Faults:

Just had the 30,000 mile servicing, and replaced the front brake pads, which may be usual?

Replaced the original equipment tires for better ones, by choice. I prefer 'touring' tires with wider stance than the originals.

General Comments:

The car is still like new throughout.

Excellent upholstery without any signs of wear.

Since this is a 'sports crossover' the handling is exceptionally nimble and responsive. Parks like a dream, great visibility all around, and overtakes everything on the road!

Cannot believe the superb gas mileage (low 20s city and 30s on the highway, regular 87 octane fuel). Moves through the gears smoothly and quietly.

Ice cold A/C, 6 CD changer with premium sound system, controls on the steering wheel. Heated mirrors, fog lights, ample cargo capacity AND electronic traction control with the all wheel drive are just some of the amazing features on this car!

I was stunned by the traction on snow and ice last winter, and how the Aerio could go up and down steep, icy hills with total control and no skidding or drift~~!! Didn't know why until I looked in the Owners Manual and discovered the traction control.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone 'wrong' with this car, amazingly ~~!!

Upholstery is like new, glass clear, body and paint immaculate; engine purrs and automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

General Comments:

Exceptional value at the price.

Great forward thinking design by Suzuki, considering that all the other manufacturers have now followed suit with what they are calling, "Sports Crossover" styling, including the alleged 'upscale' cars such as Mercedes, Acura, Volvo etc. Frankly, theirs look much less sleek, more puffy instead.

General Comments:

This car has been great, good miles per gallon (28-30) and fun to drive.

I don't understand the bad reviews this car tends to receive.

I have had the car for 3 years and haven't had a complaint yet (knock on wood).

I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a comfortable fit, good gas mileage and a nice price.

The only thing I found difficult with the car at first was breaking in the manual transmission, it was a bit touchy at first, but has broken in nicely to my style of driving.

Happy trails!

Faults:

Nothing. The car is flawless if you take care of it.

General Comments:

Japanese built cars under $20,000 are very rare on the U.S. market but after having driven an old Toyota for 2 years, I just had to have one. So far, I have put 22,000 miles into the car in the first 12 months, so I think I know what I'm talking about.

Like the Toyota Prius, the Suzuki Aerio is a unique vehicle because besides being built in Japan, it was also designed for the Japanese, rather than for the word market. The Japanese care more about efficiency than style or performance, so their cars tend to be tall and narrow to fit on their bike path-like roads while providing as much room as possible, and the cars also have small wheels and tight, lowered suspensions, which works well on Japan's superbly maintained, mirror-smooth roads. The result is a vehicle that looks disproportionate to us Westerners while feeling uncomfortable on our neglected inner city roads. The Aerio is definitely not recommended for areas with harsh Winters or dilapidated roads but for most suburban buyers, the car is a superb deal.

The Aerio SX costs less than $17,000 with auto transmission and a full package. A comparably configured Toyota Matrix or Honda Element would run for about $23,000, especially when you include dealer fees. Most Suzuki dealers charge no fees and will prepare your documents for free. The warranty policy is far superior to anything Honda or other big name Japanese firms would give you, and the warranty is indefinitely transferable. But wait, it gets better. Since the car has practically no re-sale value, you can easily find near-new Aerios on the net for thousands less than the already aggressively discounted retail price. This car is truly a fantastic bargain.

Beyond value, the Aerio offers something else us former Toyota people appreciate, rock solid reliability. So far, I haven't had a screw come loose, and I don't think I will have any problems with this car during the next 8-9 years -- which is about as much as I care to squeeze out of it. I think most of the people who had problems mistreated the car or failed to do the maintenance. I only use the finest supplies with my cars and maintain them religiously. Suzuki's are often used as rental cars in many Third World markets, and they run for up to 15 years before they are retired. I think that's pretty impressive.

There is only one problem you should know about. The dealers routinely inflate the tires well above the manufacturer's recommended 30psi to make them look bigger, but that can cause damage and discomfort. You must take your car to a tire shop immediately upon purchase and have it properly aligned and the tire pressure adjusted.

A well maintained Aerio is a joy to drive. It has plenty of power and when you gaze through the panoramic windshield, you often feel like you're flying above the road. A MINI Cooper or a VW will give you better resale value, but those cars will also give you plenty of headaches. The Aerio is for practical people who depend on their cars and want value for their money.