Suzuki Aerio History

The Aerio (sold globally as the Suzuki Liana) replaced the Swift/Esteem in the US for the 2002 model year, offered as a sedan and a tall 5-door SX hatchback. Its standout feature was available all-wheel drive — for a time the most affordable new car in America with AWD, giving it a practical niche other budget compacts lacked.

A 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 155 hp was added for 2004. The SX hatchback was discontinued after 2006 to make way for the SX4 crossover; the Aerio sedan soldiered on through 2007 before it too gave way to the SX4 Sport sedan.