Overview & Reviews

The Chevy Aveo was one of the first representatives of a new generation of inexpensive small cars that dawned in the 2000s as car shoppers began changing their buying habits to reflect rising gas prices and tough financial times. Unlike the penalty boxes of old, these small cars would sacrifice little in terms of reliability, features or comfort.

Having said that, the Aveo paled in comparison to later competitors. Built in Korea by GM-owned Daewoo, the Aveo was uninspiring to drive and saddled with subpar interior quality. A penalty box it was not, but it wasn't an object of desire, either. Eventually, Chevrolet discontinued the Aveo and replaced it with the vastly superior Sonic.

Most Recent Chevrolet Aveo
The Chevy Aveo was available as a subcompact sedan or four-door hatchback called the Aveo5. Both debuted in 2004 and, apart from the subsequent minor face-lifts that occurred for the sedan in '07 and the hatchback in '09, didn't significantly change throughout its run.

From 2004-'08, every Aveo was powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 that made 103 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. For '09, it was bumped up to 107 hp and 106 lb-ft, while for 2010 those figures were revised to 108 hp and 104 lb-ft. Transmission choices were always a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Manual transmission gear ratios were altered for 2010 for improved fuel economy.

The Aveo's tall profile wasn't the most aesthetically pleasing when viewed from the outside, but it certainly paid dividends in terms of providing useful amounts of headroom and legroom. The Aveo's interior also provided a commanding view for all passengers, and a fully reclining front passenger seat and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat expanded cargo capacity. The sedan's trunk offered 12.4 cubic feet of storage space. The Aveo5 also had a fold-down rear seat, and it could carry up to 42 cubic feet of cargo.

In Chevrolet Aveo reviews, our editors found it to be the least appealing of contemporary subcompacts, particularly toward the end of its life. But as a used car purchase, the Aveo represents a pretty affordable way to get acceptable transportation. Strengths included a low price, ample headroom and logical control layout. Downsides included mediocre acceleration, an unrefined driving experience, subpar cabin quality and a sloppy gearshifter (this was the rare instance in the subcompact class where we would recommend the automatic). Shoppers will want to consider 2006 and later Aveos, as they have additional features such as side airbags, alloy wheels and cruise control.

User Reviews:

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  2011 aveo ls sedan - 2011 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tom prescott - June 15 - 7:57 am

  Great car

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  07 aveo - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Heather M - November 5 - 3:08 pm

  I love i bought it for 1700 off offer up two years ago .. only fixed the ac no problems what so ever .. had 89000 miles when I bought it .. ut is time to replace struts buts its 20 yrs old so I have no complaints.. I feel safe driving it and Im a traveler I love my aveo

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  I Love My Chevy Aveo - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rhonda Christopher - April 18 - 6:47 pm

  I am in love with my AVEO. I Have had Cherry (thats my AVEO name) for 10 years, and I havent had any problems AT all. You guys did a GREAT JOB!!!!!

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  I LOVE MY CHEVY AVEO - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rhonda Christopher - April 18 - 6:38 pm

  I have had my Chevy Aveo for 10yrs. I absolutely, with out a doubt am in love with MY CAR. Her name is Cherry (because shes red). Hasnt given me ANY PROBLEMS at all. You guys did a GREAT JOB!!!!!

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  Chevrolet Aveo 2013 model - 2013 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rahmad - June 30 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car 2 years ago, it was driven 80,000km already when i bought it, some sales person drove it very badly, i bought it and took it to a mechanic and asked him to fix all the things which are bad. specially engine mounts, lower arm rubbers, ball joints, plugs, plug wires and it was almost like a major service. i am driving it since 2 years, there was a time when i got a trouble with coil and need to replace it, which cause it a check engine light from the catalyst, since then i have no problem driving it. Ac is very nice, sound system is fair. economy is not a problem, breaks are little fussy but its still manageable. it is not very strong car but a nice small family car. over all my experience with Aveo is not bad.

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  My first car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Penelope - January 25 - 9:25 am

  So this car..what can i say about it. I bought it with 190,000kms on it in 2015 (in Canada we go by KMS). The lady who owned it before me took very good care of it, the interior was in mint condition. This vehicle is a piece of crap. Luckily I dont use the highway to commute to work.... because everytime I take this thing on the highway I do not feel safe. The car overheats and loses power after about 25-30 minutes of driving. I had to call a tow truck to come get me one time because it just felt like it would die on me at any moment. The interior design is also crap, the cupholder are right above the gearshift, so if you have a full coffee it will most likely spill all over your gearshift and your car. Beyond all the problems ive just stated, i have to admit i still rely on this car to take me to work everyday and thats really all its good for. I like that it is good on gas, probably take about 35-40$ to fill it up entirely. I would buy chevy again, just not the aveo.

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  My first car, my first baby - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Claire B. - December 18 - 9:47 pm

  My dad bought this car back in 2007 brand new when I was 13. He paid it off and when I got my drivers license, he gave it to me. I loved this car. It had all the bells and whistles at the time. Overtime things did go wrong though. The drivers door lock fell (common problem apparently), hinges were creaky and stiff, headlights burnt out constantly, and it did not hold up in accidents. That last one always made me somewhat scared to get in my vehicle. My first accident was in 2011. When I got t-boned in a parking lot. At 10mph my front axel was bent and my drivers door hinge was crumpled. Problems were fixed but never solved. Unfortunately a month ago I was rear-ended and because of the poor quality of this vehicle, it caused more damage than what the vehicle was worth. Being a 2007, it only had 54000 miles on it. I said my goodbyes today and am now beginning my search for a new car. It wasnt great quality but it was never meant to be. It was however a great first car.

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  The car the drove ME crazy - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tracy - December 13 - 8:14 am

  I bought this car had it for a few years. But to much money into trying to figure out what was wrong. Come to find out this car along with others had a tiny hole in the transmission. (transmission made of plastic) . GM knew about the problem never told the customer nor the dealers. Also they would not stand by their customer told me not their problem while the manager at the GM cried to me about all the phone calls she gets. I never want to deal with this car nor GM again.

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  A TRUE AMERICAN MADE LEMON - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By lemon - October 24 - 10:49 pm

  Never buy a chevy aveo , it is a piece of crap!! Had to put a radiator in it , transmission , computer, and now head gasket blown!! Nothing but a waste of money wanna take a baseball bat and beat it to pieces.They really need to take theses lemons off the market.I am extremely disappointed and will never buy a chevy again

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  Happy with the purchase of my first new car - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By T. Jacklin - October 20 - 6:37 pm

  I bought this car new off the lot. Within a few months I noticed a screeching noise out on the open highway in a cross wind. Come to find out it was something to do with the design of the vehicle (not safety) and after a quick fix at the shop, the noise was gone. I wanted a bare bones car. Lets features, less to go wrong, less expense. This car is perfect for me. It can be parked anywhere, not overly spunky but can whip it on the highway. The fuel mileage is great, only a few minor repairs (mostly from lack of use, not over use) like creaky doors, a rear hatch release that sticks, heater only works on blast (at least it works). If you are looking for something to get you from point A to B without a lot of bells and whistles, this is your ride. It now has 78,000kms on her, just had the control arm replaced today, new water pump a couple weeks ago. These are things that are going to need replacing regardless, and I think after 6 years that is fair. Still has original brakes, clutch, wipers, numerous other things. I am more than happy with The Intimidator. I would buy another one in a minute. Its GREAT in the snow! (Granted you know how to drive in it. I am Canadian. I have this skill)