2004 Suzuki Aerio

In recent years Suzuki has made a concerted effort to offer vehicles that appeal to a broader segment of the automotive market. For instance, looking back at the company's history with SUVs, it's apparent that their vehicle line has competently evolved from the sometimes unstable Samurai to the dynamic and nicely finished XL-7. Suzuki knows how to make a vehicle that strikes a chord with consumers; yet, despite this progressive trend, the Aerio SX is a more unusual representation of the company's recent approach toward styling.

The Aerior SX sports 15-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, and more.

While the Aerio SX is supposedly named for its aerodynamic looks, it's taller than average proportions result in a gawky stance. Suzuki may have created the Aerio SX with a more forward design in mind, but still the angular front fascia seems out of place and leaves something to be desired. Looks aren't everything, though, and the Aerio SX does have several points in its favor, starting with a roomier interior.


The vehicle's overall height is three to four inches greater than other vehicles in its class, so the Aerio SX boasts a surprising amount of passenger and cargo room (63.7 cubic feet), accounting for the ungainly profile. Legroom is on par with or beats most of its competition; the same is true for cargo space. Not only that, the Aerio SX is just about the most affordable all-wheel-drive car on the market. That approach worked remarkably well for the Subaru Brat a few years ago, and nobody ever complained (not much at least) about its quirky appearance.


Also in its favor, the Aerio scored a top rating in front and rear crash testing, thanks to its energy-absorbing structures. Surprisingly enough, it's not available with side-impact airbags, unlike others in this market segment, but Suzuki does point to the car's roll-cage style chassis reinforcements and stout, high-tensile steel beams in the doors and roof pillars, which are designed to protect occupants. Antilock brakes are optional.

A roomy interior "loaded with personality" is part of the Aerio SX's unique charm.

Give credit as well to the Aerio's comparatively powerful standard engine, a 155-hp, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder powerplant that's new for 2004. With 10 additional horses on tap, it replaces last year's 2.0-liter engine, and pumps out more horses than most of the Aerio's competition (similar-priced base models of the Civic, Corolla and Matrix range from 115 to 130 hp). Moreover, its extra torque (152 lb.-ft. versus last year's 136) improves acceleration on the QuadGrip (all-wheel-drive) models. A four-speed automatic is standard on the AWD version and optional on the front-wheel-drive model, which otherwise comes with a manual five-speed.