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Customer Reviews: Average Rating:  Rating :  - Great travel stroller
I'm rather surprised by all the negative reviews on the Aria. I bought mine in Jan 2005 for my then 5 mos old daughter. It's our travel stroller, usually kept in our SUV. We've had the stroller on numerous trips in the US, to Europe, to the Caribbean. It's travelled over paved city streets, in malls, on cobblestone, even on sand at the beach!
Overall we love it. I've not had any of the pushing problems people complain about. In fact, we've always remarked on how smoothly and easily it pushes. I love the full recline, which allowed my daughter to nap during full-day trips of sightseeing. And while the adjustment on the incline is a little tight, I think that's good as it makes me feel like once it's locked in place, it stays in place!
The parent cupholder held out on many trips until it was inevitably broken off by an airline (but only after several flights including to Europe). The child's drinkholder is shallow and isn't appropriate for taller cups, which are guaranteed to topple over. But my daughter just keeps her big sippy cups next to her on the chair or holds it. And the tray itself is very handy for holding snacks, etc.
The canopy is definitely small and rather useless. However, that's pretty obvious from pictures that it's too small. I've always used a sunshade (from Kidapotamus) with the Aria and it's a great combo for sun/wind/rain. And so far it hasn't warped, ripped off, etc.
Basket is small but what do you expect from such a small stroller? I'm still able to fit in a diaper change pack, a small handbag, toys, umbrella, etc. In fact, you'd be surprised how much you can squeeze down there. We've sometimes really loaded it down with heavy groceries, slightly worried the basket would break but so far it's held up quite well.
You DO need both hands to fold it. But after the initial learning curve, I've always found it very easy and quick to fold. Opening the stroller is a snap - use both hands to release the tabs on the sides simultaneously and then just one hand to 'fling' it open.
I'm 5'5" and my husband's 6'3". The Aria is very comfortable for me to push and adequate for my husband. Yes occasionally we kick one of the back wheels while pushing it but it's not happened enough for us to feel it's a problem.
What I love about the Aria:
- Lightweight (comparable to umbrella strollers but much more solid, sturdy and comfortable)
- Folds easily and stands on its own
- Opens easily
- Just enough features (snack tray, cupholders, basket) to be handy - much handier than an umbrella stroller
- Fits well into most trunks and folds small enough I've been allowed to take it onboard in business/first cabins)
- Pushes well, held up really well (only thing wrong after 22 mos and many travels is airline breaking the cupholder
- Snack tray in front swings open for easy in/out
This stroller is not perfect but I think it's pretty darn good. My daughter has always been quite happy riding in it (she hates the umbrella strollers).. Aside from the Aria, we also have/had a Graco travel system, an Evenflo travel system and a Zooper Jazz. Through it all, the Aria has always been great. + See Full Customer Review |  |
