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:

• 

  Wow! Better than expected! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jean - August 25 - 7:46 pm

  This car was much better than I even expected! It has great power for only a 4 cylinder engine. That is saying a lot. Has chrome areas, built much better than the Chevys I have had in the past which include a Cavalier and a Lumina. I have a sunroof, spoiler, makes it sporty yet still a family car.

• 

  Great for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Michael - August 17 - 7:54 pm

  Great car for the money. Honest! Weve got the manual loaded with the sunroof/moonroof. Not the most fun car Ive ever bought but a great one. I needed a cheap car that got good gas mileage. I wanted a hybrid but figured that extra $8-13 grand would buy a lot of gas at $4 a gallon. Ive owned this for 10 months (took in once for a sensor, fixed that day) and only have 7,500 miles. If you drive it gently (Yeh, not my style either) youll get the estimated mileage or slightly better. Ill never call this a "fun" ride, but Ill always call it a smart ride. Need more fun, room, or "style", then spend the money. Need around 200 or-less miles a week and real economy, give an Aveo a look.

• 

  From a very satisfied purchaser - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aveo LS - August 14 - 4:23 am

  I purchased my Aveo in Sept 2007 when I traded in my 2005 Cobolt. Have driven 11,00+ miles in all road conditions, weather conditions, both highway and city. I couldnt be more pleased with the way it handles, reliability, gas mileage and appearance. I have received numerous compliments on it. I cant understand why I dont see more of them on the road and why they are advertised very little. I would recommend this car to anybody and in fact have done so.

• 

  Amazing Choice! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Amazing Choice - August 13 - 12:58 pm

  I bought this car 5-6 months ago. The value of the vehicle has since increased and that never happens. With the manual I get on the highway with authority.(left in third gear) I have not had a problem yet and have no regrets for my purchase. I consistantly get 38+ highway mileage, so I am not sure why its EPA is so low! I am not a slow highway driver, so people should be able to get better. Also the vehicle is very roomy in comparison to what I thought a compact would be. When I did a "years to pay back" analysis on this car today I will make my money back in gas savings in just 5 years! Finally a vehicle that actually makes sense financially.

• 

  Small and Simple... I like it - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Grizz - August 10 - 9:25 am

  I was planning to buy a Toyota Yaris but stopped to look at the Aveo and got it instead. I liked the 4 door and the price was thousands less. I got the 5 speed and wish I had the auto. I added cruise control and use the car for hiway driving. I can get 40mpg on long distances, but generally average about 36mpg. Worst thing is the sloppy shifter and hard seats. Lots of best things: Easier to get in & out of than my Buick, 4 doors, great mpg, easy to park and do u-turns, very simple interior controls.

• 

  **GREAT VALUE** - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Denisenjeff - August 3 - 4:26 pm

  We just bought the 2005 Aveo with AC and got it for $8397.00, it was a fantastic deal. Best warranty out of all Chevy vehicles (that was a plus) We commute 100 miles RT to work and back and needed something CHEAP all around! CHEAP on fuel consumption and cheap to buy! Very good value for this car for sure.

• 

  Aveo Is A Suprise - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kajunman - July 30 - 8:06 pm

  I had to purchase a vehicle for work that didnt leave me nothing in the bank. I drive all day, and love this car. If you want bang for buck this is the car. Not only practical, but suprisingly all around good vehicle. It is fun to drive and has some zip to it. The best head room for a small car. Great MPGs, Good looking car, Fun to drive. Highly recomend checking it out. I chose this vehicle over Honda, Toyota, or Ford. Test drove them all.

• 

  CHEVROLET AVEO - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By GLENDA - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I COULD NOT AS FOR A BETTER CAR THEN AVEO.I DRIVE FROM 300-400 MILES A WEEK I CAN NOT BEAT GAS MILEAGES 35-40 MILES GALLON,INSIDE REAL NICE LOT OF SPACE,WHEN ARE A BIG PERSON LIKE ME.LIKE SOME OTHER CARS ,DO NOT PUT ANY NAMES OUT THERE IN COMPACT CARS , WHEN YOU DRIVE LONG WAY EVERYDAY ,THE NUMBER 1 COMPACT OF 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO

• 

  Best in show for price - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By phil - July 24 - 1:45 am

  I bought this car three weeks ago and I havent looked back. I bought the Value Special stickered for $10,700. I paid $7700. There is no car anywhere close to this price that performs this well. I dont feel buying this car loaded is a smart deal at $14,500. But at $11K to $8K you cant go wrong. Rides nice. front seats fit me great. Great 5 speed transmission. Shifts smooth. Good fit and well I think it is fun to drive. I drive 300 miles a week for work and spend around $36 to $38 in gas a week. Payments are low, gas bills are low. What is not to like. Sure there are nicer cars out there but at twice the price.

• 

  Love my Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By aveo fan - July 22 - 3:32 am

  Great car, have had it for 3 years, bought brand new at a dealer. If you want something more than a reliable, gas sipping tin can on wheels dont buy this, you will be dissapointed. Never any problems with it, have driven it from midwest to east coast, comfortable.