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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  Nice car, over hyped milage - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Dean Robertson - August 14 - 4:11 pm

  I cashed in on the Cash for Clunkers deal and got a good deal on the car. I was promised at least 30 mph in town and 35 on the highway. Nada. The first check was 23 mpg, then 20 and today only 21. Im very disappointed in that ... but surprising good ride for a small car. But I bought it for the gas savings. Now the dealership says give it 10 to 15,000 miles before it will perform as promised. Waiting.

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  Dont buy this junk. - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jerseyjoe - August 14 - 1:08 pm

  I guess the old saying is you get what you pay for. Well in 2007 I bought a 2006 aveo with 16, ooo miles on it and its been in the shop every few months for one thing or another. 1st thing was bad a/c compressor. 2nd thing was faulty computer-and now that the 3 year warranty is up and the vehicle only having 27,000 miles the freeze plug went on it causing the car to over heat blowing the head gasket, so I have a 3 year old car with 27,000 miles that needs a new engine, this car is not reliable or safe. Do yourself a favor and dont but this car. Its imported junk with a Chevy emblem on it. No Wonder gm went bankrupt.

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  problems - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By troubled - August 11 - 5:26 pm

  Our Aveo has 63,000 miles. We purchased it as a small reliable car for our son who is in college. The car isnt what was promised. The radio comes on when the weather is damp or when it rains. The airbag sensor is on and one corner of the airbag cover came off. We have had problems with the horn blowing and the interior lights. The recall concerning the fuel pump running in a front end collision has us concerned too. After 4 calls GMC is finally working with us. We will not buy another one.

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  Our little pill car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Happy Pancake - August 10 - 11:17 am

  We called this car our little pill. It was white, and shaped just like a gel tab of Tylenol. :) For using this car as a primary means of communication to and from work, I give this car a 10! For having enough room to fit 2 carseats, a stroller, and a passenger, thats it! Forget groceries or driving the mother-in-law somewhere.

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  Dollar for Dollar best value - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jimbo - August 7 - 7:55 am

  Excellent fuel mpg. Fun to drive LT with wheels,sunroof and spoiler is the way to go.. Get the ABS brakes.. Style and performance. Get the sedan not the hatch.. Sedan more room.

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  LS - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By igotanewcar - August 7 - 3:31 am

  I just picked up my fist new car. Picked it up with 100 miles on it and drove 1000 miles to Florida and it ran great. It averaged 35+mpg and that was running 70 mph on interstate. The downside is it runs at 3250rpm running 70 mph seems high but it is not normal driving for me. I normally drive 55 on the highway going to work and should do much better on mpg. LS package has no air, cd, or cruse. It would be nice but for the price I wont complain. 12000 list price - 1000 rebate and - 4500 cash4clunkers = $6500 before tax, title, license. My dad bought a mazda brand new in 1978 for $6700 hard to imagine 30 years later same price for better vehicle.

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  radiator problems - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By philipmd - August 6 - 6:46 pm

  Radiator leaks on the 10th month was replaced under warranty. On the 25th month at 23ooo miles, again the radiator leaks. It will no longer be covered with warranty according to the dealer bec. I had my vehicle serviced by another autoshop since I relocated. What a great headache. Avoid this Chevrolet aveo sedan.

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  Why I Like - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aveo Girl - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought a small car because of the gas mileage ratings. This car is fun to drive as well.

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  love this lil car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By nanafonda - August 4 - 3:59 pm

  I was searching for a used car, well a man I know buys wrecked cars and fixes them up, I happened to see this lil 08 Aveo, and bought it on the spot, the front bumper is cracked but other than that it looks great, I drive alot because I am a grandma and the Aveo gets great mpg. The check engine light was flickering and the mechanic said it just needed an o2 sensor, not bad for 48000 miles runs and drives like new, o and the bumper is only 130.00 online!

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  Falling apart - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By tnkgrl - July 28 - 10:12 pm

  My car just started having problems. It is falling apart. I loved it until now. ABS cab and the throttle actuator control module went out in two months apart from each other. 46000 miles.