2003 Suzuki Aerio SX AWD - Already a Loyal Following
As you probably can appreciate, I get queried about cars all the time. Friends, church acquaintances and even strangers ask and I never mind, it's actually one of my favorite subjects. Just make sure when you get me started you've got a few minutes for an answer.
With car questions in mind I was approached a couple of weeks ago by an acquaintance I've known for quite some time. Thinking about buying a new car he asked me about the new all-wheel drive Aerio. My remarks were mostly positive followed up by some suggestions of alternative compact crossover vehicles that also might serve his needs. He wasn't interested. It seems his current Suzuki Swift has given him such reliable service over the last 10 years that he just wanted confirmation that 'his' company was still doing a good job. Well my friend, they are. And here's a slightly more detailed answer to your question.
When the Aerio came on the scene last year it looked for all intents and purposes like a true crossover vehicle, perfect considering the popularity of the category. But it wasn't until the most current 2003 version hit dealerships last fall that all-wheel drive, the defining characteristic of the crossover, has been available. And what a difference it makes when the weather turns nasty.
Sure the car still looks more ore less the same, give or take a few AWD badges. That's either a very good or very bad thing depending on personal taste. In my experience people either love the car's funky sheetmetal and over-the-top plastic cladding or simply detest it, a result that I find a lot more palatable than me-too generic sameness.