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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  Run Away and Never Return! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By necietoo - December 16 - 10:15 am

  This car was purchased as a gift brand new. I was very disappointed it didnt last 3years and the timing belt broke and the car was extremely damaged. Like 5600 dollars in damages the car only cost 9000 to 10000 dollars are you for real? Please, please, please do not buy this car. It will leave you stranded!

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  If you like walking... - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Agent - November 30 - 9:03 pm

  This car broke down 4 times in the first 6 months I owned it. 3 breakdowns were a result of the computer and the other 1 was due to the shifter housing. Also, the tires only lasted for about 28k before they needed to be replaced. This car is terrible in high winds and also has problems in the rain, snow, and ice. I was so disappointed that I considered hiring a lawyer to go after the dealership. Also, the gas mileage is seriously overstated. If the initial cost is your only consideration then buy an Aveo.

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  Cheap metal - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By MYSTICICE13 - November 30 - 7:55 pm

  My car seems to have dents from under the hood. No one knows why. Simply leaning against the car will cause the door to dent, I only weigh 130. I had the emissions valve replaced at 30,000 the clutch plate was replaced after only having it a year, the horn is weak. No block heater (required in Alaska) they charge you extra to get one when it should be installed in a place where its required.

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  A move up from a METRO - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By pms - November 30 - 12:33 pm

  Being a person who hates big, pretentious vehicles, I appreciate this car very much. I think America could use an attitude change to "bigger Women, and smaller trucks". One does not feel MACHO in this type of car. It is only for the intelligent, secure buyer. The relative luxury, when compared to a METRO is wonderful. Some zip in the engine, power locks/ windows...I am spoiled!!

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  `perfomance - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Katiebug - November 22 - 10:00 am

  ery good performance and is good on gas and the color is just right, and I enjoy driving it.

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  What a car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By hubbard - November 21 - 2:00 pm

  For the price that I paid, this car was a bargain. I know its for transportation, but this car is incredibly fun to drive. Ive put over 8000 mi on it so far and Ive found it to be very comfortable even for 8 hour drives. It also has been averaging 32mpg on my way from Boston to DC so Ive also been saving up to 80 dollars round trip, which is incredible. All in all, it has lots of space, room for 5 (reasonably comfortable), its great on gas, and it gets you place to place with a 100000mi warranty for 11,000. Money well spent.

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  Great Commuter Car! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aveo Mike - November 21 - 11:15 am

  This car does what you expect it to do - save money at the pump for a reasonably priced car. I owned it for 31,500 miles (almost 2 years-before I crashed it). My only complaint was that the front tires wore down after 22,000 miles, and the seats could be more comfortable. Other than that, the car pays for itself by laughing at gas pumps. Bought it as a commuter car going 60 miles a day, and never got less than 26 mpg city. Highway got 32~33 mpg easy. I crashed it recently, and the front collapsed well like an accordian- and I walked away without a scratch.I am 63 tall and fit well inside. Solid car for the price. Trunk is big,"hold" traction button puts car into lower gear for torque traction

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  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob B - November 7 - 8:32 am

  I have the 4 door sedan. Never had a problem. Took the car over from my daughter who moved to Chicago and didnt need a car. It would have never have been a car I would have bought. It tuned out to be a very pleasant suprise. The fuel mileage has been great and the room inside is unbelivable. We had 5 adults in the car and I am 64. I put really good tires on it and it runs at 80 mph on the highway with no problem. Easy to park. I take it from Detroit to Chicago twice a month (4.5 hour drive) and its comfortable. I wouldnt want to take it across the country but Im old and like big cars. Great car for the money, 3 of my neighbors have bought them since I got mine.

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  Very pleased with my Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tom - November 6 - 5:02 am

  I have been very pleased with my Aveo, on average I get about 29-30 miles per gallon in town and when Im on the open road Ive averaged as high as 36- 37 miles per gallon. recently a dealer offered me well over the bluebook value for my aveo because they were looking to boost their inventory of smaller cars, but why should I get something new when I get the mileage that I do. Really have not had to put a great deal of money into it, just the basic and recommended things. Overall I can only say good things about my Aveo and that I wont be getting anything new soon, because the newer cars dont even get the miles per gallon my car does now.

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  Good Bang For The Buck - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By SAM - October 30 - 12:51 pm

  This car not only was darned cheap to buy, it also has proven to be dependable. Its also surprisingly roomy and pretty quiet. For basic transportation, this about as good as it gets. I used to be very wary of Korean-built cars, but I"m sold on this one.