2006 Suzuki Aerio Review
Price Estimate: $1,678 - $2,628
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Available as a sedan or wagon, optional all-wheel drive, roomy interior, long list of standard features.
Cons
- Some low-grade interior plastics, sloppy handling.
What’s new
For 2006, the Aerio is equipped with a new MP3-compatible, six-speaker CD audio system, and all models feature standard antilock brakes.
Edmunds says
As the most affordable all-wheel-drive car on the market, the 2006 Suzuki Aerio may suit buyers in harsh climates, but in many respects, it lags behind its more refined competition.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
1 listings
- Not Priced
- Not provided
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 22 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Carabunga Cars (776 mi away)
- Auto Climate Control
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- Audio and cruise con...
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Located in Melbourne, FL
?? Quality Used Cars at Affordable Prices! ?? 109 S. Babcock St., Melbourne, FL 32901 Looking for a dependable ride without breaking the bank? Come ch...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (22 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JS2RC61H265350589
Stock: 350589
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-03-2025
Vehicle overview
The compact Suzuki Aerio sedan and wagon first debuted in 2002. Despite the fact that the Aerio offers advantages like an extra-roomy cabin and optional all-wheel drive, it has faced an uphill battle to gain market share. With heavy hitters like the Civic, Focus and Corolla in the same pool, it's hard for a small-time player with average overall credentials to get the attention of economy car shoppers.
The Aerio's styling is meant to look aerodynamic (thus the name) and distinctive. It's aimed at youthful customers and in the case of the wagon, offers plenty of space to haul their gear around. With an overall height 3 to 4 inches greater than most vehicles in its class, the Suzuki Aerio boasts a surprising amount of passenger and cargo room at the cost of a chunky profile. Legroom meets or exceeds that of most competitors, and the same is true for cargo space. Unlike most manufacturers that have a few different engines for their compact, Suzuki offers just one for its Aerio: a 2.3-liter inline four that's good for 155 horsepower. This engine offers more horsepower than most of the car's competition. On the basis of power alone, the Suzuki Aerio offers impressive performance for a car in its price range.
The Aerio's suspension uses MacPherson struts all around, but the car's higher-than-average center of gravity results in considerable body roll. Consequently, the Aerio isn't particularly rewarding to drive, though the soft suspension does soak up the bumps without jostling the passengers, making the car a decent choice for commuters. Is a relatively low price, a healthy horsepower rating and an optional AWD system enough to justify a purchase? In such a competitive segment, there are other choices we'd look at first before the Aerio. If you're looking for an inexpensive compact capable of handling the rough weather, however, the 2006 Suzuki Aerio might be worth a look.
Performance & mpg
All Aerio models come with a 2.3-liter inline four engine that produces 155 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on front-wheel-drive Aerios, and a four-speed automatic is optional. The optional all-wheel-drive system is only available with the automatic transmission.
Safety
Side airbags and four-wheel antilock brakes are standard on all Aerios. In crash tests conducted by the NHTSA, the Suzuki Aerio earned four stars (out of five) for its protection of the driver in frontal impacts, and three stars for front-passenger protection. NHTSA side-impact tests on an Aerio without side airbags returned a perfect five-star rating for the front seat, and four stars for the back. In frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the Aerio earned a "Good" rating, the highest possible. In IIHS side-impact testing, an Aerio with side airbags earned a "Poor" rating, the lowest.
Driving
Solid power from the standard four-cylinder engine makes the 2006 Suzuki Aerio impressively peppy for daily commutes; match it with either the automatic or the manual, and you can't lose. The Aerio provides a smooth ride on the highway, but the cost is excessive body roll around corners that is accentuated by the car's tall stance. Opting for the all-wheel-drive system gives the Aerio true all-weather capability.
Interior
With an overall height 3 to 4 inches greater than most vehicles in its class, the Suzuki Aerio boasts a surprising amount of passenger and cargo room, and passengers will find it easy to get in and out. Sedans offer a generous 14.6 cubic feet of trunk space; wagons provide 21 cubic feet with the rear seats in use and 63.7 cubic feet when they're folded. Interior plastics are low in quality compared to the class leaders in the economy car segment. In the past, all Aerios had a hard-to-read digital instrument panel, but Suzuki replaced it with an analog gauge pack last year, while adding a couple of sorely needed storage areas.
2006 Suzuki Aerio models
The Suzuki Aerio is offered as a sedan in base trim, and a wagon version in SX trim. Standard features include color-keyed front and rear bumpers; daytime running lights; automatic climate control; a six-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted controls; power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; tilt steering wheel; rear spoiler; and an outside temperature gauge. A Premium package is available on both body styles and includes an in-dash CD changer with seven speakers, heated mirrors and cruise control. Both models have the additional option of all-wheel drive.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners of the 2006 Suzuki Aerio consistently appreciate its spacious interior and nimble handling. The vehicle comfortably accommodates taller passengers, who frequently comment on the generous head and leg room available. This sense of space extends to its cargo capacity, making it an ideal choice for those needing versatility for road trips or hauling larger items. The Aerio's commendable acceleration is a pleasant surprise to many drivers, handling like a sportier car while maintaining efficiency. Its 2.3-liter engine is noted for delivering respectable power, even on challenging terrains such as mountain roads. Reliability is another standout trait, with many owners reporting high mileage with few to no significant mechanical issues. The Aerio demonstrates resilience in diverse weather conditions, and the optional all-wheel drive enhances its appeal in snowy or icy climates. Users find the ergonomic design of controls, including the audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls, to be intuitive and user-friendly. Fuel economy is a common point of praise, with some owners achieving impressive mileage figures on highways. The elevated seating position not only improves visibility but also adds an ease of entry and exit that many tall drivers find beneficial. This Suzuki model provides peace of mind with its ride quality, as its solid performance and safety features make it a dependable choice for all-day commuting.
Common Issues
Drivers of the 2006 Suzuki Aerio frequently express frustration with the vehicle's interior quality and noise issues. Low-grade plastics are a common complaint, detracting from the overall feel of the cabin. Some owners report persistent rattles and buzzing sounds emanating from the dashboard and door panels, particularly noticeable on rough road surfaces. The sound system receives mixed reviews, with some owners dissatisfied with speaker placement and audio quality, despite the car's upscale features. Brake wear can be excessive, with factory front pads depleting faster than expected, necessitating more frequent replacements. Handling quirks, like the vehicle’s pronounced body roll around corners, can detract from driving confidence, especially for those accustomed to sportier drive dynamics. Some drivers also encounter issues with the vehicle's climate control system, wishing for improved functionality such as more variable intermittent wiper speeds, especially in unpredictable climates. The compact design, while offering good visibility, can occasionally make the Aerio feel a bit cramped when fully loaded with passengers. Owners have cited occasional challenges with maintenance tasks due to component access, where seemingly straightforward repairs are made more complicated by stubborn or rusted bolts. On longer trips, the lack of standard cruise control in some models prompts minor discontent for those who enjoy long-distance comfort. Despite the advanced features for its class, these recurring annoyances highlight the Aerio's room for improvement in aligning driver expectations with its otherwise versatile and capable design.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2006 Suzuki Aerio leaves a lasting impression on drivers due to its exceptional interior space and comfort. Tall drivers, in particular, value the generous headroom and legroom that this compact car manages to deliver, enhancing long-trip comfort for all passengers. The functional design extends to its cargo space, allowing for practical use in everyday scenarios like grocery runs or weekend getaways. Its responsive acceleration and solid engine power make daily commutes and highway merges straightforward and enjoyable. Regular maintenance appears to be comfortably spaced, with owners appreciating the vehicle’s straightforward service requirements. The efficiency in fuel consumption is a noteworthy advantage, with drivers reporting satisfactory mileage in both urban and highway conditions. Despite its quirks, the Aerio’s sturdy build garners trust among its owners, many of whom mention the car’s dependability through various weather challenges. Those who opted for all-wheel drive particularly praise the added traction it provides in icy and snowy environments. Comfort features such as the intuitive layout of its controls, along with thoughtful elements like steering wheel audio controls, contribute to an enhanced driving experience. Numerous owners note the car's approachable price point as offering excellent value, particularly given its reliability and practicality over many years of ownership.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$144/mo for Aerio Base
Aerio Base
vs
$156/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2006 Suzuki Aerio has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 07V307000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- MU
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 14251
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
- Defect Consequence:
- REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 7 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Suzuki Aerio Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(76%)
4(20%)
3(1%)
2(3%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Amazing Vehicle!
5 out of 5 starsjason132, 04/24/2013
2006 Suzuki Aerio SX Premium 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this car new and now have over 290,000 KMs (180,000 miles) today. You did not read that wrong! I have never had a problem with the engine or transmission.
To put this in further perspective, I live in the coldest city in the world, Winnipeg MB.
This car has been an absolute blast to drive!
It still handles beautifully and still has as much power today as the day I drove it … off the lot. With routine maintenance I don't think this car will ever die.
I would recommend this car to everyone!
Bring Back The Aerio
4.75 out of 5 starsUW2012, 04/27/2010
2006 Suzuki Aerio SX Premium 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
My Aerio has been a great car, bought it new, only 5 miles on it. Some initial buzzing in door panels, but dealership fixed that right away, just tightned some nuts. Gas MPG's started out low but kept improving with more miles. Now gets 25 city if I drive reasonably and as high as 41.5 mpg hwy with avg hwy mpg's around 33 mpg. Storage capacity is outstanding, specially with the back … seats down. Only 1 warranty claim so far, the water pump bearing, and the dealership treated me like royalty, free loaner car and fantastic attitude. I constantly get compliments on the looks of the car interior. Has it's minor quirks just as all cars do but none of them are serious. I recommend it to anyone!
What an Amazing Car!
4.75 out of 5 starsladyshoes, 02/04/2011
2006 Suzuki Aerio SX 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
I've owned my Suzuki Aerio SX for 5 years and have over 80k miles.
In that time I've driven it through ice/snow storms, high heat and across country twice.
This little car hasn't given me ANY problems whatsoever.
In fact, except for fluid changes (and irregular ones at that), 2 new sets of tires and new brakes at 75k miles, I've had no problems.
Body still looks brand new, although the … bumpers are a little flimsy and may crack if you hit something high.
Interior is very high quality, especially compared with the cheap stuff in cars today.
After over 80,000 miles it's still running like the day I bought it and body is still solid.
Impressive for an inexpensive car that I've driven hard
Does it get any better?
5 out of 5 starssal96, 06/05/2014
2006 Suzuki Aerio SX 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Aerio with 130k, and I couldn't be happier.
The Four cylinder, is quiet, built well and doesn't lag. As with typical small japanese cars, required service is minimal, changing your oil, ATF (very important), brakes every 20k. When it comes time to do service like timing belt and alternator, it is still easier to do than many other vehicles. Headroom inside is very good
2006 Aerio Highlights
Sedan
Base
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,099 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $144/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.6 cu.ft. |
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 – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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