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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  Substandard Air conditioning - 2010 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mike Ryan - July 23 - 8:03 am

  I liked the car until I got into the heat of the summer. When two or more people are in the car the AC doesnt cool the car when you are doing stop and go driving. I live in Las Vegas and the car is uncomfortable in the afternoon heat. The dealership told me that that is the way it is! My gas mileage has dropped to 25 mpg. The sight lines are surprisingly poor also. The large support columns block a lot of your vision.

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  Good Car but has some issues.... - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By mollys - July 21 - 2:17 pm

  This is a great little car for people who drive a lot. It is comfortable and reliable and the gas price is excellent especially if you get the federal reimbursement rate. I am having trouble with the front tires wearing unevenly on the outsides. Just be aware that I have 28,000 miles on this car and bought it brand new with 13 miles. I am on the second set of tires and will be needing new ones to pass state inspection. Another Oveo driver I know has the same problem also. The tires are rotated and balanced appropriately. Just be aware you may need tires yearly. I have not had any other problem with the car besides this.

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  09 Aveo Automatic - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Oregonaveo - July 19 - 6:07 pm

  Just purchased the 09 Aveo 5 w/ auto and air package. So far I am happy with it. With the cash 4 clunkers and employee pricing I am paying $8000 including Title and Registration.

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  GM finally built a good compact car - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ernie - July 11 - 8:25 pm

  I wanted a compact car with good Gas mileage. I think I got one with this 2009 Aveo. Its fun to drive. It rides better than I thought it would. and I get 32 MPG in the city. I think GM finally has built a good compact car. It has more pick up than I thought it would. Not to good on a up grade but its a compact car. I only had it for about a month now and I dont think it has any blind spots in it. The side windows are big. The engine runs quiet and it has a good ride on the highway. only one thing wrong with it, made in Korea. If anyone wants a compact car they should take a good look at a Aveo.

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  AVEO Review - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jbbrack - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Aveo for three months and have no complaints about the car. It replaced a small pickup we used around town and is mainly used for shopping and local trips. The space behind the rear seats is great for groceries and other small items. I have also used it to carry heavy items up to 800 pounds with no significant change in handling characteristics. The seating is comfortable and the headroom and visibility equivalent to a much larger vehicle. I am impressed by the quality in the car for the price I paid for it. All in all, a real bargain.

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  80,000 miles, no problems - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Gene - July 1 - 8:13 pm

  Hello, Im reading through all the previous posts and amazed of all the problems that people are having. As of July 1, 2009 I have 80,000 miles on mine. It will be four years old in October. I will admit the original tires were junk, I replaced them at around 20,000 and now have Toyos. The new tires are wearing awesome, I can probably get around 75,000 miles on them. Other then that, oil change every 5k, rotate tires every 10k. My goal was to get 100,000 miles on it (five years). Gas mileage, I travel 85 miles per day and I have been getting 34-37 MPG

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  Looking forward to keeping this car! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By drnhrtwl - June 27 - 12:02 am

  Im a college student and this is definitely great for that. I bought it new. Once I got an oil change and rotated the tires it drove like a dream. It survived a harsh winter and still holds up. You might need better tires for the snow. I wish the speaker system was a bit better. Also theres a design flaw that causes the windshield to whistle from an air pocket when I drive on the highway. Also the check engine light is on and Ive only had the car for a year. The car is really roomy despite its outward appearance. Its definitely a good car. Oh yeah, amazing gas mileage! Saves me money!

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  Zippy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob Daily - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Wow this car can get away with you if you dont watch out. watch the speedometer. Just have had it 3 weeks and love it. I traded in my 97 Metro for this one. (I also owned a YUGO!) and a Pinto, and an Escort Wagon

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  hope its a reliable car !! - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By anthony - May 25 - 9:07 am

  I loved this car when I seen it, I loved the style and size/shape, I really wanted it in White with black leatherette interior seats but no extras, my salesman did his best to find one to no avail, he told me in a 500 mile radius from Rutherford, nj there was only 2 aveos with leatherette seats and both cars were loaded, oh well, not a big difference in price, my only concern from past experiences is, if it has a lot of extras, if they break u gotta fix them! I love the dark red with beige leatherette seats I finally got, but all the extra bells and whistles intimidate me, the car doesnt have much pickup when accelerating and theres some dings that I hear in the back that I have no idea where its coming.

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  Good 1st time car - 2010 Chevrolet Aveo
  By N - May 21 - 7:06 pm

  I bought my 2010 Chevrolet Aveo hatchback April 2015, I have now owned it for a year. This was my first vehicle so I was super excited about it, it only had 2800 miles on it and two previous owners. So it was still a pretty new car to be a used car (if that makes sense). Its a really nice car for a first time buyer, the only cons I would say I have is that it isnt really powerful and if its windy outside it seems like the car "moves with the wind". That may have something to do with how small the car is, also I feel like if you have the AC on it feels like the car takes a little longer to accelerate. Other then those few cons Im very grateful for the car Ive been blessed with, and plus I will still have some trade in value for it. So thats awesome!