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2005
Suzuki Aerio

Starts at:
$13,449
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New 2005 Suzuki Aerio
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn S Manual
    Starts at
    $13,449
    25 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn S Auto
    Starts at
    $14,349
    25 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX Manual
    Starts at
    $15,149
    25 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SX Manual
    Starts at
    $15,449
    25 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX Auto
    Starts at
    $16,049
    25 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SX Auto
    Starts at
    $16,349
    25 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX Auto AWD
    Starts at
    $17,049
    24 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SX Auto AWD
    Starts at
    $17,349
    24 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 Suzuki Aerio 2005 Suzuki Aerio

Notable features

155-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder
Sedan and hatchback body styles
Available AWD
Manual or automatic
Upright profile

The good & the bad

The good

Fuel economy
Ride comfort
Price
Interior space
Fun to drive

The bad

Unusual appearance
Some engine noise
Resale value of sedan

Expert 2005 Suzuki Aerio review

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

Remember when your mother told you not to go out with a wet head, or else you’ll catch a cold? Wrong.

Some myths just will not die.

In the automotive world, there’s a false perception that all imported cars, especially Japanese cars, are superior to American cars. This is not the case.

Just try on a Suzuki Aerio SX for a week.

This car looks like a good deal on paper.

The Aerio SX is a 5-door hatchback version of the Aerio sedan. The car receives a fresh face for 2005, along with a new interior. The least-expensive versions come standard with front-wheel-drive and a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. Opting for the top trim level, LX on the sedan, SX on the hatchback, gives you the choice of front- or all-wheel-drive, although the all-wheel-drive drivetrain comes only with an automatic transmission.

Suzuki provided an all-wheel-drive SX for testing.

When I got the car, I was impressed.

For a test price of about $17,000, here was a car with all-wheel-drive, anti-lock brakes, power locks/windows/mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, automatic climate control, AM/FM/audio system with in-dash, six-CD changer, height-adjustable driver’s seat, two 12-volt outlets, heated exterior mirrors and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.

Despite the car’s short length, there’s a lot more room than you’d expect, both front and rear. The car’s tall roof and low beltline give it an open, airy feel. The new instrument panel is a big improvement over last year’s. The gauges are easier to read than the old digital ones. The heater warmed up quickly, despite arctic-level temperatures.

In short, this car offers an awful lot for not a lot of money. It allows the average working guy to indulge in the kind of features found on more expensive models.

But using the car day-to-day revealed that there’s a price to pay for getting all those features at a bargain-basement price.

The car’s drivetrain is peppy enough. Its 2.3-liter four-cylinder is significantly more powerful than a Toyota Matrix AWD, but less so than a Subaru Impreza. The engine is quite boisterous, its vibrations resonating throughout the car’s body structure. The car’s door panels, steering wheel and seats vibrate while idling. It’s enough to make you search for the slot to insert quarters for a vibrating bed.

The transmission was fuss-free, downshifting promptly. The brakes are fair, with a spongy-feeling brake pedal that doesn’t inspire confidence. Grip is quite good in corners, but there’s a lot of body lean. The suspension is punishingly firm, kicking hard over Pennsylvania’s rippled road surfaces and producing a symphony of plastic rattles.

But the most surprising part of the car was its behavior in exactly the type of weather that most people buy an all-wheel-drive car for: lots of snow, ice and muck.

The Aerio’s all-wheel-drive system is called QuadGrip. Like many all-wheel-drive systems, it works mostly in front-wheel-drive until slippage is detected. Then, up to 50 percent of the vehicle’s power can be transferred rearward.

On a partially plowed road, the car started to fishtail lightly, first one direction, then another. Any corrections I attempted to make didn’t seem to matter as the vehicle struggled to maintain grip. Personally, I would have preferred front-wheel-drive for its predictability in such situations. The all-wheel-drive system did little to inspire confidence.

This behavior contrasts with the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Matrix AWD, neither of which have had issues when driven in slippery conditions. All-wheel-drive is usually invisible in its operation and performance. That wasn’t the case here.

The light body structure, unpredictable all-wheel-drive, harsh ride and noisy engine all make me question whether getting features like automatic climate control is worth putting up with.

While Aerio SX looks good in theory, it’s not that great in fact.

And with that, another myth has been laid to rest.

lprintz@mcall.com

610-820-6713

2005 Suzuki Aerio review: Our expert's take
By Larry Printz

Remember when your mother told you not to go out with a wet head, or else you’ll catch a cold? Wrong.

Some myths just will not die.

In the automotive world, there’s a false perception that all imported cars, especially Japanese cars, are superior to American cars. This is not the case.

Just try on a Suzuki Aerio SX for a week.

This car looks like a good deal on paper.

The Aerio SX is a 5-door hatchback version of the Aerio sedan. The car receives a fresh face for 2005, along with a new interior. The least-expensive versions come standard with front-wheel-drive and a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. Opting for the top trim level, LX on the sedan, SX on the hatchback, gives you the choice of front- or all-wheel-drive, although the all-wheel-drive drivetrain comes only with an automatic transmission.

Suzuki provided an all-wheel-drive SX for testing.

When I got the car, I was impressed.

For a test price of about $17,000, here was a car with all-wheel-drive, anti-lock brakes, power locks/windows/mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, automatic climate control, AM/FM/audio system with in-dash, six-CD changer, height-adjustable driver’s seat, two 12-volt outlets, heated exterior mirrors and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.

Despite the car’s short length, there’s a lot more room than you’d expect, both front and rear. The car’s tall roof and low beltline give it an open, airy feel. The new instrument panel is a big improvement over last year’s. The gauges are easier to read than the old digital ones. The heater warmed up quickly, despite arctic-level temperatures.

In short, this car offers an awful lot for not a lot of money. It allows the average working guy to indulge in the kind of features found on more expensive models.

But using the car day-to-day revealed that there’s a price to pay for getting all those features at a bargain-basement price.

The car’s drivetrain is peppy enough. Its 2.3-liter four-cylinder is significantly more powerful than a Toyota Matrix AWD, but less so than a Subaru Impreza. The engine is quite boisterous, its vibrations resonating throughout the car’s body structure. The car’s door panels, steering wheel and seats vibrate while idling. It’s enough to make you search for the slot to insert quarters for a vibrating bed.

The transmission was fuss-free, downshifting promptly. The brakes are fair, with a spongy-feeling brake pedal that doesn’t inspire confidence. Grip is quite good in corners, but there’s a lot of body lean. The suspension is punishingly firm, kicking hard over Pennsylvania’s rippled road surfaces and producing a symphony of plastic rattles.

But the most surprising part of the car was its behavior in exactly the type of weather that most people buy an all-wheel-drive car for: lots of snow, ice and muck.

The Aerio’s all-wheel-drive system is called QuadGrip. Like many all-wheel-drive systems, it works mostly in front-wheel-drive until slippage is detected. Then, up to 50 percent of the vehicle’s power can be transferred rearward.

On a partially plowed road, the car started to fishtail lightly, first one direction, then another. Any corrections I attempted to make didn’t seem to matter as the vehicle struggled to maintain grip. Personally, I would have preferred front-wheel-drive for its predictability in such situations. The all-wheel-drive system did little to inspire confidence.

This behavior contrasts with the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Matrix AWD, neither of which have had issues when driven in slippery conditions. All-wheel-drive is usually invisible in its operation and performance. That wasn’t the case here.

The light body structure, unpredictable all-wheel-drive, harsh ride and noisy engine all make me question whether getting features like automatic climate control is worth putting up with.

While Aerio SX looks good in theory, it’s not that great in fact.

And with that, another myth has been laid to rest.

lprintz@mcall.com

610-820-6713

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years
Powertrain
7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

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

Most recent

  • This car '05 excellent in all important ways.

    I expected this to be a bit 'rough' on the road, and for sure it is not a luxury car, but on the cheap, you get the best of the larger hatchback gas hogs, only with super-good mpg. I got my '05 in '17, w/80k miles. The tunes are good, it purrs going 80, and have not had any problems, knock on wood. I even slept in it a few nights, a couple times, and was surprised how easy and comfy it was for such a little car. It packs a surprising amount of stuff. Not super roomy door-pockets or console, but does have room for the things you want handy, including drink holders, and a couple 'hide-a-ways'. It has great visibility, turns tight, and is easy and fun to drive. I'm glad I got mine ( 8
    • 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
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Car

    I've had the Suzuki Aerio for a couple years, and so far I didn't have any issues with it. It's excellent on fuel millage and it doesn't cost anywhere near what a Civic or Corolla cost. You get the the same things with the Aerio but for a cheaper price. I just wish it had a little more room in the back.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • HIDDEN GEM

    I have the Suzuki Aerio SX, which is AWD, and really performed magnificent on the ice and snow winter 2008-2009 here in Seattle, even with average all weather tires! Can't beat the gas mileage (low 20s City, mid-30s highway) considering it's AWD, and the Japanese build a quality product indeed! Elegantly designed interior with every feature except heated seats; super 6 CD player and sound system, on wheel controls for stereo, cruise control, etc. Superb head room for tall folks, hauls cargo brilliantly, and has a truly powerful 4 cylinder engine that nips briskly onto freeways and away from traffic. Sleek design for its category, which led the pack for the new crossover type vehicles . . . have had it from new in Nov 2004, and the others have followed this design!! Trouble free maintenance; no problems. Don't abuse any car, and it will usually treat you well, eh? Have had all the required maintenances, on time. After the headaches of MB, BMW, Cadillac and random other 'good' cars over the years, this hidden gem is a completely delightful surprise!! If you are lucky enough to locate a well loved one, snap it up . . . !! Suzuki no longer manufactures these wagons, which were Japanese built. Many of their cars are now Korean from Daewoo origins? I had a Daewoo Leganza, and found it good, also, but not as fine as this Suzuki Aerio SX!!
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • love the car, hate the repairs.

    I bought this car because of the price. not knowing it would cost me alot more to continuously fix things that have been going wrong with it. First at 10,000 miles my alignment had to be fixed, then at 15,000 miles had to do the brakes then the 6 disc cd player went and then i had to replace my tires because they wore so badly from the poor alignment. now 15,000 miles later I have to start this process all over again because all the same problems have come up and the only thing covered under warrenty is the radio the rest I've had to pay for. I'll be getting rid of this car ASAP.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • safira's 04 suzuki aerio sedan

    Personally I don't really like the look of the car. However it is very inexspensive for parts and maintaince. I would suggest this car to any college or high school student to get them through their school years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Suzuki Aerio?

The 2005 Suzuki Aerio is available in 3 trim levels:

  • LX (3 styles)
  • S (2 styles)
  • SX (3 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Suzuki Aerio?

The 2005 Suzuki Aerio offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 31 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 2005 Suzuki Aerio reliable?

The 2005 Suzuki Aerio has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Suzuki Aerio owners.

Is the 2005 Suzuki Aerio a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Suzuki Aerio. 80.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

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