2004 Suzuki Aerio Reviews

Had to get a front and back-end alignment right after I bought the car. Then had to replace the rotors, brakes and axle boots 6 months after buying the car.

All power windows screeched when rolling up and down, until all of them quit working.

Driver and passenger seat belts locked up almost every time I turned a curve. (Dealership said it was a defect on most of the Aerios).

Constantly had to put the car in the shop for repairs.

Then the transmission started to slip at 87,000.

I sunk all my money into this car, then ended up having to trade it in on a Honda Element after I finally paid the loan off.

If I had bought a different Aerio, I probably wouldn't have had as many issues. It WAS a lemon, and I feel sorry for the person that got it after me.

Handles good (overlooking the rocks and bumps while driving), very small back seat, dashboard lights were frequently replaced.

Overall a terrible car.

A noisy AC compressor, noisy suspension bushings and a bad radio were all replaced under warranty.

These are the only issues experienced with the car in 4 yrs of ownership.

Front brake pads needed replacement at 35000km which is a little ridiculous. Thankfully parts are cheap and readily available at aftermarket stores in Canada.

Generally, interior finish materials are of questionable quality (touch and feel). The paint is horrible and scratches VERY easily... I regret buying the black one.

The dealer network is Suzuki's biggest issue. Too few dealers offering horrible service. Suzukis are not well known in Canada and some Suzuki products are unreliable, yielding very bad depreciation. These are the reasons I would never buy a Suzuki again.

While the car can feel rather 'cheap' and third world'ish at times, it is solidly built and very reliable. The engine, while very powerfull for the class and reasonably efficient, can be buzzy and very loud under load. Unfortunately, while cruising between 105-125km/hr the engine is quite loud and road noise is prominent. This is due to a short exhaust tip and poor insulation in the rear. This might explain why Suzuki put in a good stock radio (6in-dash, 6spkrs w/sub).

Somehow passed 130-135km/hr things get much quieter and smoother (possibly exhaust noise blown further back (?) ). This car WILL cruise all day at 140 and very comfortably so.

I like the look of the car, it's very comfortable (front and rear), downright fast off-the-line, fun to drive and it is very convenient.

Factory tires worn at 14,000 miles. Dealership surprised they lasted that long, but represented tire wear wasn't covered under warranty. Purchased better tires from a tire dealership, and they wear like new for 28,000 miles so far.

6-disc CD player skips. Replaced by dealership. Replacement skips.

Clutch went out at 42,000 miles (this week). Replacement clutch is near $400 plus labor. I drove another vehicle before trading it in for this Suzuki; that clutch was still good at 120,000 miles when I traded it in.

I wish the clutch didn't go out. I was pleased with the vehicle's performance for what it is, and the car offered plenty of practical interior space.

With the Suzuki, nothing.

Test drove several other vehicles before purchasing this one. Love the smoothness of the ride and all the amenities offered for the low price. And what a sound system. This model even came with a monster sub-woofer. Car is VERY roomy and handles well on the road.