2004 Suzuki Aerio SX 2.3L 4 cylinder. from North America

Summary:

Affordable, fun 2 drive, reliable but feels cheap

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th March, 2008

2004 Suzuki Aerio SX 2.3 Liter from North America

Summary:

The clutch went out at 42,000 miles

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th March, 2007

10th Apr 2007, 06:26

I think you should learn how to drive a manual first before you buy one. I never changed the clutch on mine and put 116000 miles and doing pizza deliveries and the clutch is still new.

15th Oct 2007, 12:40

Those who have never driven a hydraulic clutch before may end up burning the first one they do drive. My first was my Neon, and I noticed on it that the best way to handle it was to let it go for the last 1/2" of travel. If you try to feather it too much, you will end up burning it. The hydraulics normally control the final part of the clutch in any case. If you interfere, nothing is gained.

2004 Suzuki Aerio SX Hatchback 2.5 from North America

Summary:

I recommend this vehicle for anyone looking for an excellent deal on a new car

Faults:

With the Suzuki, nothing.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2004

26th Oct 2005, 11:03

You mean 2.3!