2007 Suzuki Aerio Review

What reviews like:
The Suzuki Aerio, which is only available as a four-door sedan, gets generally good reviews for ride quality, acceleration and handling. It's just that its reviews are not as enthusiastic as those for the competition, such as the Honda Civic or Mazda 3 sedans. All-wheel-drive is optional, build quality is said to be good, and the options package is generous.

What reviews don't like:

Some critics don't care for the looks of the Suzuki Aerio, which has a more upright design than other 2007 sedans. Cabin noise and engine noise are louder than average, and some critics say the car wallows a bit on the highway, especially in a side wind. Perhaps the most noted shortcoming is a lack of side-curtain airbags, even as an option, which factor into the Aerio's low side-impact IIHS crash-test scores.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 24 to 25 mpg/city, 29 to 31 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Suzuki Aerio review highlights

In most reviews we found for the 2007 Suzuki Aerio sedan, testers don't have any overriding complaints. Most critics say the Suzuki sedan is solidly average overall, and a couple of reviews say that for the money, it's fun to drive, with good handling and steering. Top-rated compact sedans like the Mazda 3 (*est. $13,795 to $19,795) and Honda Civic (*est. $14,810 to $21,290) get better scores overall. One drawback is that while front and front-side airbags are standard, side-curtain airbags are not even optional, which contributes to the Suzuki Aerio's poor scores in side crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Suzuki Aerio doesn't find itself included in many reviews for the 2007 model year. Consumer Guide is one of the few sources that place the Suzuki Aerio within its class (it rates as average all around). There's a good review at Cars.com that includes driving impressions, but not comparisons to the competition. Short articles at CarCritic.com and Consumer Reports help complete the picture.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Suzuki Aerio review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide tests cars and assigns ratings in about a dozen areas, comparing results to the class average. The Suzuki Aerio comes out right about average in most areas. Editors say it's a lively car. Though not sporty, it's a comfortable commuter car overall.

2. Cars.com
2007 Suzuki Aerio review
Editors of Cars.com
Aug. 2006

Cars.com has about the most complete review of the 2007 Suzuki Aerio. Highlights are the ride quality and fuel economy. Testers say the Suzuki Aerio is fun to drive, and that it makes a good city car. Passenger comfort is good overall. Engine noise is noticeable while accelerating, and the car doesn’t feel as secure on the highway as some other cars.

3. CarCritic.com
2007 Suzuki Aerio review
Don Vorderman

This website is interesting in that Editor Don Vorderman doesn't spend a lot of time on features or other details. Rather, Vorderman offers a quick assessment based on historical repair data and owner satisfaction. Vorderman says the Suzuki Aerio is fun to drive, but isn't well finished. In the end, it is given a lukewarm evaluation of "acceptable." Reading reviews on this site costs $1 per model.

4. Forbes
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Least-Safe Cars 2007
Dan Lienert
Oct. 2006

Forbes.com documents the vehicles that have received the lowest crash ratings, according to tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Suzuki Aerio is on this list, although it was one of the few models to include side airbags. Suzuki representatives respond to the article, taking issue with the testing criteria.

5. Consumer Reports
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2007 Suzuki Aerio review
Editors of Consumer Reports

It seems that Consumer Reports has yet to fully test the 2007 Suzuki Aerio, but editors do comment on overall driving impressions. There isn't much reliability data here either. You must be a subscriber to view this report.

Also see full report: Economy Cars