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2002
Suzuki Aerio

Starts at:
$13,499
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New 2002 Suzuki Aerio
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn S 2.0L Manual
    Starts at
    $13,499
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn S 2.0L Manual w/ABS
    Starts at
    $13,999
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GS 2.0L Manual
    Starts at
    $14,499
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn S 2.0L Auto
    Starts at
    $14,499
    26 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SX 2.0L Manual
    Starts at
    $14,499
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GS 2.0L Manual w/ABS
    Starts at
    $14,999
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn S 2.0L Auto w/ABS
    Starts at
    $14,999
    26 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SX 2.0L Manual w/ABS
    Starts at
    $14,999
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GS 2.0L Auto
    Starts at
    $15,499
    26 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SX 2.0L Auto
    Starts at
    $15,499
    26 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GS 2.0L Auto w/ABS
    Starts at
    $15,999
    26 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SX 2.0L Auto w/ABS
    Starts at
    $15,999
    26 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 2002 Suzuki Aerio review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Suzuki just keeps plugging away, a tiny bit player in the automotive world, a Japanese upstart in a nation that produced international giants Honda and Toyota.

There are certain arenas where Suzuki is huge. A masterful builder of high-performance sport motorcycles, along with outboard motors and heavy equipment, Suzuki can’t seem to hit its stride in the U.S. market. Here, its diminutive vehicles seem better suited to congested streets in Tokyo than to freeway travel.

But just as it did with motorcycles, Suzuki keeps producing automobiles that are getting better with each new model and gradually becoming more appropriate for American drivers.

The Aerio SX, new for 2002, is a stylish, inexpensive four-door hatchback that may not cut it as a family car but could be a competent campus cruiser or reliable second car. Suzuki’s hatch Aerio, a sedan is also available, gets the now-familiar label of “crossover,” combining the attributes of car, sport utility vehicle and minivan in a practical, compact package.

As many manufacturers have found, such as Ford with Focus or Toyota with Matrix, a tall wagon is the best way to maximize space on a small wheelbase. Aerio has reasonable accommodations for five people and a bit of cargo on just 97.5 inches of wheelbase.

The little hatch is also fun and appealing, especially to young drivers who appreciate the quirky Italian styling and playful image. For those of us who are more jaded, the Aerio seems teeny and tinny, a fair compromise for the price.

The best news is under the hood, where a 2-liter engine puts out a decent 141 horsepower that keeps Aerio up with the pack. Freeway merging and hill climbing are without undue effort, although the engine puts up a howl under hard acceleration.

Once on the freeway, cruising is fairly quiet and relaxed, the soft suspension cushioning the rough spots while still firm enough to keep the craft from listing too much in turns. In town, the Aerio can be fun to zip through tight spaces, and the somewhat high seating helps the driver to see ahead.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but the test car was saddled with a four-speed automatic that, try as it might, couldn’t help but rob power from the Suzuki. The car never seemed underpowered, just over-stressed.

The dashboard was a bit of a surprise, the first sighting of digital gauges this side of a gas-electric hybrid car. The slim, low-angle gauge cluster is oddly unique, not ugly but not very attractive, either. It looks all the world like a throwback to the 1980s, possibly inspired by Star Wars.

Other than the dash array, the interior is fairly unremarkable. Plain and simple, though well-equipped in this price range with electric windows, door locks and other features, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a good six-speaker stereo system with CD, all included in the base price of $14,499, or $15,499 for the automatic versio n. Outside, the base price includes fog lamps, 15-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires and a funky little spoiler above the rear hatch.

The only option on the test Aerio was floor mats, $75, plus destination and handling, $500. Antilock brakes are optional, and side airbags are not available.

As well as a moderate price, Suzuki has sweetened the pot with an aggressive no down payment, interest-free financing and a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.

There are some thoughtful features that make the Aerio a bit more than basic, such as hidden storage trays under the passenger seat and rear cargo deck, and a height adjuster for the driver’s seat. The interior finish and materials seem well made and sturdy.

Aerio’s quirkiness and low price should spell some measure of success, but Suzuki should be setting its sights higher and building an automobile with a little more substance. The new Grand Vitara sport utility vehicle is much improved, and Suzuki has shown it n be a world-class player in other markets, notably motorcycles.

Which is the same place Honda got its start.

Suzuki Aerio SX

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door hatchback, front-wheel drive.

Base price: $15,499.

Price as tested: $16,074.

Engine: 2-liter inline-4, 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 135 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic.

Wheelbase: 97.6 inches.

Curb weight: 2,668 pounds.

EPA mileage: 26 city, 31 highway.

Highs:

Moderate price.

Strong engine.

Well equipped.

Lows:

Teeny and tinny.

Weird gauges.

Odd styling.

2002 Suzuki Aerio review: Our expert's take
By

Suzuki just keeps plugging away, a tiny bit player in the automotive world, a Japanese upstart in a nation that produced international giants Honda and Toyota.

There are certain arenas where Suzuki is huge. A masterful builder of high-performance sport motorcycles, along with outboard motors and heavy equipment, Suzuki can’t seem to hit its stride in the U.S. market. Here, its diminutive vehicles seem better suited to congested streets in Tokyo than to freeway travel.

But just as it did with motorcycles, Suzuki keeps producing automobiles that are getting better with each new model and gradually becoming more appropriate for American drivers.

The Aerio SX, new for 2002, is a stylish, inexpensive four-door hatchback that may not cut it as a family car but could be a competent campus cruiser or reliable second car. Suzuki’s hatch Aerio, a sedan is also available, gets the now-familiar label of “crossover,” combining the attributes of car, sport utility vehicle and minivan in a practical, compact package.

As many manufacturers have found, such as Ford with Focus or Toyota with Matrix, a tall wagon is the best way to maximize space on a small wheelbase. Aerio has reasonable accommodations for five people and a bit of cargo on just 97.5 inches of wheelbase.

The little hatch is also fun and appealing, especially to young drivers who appreciate the quirky Italian styling and playful image. For those of us who are more jaded, the Aerio seems teeny and tinny, a fair compromise for the price.

The best news is under the hood, where a 2-liter engine puts out a decent 141 horsepower that keeps Aerio up with the pack. Freeway merging and hill climbing are without undue effort, although the engine puts up a howl under hard acceleration.

Once on the freeway, cruising is fairly quiet and relaxed, the soft suspension cushioning the rough spots while still firm enough to keep the craft from listing too much in turns. In town, the Aerio can be fun to zip through tight spaces, and the somewhat high seating helps the driver to see ahead.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but the test car was saddled with a four-speed automatic that, try as it might, couldn’t help but rob power from the Suzuki. The car never seemed underpowered, just over-stressed.

The dashboard was a bit of a surprise, the first sighting of digital gauges this side of a gas-electric hybrid car. The slim, low-angle gauge cluster is oddly unique, not ugly but not very attractive, either. It looks all the world like a throwback to the 1980s, possibly inspired by Star Wars.

Other than the dash array, the interior is fairly unremarkable. Plain and simple, though well-equipped in this price range with electric windows, door locks and other features, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a good six-speaker stereo system with CD, all included in the base price of $14,499, or $15,499 for the automatic versio n. Outside, the base price includes fog lamps, 15-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tires and a funky little spoiler above the rear hatch.

The only option on the test Aerio was floor mats, $75, plus destination and handling, $500. Antilock brakes are optional, and side airbags are not available.

As well as a moderate price, Suzuki has sweetened the pot with an aggressive no down payment, interest-free financing and a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.

There are some thoughtful features that make the Aerio a bit more than basic, such as hidden storage trays under the passenger seat and rear cargo deck, and a height adjuster for the driver’s seat. The interior finish and materials seem well made and sturdy.

Aerio’s quirkiness and low price should spell some measure of success, but Suzuki should be setting its sights higher and building an automobile with a little more substance. The new Grand Vitara sport utility vehicle is much improved, and Suzuki has shown it n be a world-class player in other markets, notably motorcycles.

Which is the same place Honda got its start.

Suzuki Aerio SX

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door hatchback, front-wheel drive.

Base price: $15,499.

Price as tested: $16,074.

Engine: 2-liter inline-4, 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 135 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: Four-speed automatic.

Wheelbase: 97.6 inches.

Curb weight: 2,668 pounds.

EPA mileage: 26 city, 31 highway.

Highs:

Moderate price.

Strong engine.

Well equipped.

Lows:

Teeny and tinny.

Weird gauges.

Odd styling.

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.2 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.3
Value 4.4
Exterior 3.9
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • Most reliable car I owned

    This car met all my needs. It has plenty of leg room in the front and back, the ride is great compared to other cars I tested. It has 3 USB ports
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good first car

    This car is comfortable and smooth. It?s nice & easy to fix and mechanically easy to work with. It also has a good look to it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great first car

    My mom bought this car in 2003 so we've had the car for 14 years now, she gave it to me my junior year of high school and I'm a senior in college now and my car has 150,500 miles on her. I LOVE this car; it's mainly just a sentimental thing because its not advanced or sexy by any means but it is a cute little car that performs really well. I have gotten into three accidents(don't judge me) and she's still holding up. Maintenance and repair is really cheap so if you're a parent trying to get your daughter a car she can practice driving in and go to work and school then I highly suggest this one but don't get the hatchback version, don't get a hatchback in general unless you're trying to make someone throw up.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 2002 Aerio 4dr auto

    Purchased used with 89k. After three years mileage is 149k. Car handles well, good mileage of 29mpg with mixed use with heavy a/c demands. Fabulously roomy interior and trunk. No frills interior has shown little wear and tear. Unique styling grows on you. High seating for good visibility, but retains car handling. Reliability issues since purchase include a/c failure, from wheel bearing failure, auto transmission sensor failing, oil leak, oxygen sensor failure in exhaust, cd player tempermental, bumper tow hook insert covers loose/lost. Original 195/55/15 tires pricey to fit on alloy rims, but can substitute 205/50/15 which are more common and less expensive. Mixed feelings given amount of significant repairs needed thus far.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • A hidden gem

    Suzuki Aerios are like the perfect secret. It's a hard-to-find car that will last forever and is a blast to drive. It has plenty of headroom (something other Japanese cars like Hondas and Toyotas sometimes lack), has a spunky engine, performs well in winter. I drive my Aerio around to conventions all around the midwest, racked up tons of miles and any repairs it needs is routine maintainence and oil changes. And the best part - they are totally affordable. I bought mine used at 52,000 miles for $7,500. If you discover this hidden gem for sale, buy it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • SUZUKI MEANS 100,000 MILES

    I HAD 198325 MILES ON MY CAR AND THE TENTIONER BROKE ON MY TIMMING CHAIN,FELL INTO MY CAM GEARS AND BROKE THE TEETH OFF. SUZUKI FIXED IT AND IT DIDN'T COST ME A PENNY!!!! THEY DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO MAKE EXCUSES ON HOW TO GET OUT OF THE REPAIR. i WILL BE BUYING ANOTHER SUZUKI!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Sporty Little 4 - Door

    The Aerio SX has been my favorite car. It is loaded with cool features that most do not think of, like a storage drawer under the front passenger seat and multiple storage compartments and a built in water bucket under the back floor panel. When driving you can really feel the road. The only bad thing I can say is that the black velor seats are a little hard to keep clean.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The Coolest Car I Have Ever Driven

    Pleasure to drive, lots of power for a small car, tight steering and great gas mileage. This review is for the SX model hatchback. I was not as impressed with the four door sedan but the hatchback drives like a sports car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Own it, but sold it after 6 months

    Not a long term reliable car after a few months driving, the parts seem to fall apart. door handles really easy to break
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Suzuki Aerio?

The 2002 Suzuki Aerio is available in 3 trim levels:

  • GS (4 styles)
  • S (4 styles)
  • SX (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Suzuki Aerio?

The 2002 Suzuki Aerio offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 33 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2002 Suzuki Aerio reliable?

The 2002 Suzuki Aerio has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Suzuki Aerio owners.

Is the 2002 Suzuki Aerio a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Suzuki Aerio. 77.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 3.9
  • Reliability: 4.0
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