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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  Piece of junk - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Big Mistake - November 10 - 9:53 am

  you name it it has gone out or broke while driving. I git this for my daughter hoping this would be a good car.,. All I can say is thank god she is alive and hasnt been killed by the crap of a car they chevy put out. There was a reason I dont but chevys.

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  Go for some other car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rodolfo - November 10 - 9:52 am

  Like a toy car. Everything is plastic and cheap. Minor but constant and annoying issues with brake lights, hatchback lock, pulls left. Chevrolets expensive and mediocre technical service. Fuel consumption is disappointing. Manual gearbox feels "sticky" and slow. Overall mediocre car. Boring, cheap feeling, noisy.

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  Great All Around - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Hovatch - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I looked at this car on accident. I really wanted a focus, but couldnt understand why i was going to pay almost $2500 more for a focus with 5spd and air when i got my AVEO loaded. I added the cruise, i spent the extra cash, but it was welll worth it.

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  Love my 2009 Chevy Aveo LS 4 door 1.6 L - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Missouri Man - October 31 - 12:31 pm

  Get 33 mpg plus in city traffic and 40-46 mpg plus driving highway in Missouri Ozark Mountains on interstate or two lane or city traffic. Great deal for the price on a subcompact of $10,600 brand new 2009. Excellent view out all directions of window, great comfort and leg/head room. Quiet, no road noise or engine noise. Easy to steer and operate, handles well, rides smooth, lots of trunk space, good stereo with plug in for Ipod or MP3 player, Onstar features! I cannot say enough good about this car, for the price and after shopping for over a year driving and looking at all over subcompacts, this is the best deal going by far! Love driving it, AC works wonderful, and can haul 4 people!

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  Dont buy Chevy!!!!! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By rskinner - October 30 - 9:30 am

  The car has been falling apart since we got it. The radio didnt work since day 1! The bolt that holds the car together fell off. There is only 18,000 miles on the car. I dont believe it should be falling apart so quickly. This car has been in the shop 3 times this month alone. At 10,000 miles it already had a leak in the motor! Dont buy Chevy! I know we wont from here on out! What a bunch of lemons!

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  2006 Chev Aveo LT - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mike - October 25 - 11:27 am

  I have had no problems with my car and I believe that when bought I drove it slower and allowed the engine to break in for the first 800 miles. Also every 3000 miles I have the oil changed. As of today I have no problems it continues to go 65-70mph down 95 as smooth as ever. Ill trade it in next year for a newer Aveo.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ane - October 23 - 7:50 pm

  This car reminds me of a slow horse. I probably would have been better off buying a horse! It has very poor pick up. It is very uncomfortable. Cant drive more than 30 miles without a backache or knees killing you. I put more gas in this car than I did in my van and NO I DONT DRIVE MORE! I have to stop for gas alot more though. I hate this car. DO NOT BUY ONE unless you are looking for a car for the new driver in your house for school and a part time job. Overpriced for the quality. Oh and did I say how much I hate this car? The intermittent wipers are too fast! Good God

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  Good Commuter Car - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bubba - October 18 - 2:47 pm

  I did the Cash For Clunkers deal. I needed a good commuter car since I drive a minimum of 700 miles a week. All you Jerseyites will understand. So far the car has been performing exactly as I wanted. 35 to 36 mpg in mixed driving mostly through the Pine Barrens. I have the auto with cruise control and they are the two items I must have. Comfort is fine. On Star is great so I dont need a cell phone if I break down in the pines or when I hit a deer again. Also got the 5 door which I highly recommend. This car is about utility and the 5 door is the way to go. Get me to work and home, load stuff in when I need to. I bought the car for cheap, reliable transportation. Grade: A+.

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  Better than they think!! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By David - October 16 - 2:50 pm

  I hesitated for almost 2 years to buy our next economy car and I sure am glad that I did. Because the Aveo is a GM takeover project (from the Daewoo), it does not recieve the credit it deserves! The Japanese always recieve the Champions banner for their vehicles, but for the money, the Aveo is really an excellent choice. The engine is sufficient in power, but it would be nice if it did have maybe a few more ponies. But the vehicle overall is really a great bargain, in todays economy.

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  sorry i bought it - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By everett - October 15 - 11:27 pm

  When gas prices started rising we decided to buy an economy car. The Aveo was advertised at getting app. 34 mpg. This car is not what we expected. It has a slow jumpy start until it warms up, it only gets 17 to 18 mpg. The accelerator acts like its stuck wide open when it is started for the first time in the mornings. I have been told by the dealer that the engine is performing the way it was designed to.Most of my driving is to and from work, which is a 40 mile round trip. The gas mileage does not vary if my driving is on the highway or in town with a lot of starts and stops.