Former Shots pair Jon Challinor and Paul Buckle did most of the damage for the Grecians as they both scored one and made one on a great afternoon for the Devon side.
The home side took the lead just after the half-hour mark thanks to a link up between the two ex-Aldershot midfielders. Challinor's trademark long throw was missed by everyone and Buckle gambled to get ahead of his man and poke the ball home from six yards.
The Shots almost levelled immediately but John Turner's far post header was cleared off the line by Buckle.
And City's lead was doubled because of the moment of madness by visiting keeper Nicky Bull, who needlessly kicked out at striker Craig Farrell as he attempted to charge down a clearance. The referee took pity and decided not to send Bull off, but he did give a penalty and Billy Jones confidently scored to put his side well in control.
Aldershot never recovered from that disaster and they were put to the sword in the second half.
Challinor, who was playing against the Shots for the first time since his falling out with the club in the summer, made it 3-0 with a stunning strike.
And striker Lee Phillips added the fourth after playing a one-two with Buckle. The Grecians even had time for substitute Dean Moxey to fire a header against the underside of the crossbar in injury time.