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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  Hoping for the Best - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By $4,300 for 2009 Aveo - October 15 - 7:18 pm

  I purchased my Aveo as part of the Cash for Clunkers program after all rebates my price $4,300. Did not need car as had purchased 2008 Civic Hybrid prior year. I have enjoyed the car and believe it is good for my teenagers to experience the manual door locks and manual windows. It has a comfortable riding position and I like the interior. I recently changed my oil and was surprised with canister oil filter and torx socket for drain plug.

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  Right Choice - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bobbi - October 11 - 5:06 am

  As a semi-handicapped, eighty year old woman on limited income, I could not be more happy with this choice as far as ease of getting in and out, mileage, and reliability. Its appearance is in keeping with the much more expensive cars that Im used to and can no longer afford. My only criticisms are that it will not accommodate towing and at any speed over seventy five. It wants to take off and fly and is susceptible to buffeting from large vehicles and heavy winds. All things considered, I would rate this a 9+ for what it is meant to be. In my lifetime I have owned and driven over eight different makes and types of vehicles over 2 million miles and taught drivers education, and I recommend this car highly!

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  Dis-Satisfied - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jlyn89 - October 10 - 1:32 pm

  Where do I begin. Ive had nothing but problems w/my car. The RMPs dont idle right. It makes shuddering movements while driving & while stopped. After 1 month of having it, I had a transmission problem and other tiny problems. Buying this car was the worst decision I made. Dont expect a race car, because this car lacks power, very much. Dealership would not fix my car, so I got an attorney & General Motors agreed to buy back the car, so now Im on the hunt for another. But I will tell you that this car was a pain in the neck the whole 3 months I had it. But I loved the way it looked outside & especially inside its such a nice looking car, just doesnt run the way its supposed to.

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  Great until recently (valve issues) - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By good so far, but.... - October 7 - 8:37 pm

  Reliable (inc. all the way down to - 10F no issue). Not sporty (understeer), or sexy, but a very functional commuter. Inexpensive/easy to maintain, great on gas (35mpg at 80mph), BUT at 30 000, was getting bucking cold (about 40F outside) when slowing at stop signs, and bucking when cold at 30mph (with flashing check engine light) - deayler confirmed valve issue (to be fixed under warranty). Synthetic oil since I got it didnt save it from this defect. Also had belt tensionner issues and rotor vibration (turning the rotors fixed that). Otherwise, I do like the car, and the service is friendly/trustworthy (they are throwing in a new Timing belt install)

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  I love my Aveo! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By heather Anne - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my car for 2 days, and Im lovin it. I get a lot of comments on it.

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  2008 Aveo - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mary from Hilo - October 3 - 2:25 am

  I was disappointed in buying the 2008 Aveo. The car was defective with no parking light, driving panel lights and shifter indicator light. The dealership closed that day and I was pressured into buying the car. I drove the car not feeling safe in it.

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  LT Sedan - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Iffos - October 2 - 6:55 pm

  I bought my 2009 LT sedan Aveo back in May before the cash for clunkers. I love the car for the most part. Mines more of the sport version with a small spoiler, sun roof, leather seats, Alloy rims and a nice deck. Im just about to hit 9k cause I bought mine with 3k on it. It still running great I like the sedan way more then the hatch back because you get more room. Im always hitting 30 mpg and on the highway Im hitting about 34 mpg. Great looking sedan. This was a 2009 Aveo built in 2008.

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  Good ,But Not GREAT. - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By FlaBear - October 1 - 12:02 am

  I bought this car at the height of the high gas prices. Expected HUGE gas savings. BUT I have never gotten better than 18mpg in the city,and that is driving no pedal to the metal ever. Fun driving drops it even more. I got better mileage in the truck I traded in for this car. Mechanically it is solid. But trim pieces fade fast,paint is easily scratched,hatch release lever has broken 10 times! All fixed under warranty. But now warranty is gone,and minor things are wearing fast. Nothing major,yet. Kind of fun to drive. Easy to add options that 99% other Aveos dont have. Like FACTORY side molding, tint,aftermarket wheel covers,and graphics kits. Easy to park,and lots of storage in the HB.

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  My lady bug AKA my chevy aveo 1.6L 4cyl - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tim hershy - September 29 - 11:39 pm

  Bought my Chevy aveo with 32000 and i now have 45000. just recent i had a new timing belt put on because there know to brake at 4000 to 6000 miles. something else you need to keep a good eye on is the plastic thermostat. upgrade is i had aftermarket cruse control installed on my aveo. Good luck if y buy the chevy aveo I had just these 2 problems with my aveo but any car can have problems !! I,m planing to buy another one my next Car purchase.

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  Used 2008-5 - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Steve - September 26 - 11:30 am

  Just bought a used Aveo 5 with 5speed. I earlier had bought a new intro Aveo in 2004. I was never quite happy with the mileage. I aso found the shifter really mushy and it really needed an armrest. Those issues are fixed in the 2008. I get 37+ on the highway (70-75mph) and the old one would only get 33 if you babied it at <65mph. The shifter is much improved, it now has an armrest an the handling is much tighter. I gave up A/C to get a cheap purchase price but havent missed A/C so far. I still am concerned about the reported troublesome timing belt but will just plan on 50K replacement. All-in-all I find the Aveo 5 very fine for my needs- inexpensive-fun to drive- efficient.