2005 Suzuki Aerio SX

New to the 2005 Suzuki lineup is the Aerio Sedan and Aerio SX. Joining the premium compact segment, Aerio is a different looking compact and one with some individuality.

One is tempted to refer to the Aerio SX as a "wagon." On the contrary, it is a "five-door sport crossover" vehicle, a category first heard of a few years ago when Lexus introduced its sport crossover vehicle. Unclear of the real difference between the wagon and sport crossover vehicle, the SX is a practical vehicle with cargo space, a comfortable ride and its own look.

Available in two trim levels: SX and SX AWD, Aerio SX is well-equipped with standard features such as alloy wheels and 15-in tires, fog lamps, remote keyless entry, power windows/locks, power/heated mirrors, intermittent multi-speed wipers, rear window defroster/wiper, cruise, 6-disc CD/AM/FM Audio system with 7 speakers and Subwoofer, tilt steering wheel, leather wrapped wheel/shift knob, floor mats, etc. Our vehicle came equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission which is easy and fun to drive. A 4-speed automatic is available.

Our test Aerio SX came in Techno Blue Metallic, a color to fit its racing feel. New for 2005 on the Aerio is a restyled front bumper, grille and fog lamps. Both the SX and sedan have newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels, while S and LX on the sedan have a new trunk spoiler; the SX with combination lamps.

Introduced in 2004, Aerio came to the party with more horse (35 percent more) than Honda Civic, and 19 percent over standard Toyota Corolla and Toyota Matrix. And for those into leaving competitors at the light, Aerio’s torque at 152 pounds is more than Civic DX, Corolla CE and Matrix XR.

Suzuki claims maintaining Aerio will be easy and economical. Rather than employ a rubberized belt to drive the camshafts, Aerio uses a self-adjusting timing chain requiring no maintenance for life.

Aerio’s spacious 63.7 cubic feet of interior space make it a car you can drive on long trips. Keep in mind this is a compact car, yet, the leg and head room is plentiful, giving the SX a cavernous feel about it. Folding down the seats allows for transporting of Home Depot purchases, without having to tie wallboard to the roof.

And last, but not least, Suzuki boasts a 100,000-mile warranty, the best in the industry.