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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  Suprisingly Solid and Roomy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Angela - June 7 - 8:47 pm

  We just purchased this car when my grandma couldnt drive it anymore. It has 12,000 miles on it, and is in like new condition. Having driven only SUVs for a while, I am blown away at how well this little car handles and how much cab space there is for people. Our 2 teens and a 7 year old fit comfortably in back (as comfortable as our last SUV). Our first trip was 750 miles with 4 people (weighing 600 lbs. total) and packed to the hilt with our stuff. We got 34 mpg on the highway. Acceleration is good on the interstate, even on hills. I just took a 16 hour trip in a Toyota Matrix that didnt do so well and didnt handle as good. Im only getting 22-26 mpg in the city, but I drive fast.

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  A good first car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Monica - June 5 - 3:12 pm

  This was my first car and I couldnt ask for anything better. Its affordable and very reliable. Ive only had it for 2 months but its been wonderful. As of now I only average 18 mpg, but its brand new. After I break it in I hope to average at least 24 mpg. Otherwise theyll need to be more honest about the actual mileage.

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  Better then Hyundai Accent - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Craig - June 3 - 11:19 am

  This car is a great car and it does have a good amount of pick-up. The price for the car is good. The interior carpet is a little cheap looking and feeling. I also have a Hyundai Accent hatchback SE 2007 which is lemon lawed and being bought back. I would like to see this car with 4 disc breaks rather then 2 but what can you do. I would also like a different color opt for inter leather (black). This is a opt for 2009. I did a few things with this car to make it stand out. I had the break calipers panted Chevy orange also tinted 20% with auto start and mobile in dash DVD

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  Awesome little car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ashley - June 2 - 2:50 pm

  I have only had this car about 2 months, but I was in love with it from the start. My boyfriend begs to drive it any chance he gets. It is very fuel efficient, I have the optional automatic transmission, with the average for me being 27 mpg (all city. I am happy with this car and would recommened it to any asking.

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  Great performance for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By fos4snt - June 1 - 11:46 am

  I was looking for a car with good gas mileage and enough room inside for my 12 year old son who is now 511 1/2" tall. He needs room to grow over the next 3-4 years of anticipated ownership and is supposed to end up about 66" tall! We checked out a variety of cars in the similar class, with fuel efficiency & cabin size being the #1 priorities. Not only does the Aveo offer ample headroom and decent leg space for a compact car, but its paying for itself! The reduced insurance cost, improved gas mileage and decent styling led us to this car. Our former car was an Xterra, and there is as much interior cabin space in this tiny Aveo as we had before - but more then twice the MPGs.

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  Try it for yourself! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob - May 29 - 2:05 pm

  I have seen just a few reviews that dont like the Aveo. I have had mine six months and some of the complaints are hard to understand. Gas mileage and room are the two that bother me most. Only a few have written but I would like to say I get 36 to 41+ driving country roads and some city. No highway. I am 6 ft 1 in tall weigh 265 pounds and it is more room than I need. My nephew is 6 ft 5 in tall and he has no problem at all. I have 7000+ miles on my car and I love it. So all I can say is try it out make your own decision. It is by far the least inexpensive. I paid $8998 with air. Super car to me.

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  Great car, poor A/C - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By DW - May 27 - 6:26 pm

  I think that this car is great. Good on gas, and just enough room for me and my son. However every summer I am having A/C problems. The A/C never gets cold enough and when it does start to work I cant use the A/C adapter and air conditioner at the same time.So charging my cell during road trips are usually out of the question. Other than that the car is great. The heating system works great and no other complaints.

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  4 door wonder! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Luvmyaveo - May 16 - 11:13 am

  I can not believe how much fun it is to drive this "babycar"! My friends call it my Jelly Bean and they are astonished at how much room it has inside, and how much we can haul with just 2 of us. We fold the rear seats down and off to Costo we go! This car has the heart of a Corvette, and the fuel economy of a smart car. It is a treat to drive and own!

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  Great Car For The Money - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jim - May 14 - 8:56 pm

  Many people make the mistake of comparing this car to a Camry, Accord or some much more expensive car. However for between 10K and 13K this is a great car. Mine gets great mileage, looks good and is easy on the wallet. I think its the greatest bargain in the US. Its a great car at a great price.

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  I love my Aveo! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jcseinar - May 12 - 3:39 am

  I bought an Aveo as a commuter car. I have never driven anything but a truck, so downsizing was a little hard to get used to. I have driven this Aveo everyday for the past year and a half without any trouble whatsoever. I change the oil and perform regular maintenance, but this car has been 100% free of trouble. It runs like a top. I get great gas mileage at about 42 MPG.