotors, belts and brakes needed to be repolaced. The front bumper is easliy dislodged with any hint of snow. The 10 year warranty is a scam. Costs of parts and repairs are outrageous
Just right
i'll tell you what, buy this car. you can't beat the performance you get out of this car for the money. it is quick and fun to drive. it's got plenty of interior room not to mention a huge trunk. i was in the market for a wagon, but decided to get the aerio sedan for it's great value and performance. i'm very satisfied with this car.
Great 11 years
Lucky if the tires last 25,000 miles
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
very good car
Fun car to drive. lots of extras you have to pay for in the Matrix , 6 cd changer, out side temp monotor.Lots and lots of room to carry things.
so far so good
excellent power and fuel consumption for awd. 155 horses feels good under the hood and the ride is comfortably stiff. The styling is a standout, unique and sporty. Great warranty and easy maintenance schedule.
Roomy but should have better gas mileage
It is fun to drive, shifting is not very smoothe. Fuel economy 30 on highway not very good for such a small car! The interior is very roomy and seats four very well 5 if 5th is child! Has alot of amenities for the money and warranty is excellent! Long trips or snow driving not very good (low ground cleance) even though it is front wheel drive! Might want to get 4WD version for snow areas!
2004 Suzuki Aerio SX
Very, very quick but needs better suspension. There's a lot of noise in the cabin area. Brakes are very, very, very noisy. Everything else about the car is great, buy one or you'll have to get an sx4 because this fast and furious baby as been discontinued.
Fun car, surprising size
I have had my Aerio SX with AWD for almost four years. This car has been a blast and has been great for my family of four. Interior has more room than you would suspect. I don't like the all black interior as every little thing shows up. The AWD had been great in snow and on ice. With all the winter driving we've done, only once did we bury it and that was human error. We have had a recurring exhaust rattle that needs to be fixed every few months but the local shop tightens that up every time they change the oil. As my kids approach their teenage years, I will have to make a change, but this car has been great while they were young.
2004 Suzuki SX AWD auto
I bought my Aerio used with 10,000 miles and it currently has 56,000 miles. Overall my Aerio has been reliable, although the brake pads and rotors seem to require replacement more quickly than in other vehicles.
Excellent, Fun and Cute!
I can tell my Suzuki Aerio is an excellent, fun, and cute car. It hasn't given me any problems so far. I have only changed the tires this month and I have been monitoring its oil and filter.
LOSE 1/3 of price driving off lot!!
This car is fun to drive if you change the cb's and a couple of things off the front suspension.If you don't It pulls dramatically whenever you accelerate or when you go over any type of dips. I would even consider it dangerous if it was being driven by a teenager as a tuner car,because of the handling before aftermarket adjustments to the front end.Problem#2 If you are looking for a car to change the body kit and all the fun stuff forgetit NO AFTERMARKET BODY KITS AT ALL ! AT least the last time I called 500 parts suppliers ) Problem #3- I had the car 2 months and was going to trade it in for an STI to go with my EvoVIII and with only 1800 miles$16
Love On The Road
great to drive kids love the look can't wait for snow
My Aerio
I love my little Aerio. At first, when i saw the car i was hesitant, but as soon as I got inside and saw all the cute original features that the car has, I fell in love. I've had my car now for four months and I'm so happy. I hope it lasts a long time with me. =)
Stone-axe dependable
I grew up riding and racing Suzuki motorcycles and other than basic maintenance found them very reliable, fast and fun. When my wife and I could no longer stand being a one car family, and the monthly payment on our Honda mini-van was becoming unbearable, we went shopping. I'd been keeping my eye on the Suzuki automobile offerings for the previous year or two and was quite smitten with the unique styling, AWD, fully loaded Suzuki Aerio SX wagon. We shopped around and bought two AWD Aerios which drive great (especially in the snow) can carry alot and, just as I found with their motorcycles, very reliable. Gas prices? I drive just as much as I please, loving my Suzuki, in any weather. We dig our Suzukis!
Excellent
A very nice car im suprised it didnt sell as much as corolla and other cars in class. It fits big rims plenty power a all around fun car.
Aerio
This Vehicale is great in snow. The gas milage is a little disapointing for its class.
Great Little Car
After an accident rendered my wife's Escort undriveable we decided to replace it with something just as economical but we wanted something with a little more pizzaz.We didn't have a lot of money to spend so the Corollas and Civics were priced out of our range.We briefly considered a Hyundai or Kia but just didn't get the warm fuzzy feeling with them.As soon as we sat in the Aerio we were hooked.The headroom is massive (enough to accomodate a six foot tall person with inches to spare).There are more standard features on this car than you can shake a stick at (AC,6 disc CD,PW,PDL and heated mirrors are standard!).We average almost 30 MPG and as far as power....Buckle up and hang on!!!
great car
Pros: Great value, fun to drive, great features Cons: A little sluggish to take off (auto AWD)
gotta have it
i had this car as a rental for one week. I was totally thrilled with it. Has great torque for the mountains I had to go over (from Salt Lake to Reno)- wouldn't pull down, would downshift and kept right up with the big dogs when ascending. For an economy car, there isn't anything I didn't like about it. It's cute and sweet, fuel efficient and powerful. I'd buy one in a minute for toodle-ing around in, if i could.
My Aerio
My SX exceeded my expectations for a small car.Suzuki gave me the extended warranty after purchase.The car performs w/pep w the 5 speed manual.It has suffcient power to pass at 75-80mph and has smoothly purred at 109 on a flat road on a hot sunny day.Even at high speed the car handled well with little roll and lower rpm's than expected. The interior has room for such a small car, the AC kicks butt over the toyota matrix, vibe and honda civic - in Phoenix it is good to test drive in mid summer for back seat AC performance.Fully loaded at base it was the most logical decision to make over the competition.
I LOVE MY AERIO
I LOVE MY AERIO. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE AND I GET GREAT GAS MILAGE. EVERYONE LOOKS AT THE CAR. THERE IS ONE THING HOWEVER THAT I DONT LIKE BUT ITS NOTHING MAJOR I WAS TOLD. THAT IS THE RIGHT FRONT FEELING LIKE IT IS BOTTOMING OUT...AT FIRST WE THOUGHT IT WAS A STRUT BUT WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT IS THE WAY SUZUKI MADE IT. I THINK SUZUKI SHOULD MAKE SOFTER RUBBER PIECE TO PUT ON THE ARM SO THIS DOESNT HAPPEN.
Good car
I drove my Aerio from Wa state to Texas and back on each drive we averaged about 32 miles to the gallon. In town I get about 30- 40. I was a comfortable car as well as hardly any one had seen one yet so it made it that much more fun.
Great Vehicle - I Love It
I love my Suzuki Aerio. It is very comfortable, with a surprising amount of room inside. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It gets great gas mileage and its controls are easy to use.
My Suzuki Areio SX
Purchased the vehicle to replace a 9 yr old four door sedan and that had past it's usefulness My wife fell in love with the SX. We purchased the vehilce in Memphis Tn and drove it to Las Vegas, Nv where we retired. the ride accross country was uneventful and we got 32mpg which was terrific. The handling is more than expected from a small car.
Excellent Little Car
It is a nice little car. It is fun to driver, and has a lot of power. This car is an excellent buy.
Suzuki, I'm Impressed!!!
This vehicle has fantastic bang for the buck! The Aerio SX comes fully loaded - - options that cost extra on the Toyota and Mazda cars. The Aerio is a fun to drive, reliable, economical vehicle -- offering room for 4 full size adults (5 in a pinch). I've had many people ask me about this car... it's sporty and functional.
Compact Car with a Midsize Feel
Original owner, 4000 enjoyable and trouble free miles. Previously owned an Esteem. That was a good small car but this is a significant improvement all around. Tall drivers should try it. Feels very secure in inclement weather. Really not a problem in high wind. No paint problems on this one (white pearl color). My first digital dash and adjusted easily to it. AC is adequate for me but some people may need more. So far mileage is low to mid 30's on highway and mid 20's round town. Fortunately this car runs just fine on Kroger 87 octane. So save your pennies!
My Second Aerio, better than the first..
I have had most cars in this class including a Civic, Insight, Corolla, Cavalier, Elantra, Sephia, Escort and Swift. Having a previous good experience with my Suzuki Swift, I bought a 2002 Suzuki Aerio with the 2.0L 4 Cylinder. I loved it so much, I went back to Suzuki and bought another! The power improvement for '04 is VERY noticeable without a penalty in MPG. Suzuki also addressed the lack of a driver armrest and my 2004 seems much quieter on the inside (engine is very quiet on both). I would suggest to would-be compact class buyers to test drive an Aerio after driving an Echo, Corolla, Civic or Scion XA or XB & I'm sure you'll be impressed!
Great AWD Car
Great car, price was great, fun to drive, good on gas, I am getting 29 miles to the gallon with the auto AWD. Very easy getting in and out of. Roomy inside,easy to park, great in traffic, all the options that come standard with this car. I got the car for 15,800, great value
Cold starts a problem
While overall an excellent vehicle, the Aerio Sedan has 2 problems, one of them major. Until the engine warms up (takes 5 minutes+) the automatic transmission will not shift from 3rd to 4th gear. This occurs even in warm weather until the engine itself is warm (not related to exterior temperature). Also, the cup holders are bloched by the gear selector.
Dont waste your money
I absolutly hate this car, and am sorry I ever decided to buy it. As my first *NEW* car it was very affordable, but thats about it. Handles very poorly, Interior is made of cheap quality. Theres no storage space save for glove compartment. Windshield wipers move either to fast or to slow. Build is not very aero-dynamic makes for a shakey ride.
aerio
this carc has a great stereo system and a powerful engine. its a very lovable xcar and is loaded with features. it is very smooth riding and is a joy to just be in. i love it.
Sweet
Awesome car it has speed, good handling and lots of head room
High value, minor flaws
My fiance and I both purchased Aerio's in October '03 (she purchased the sedan with an automatic, I purchased teh fastback with a 5 speed). Acceleration is EXCELLENT (I drive I- 95 daily).
Liked my Elantra, LOVE this car.
I am so happy with my Aerio. I had doubts having never owned a Suzuki, but I'm glad I took a chance. I am baffled by Edmunds reviews, which are, in large part, luke-warm. But I read other great reviews and test drove it anyway. I traded my '02 Elantra for my Aerio. The Elantra,it was comfortable, a good value and performer. But the Aerio has more personality, HP and better safety scores. As for the handling being "sloppy"....not so, it does lean a lil more at times than the Elantra (taller profile) but it grips the road as well. The steering feel is similar.... nimble with being too light. Getting in and out of the Aerio is easier too
Fun Car To Drive
I've had my Aerio SX for 14 months now. If I had it to do over I would by the exact same car again. It fits my use perfectly. I researched other wagons but found the Aerio SX was far superior in meeting the needs I have for carrying my agility dog around yet having plenty of room for passengers. It's fun and comfortable to drive and ride it. Suzuki did good in designing this car.
my take on it
A fun car to drive. Easy to park.