2002 Suzuki Aerio

My husband gave me a toaster for Christmas a few years back. When I tore off the wrapping, I was just sure it was something exotic in a toaster box. But, no, it was a toaster. Not just any toaster, however. It was a big, fat, industrial strength, chrome, four-slotter Dualit toaster. Shaped something like an Airstream trailer, it is one formidable appliance. So what does this have to do with a Suzuki Aerio SX? Certainly not the Dualit’s sturdy, lasting quality or posh pricetag, I assure you. When I got the Aerio, which is Suzuki’s entry into the compact sport vehicle foray, I kept thinking it reminded me of something. With its low to the ground stance and rounded profile, there was something so familiar.

Then it hit me: It’s my Dualit. On wheels.

This, by the way, is not a compliment.

The Good News
If you can get past the Aerio’s rather unorthodox exterior, there is much to like about this funky, funky little ride.

Best of all would be the fact that, thanks to the Aerio, you can purchase an admirably loaded compact crossover vehicle for $16,574, up from a base price of $15,999.

Of course, that’s only a good thing if what you get for your $16 grand is worth having. In the Aerio’s case, it may well be.

In addition to the air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD audio, remote keyless entry, power windows/locks/mirrors, rear wiper and defroster and antilock braking system (among other things), that sum buys you a roomier-than-you-think interior and extremely willing performance.

Under the hood is an economical little 2.0-liter 16-valve four cylinder that was matched with a four-speed automatic transmission in my case. Even without the power advantages of a manual shifter, this little Aerio perks right along. It’s no Toyota Matrix XRS, but I really can’t complain about its acceleration.

Nor can I quibble about its reflexes, its ride quality or its noise level. For the value leader among compact crossovers, the Aerio makes a better showing than I expected on all these points.

That also applies to its interior space. Even though nose-to-nose it’s shorter and its roofline lower than the average compact crossover, interior room stacks up better than those averages. Headroom is downright lofty, and it will haul almost as much as a PTCruiser, which leads the pack in packing.

The Bad News
Granted, all these boxy compact crossover vehicles are forging edgy new territory designwise and take some getting used to visually. However, this Aerio pushes that concept over some edges, I think. The result, to my eye at least, is something that looks like it might come with a key. To wind it up.

My preteen son thought it was cool, however. So there you go.

My only practical complaint is the backseat design. It gives you good room – better than most, actually. But the seat itself isn’t molded to accommodate three people comfortably.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 26 mpg city/31 highway, average for the class.

Is it worth it?
This Suzuki Aerio SX undercuts its competition by at least $1,000, depending on equipment, and in some cases, several thousand dollars. That’s significant in a class aimed at first-time buyers.

That said, would I take it over a Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, PT Cruiser, Mazda Protege5 or Ford Focus wagon? No. Even though this Suzuki is better than I expected all around, the quality in the Toyota and Mazda, for example, more than earn the difference in dollars.

Besides, I can’t get past the fact this Aerio looks like a retro toaster. No matter how you slice it.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.