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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  decent compact - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By ch15x - April 28 - 2:00 am

  If you want a simple means of transportation, this is not a bad pick.

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  Great Car, 1st Chevy - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Maurice - April 27 - 9:45 pm

  This is one fine small car. Interior comfort and quility is more than expected for a car this size. The exterior is great to me. I love it. Now as to mileage going back and forth to work and driving around, I have gotten over 40 miles to a gallon. I do drive easy but still I think for the cost there is no comparision to other cars in class. This is by far better. I know others would not be better on mileage than this one I own. Best small car I have owned. I think for price I paid and mileage I get this is the cheapest to own dont care how you compute it. Love this car.

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  Really Reliable Car - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By JDS - April 27 - 6:52 am

  The car has been very reliable! Bought brand new, and now have over 60,000 miles and never a mechanical problem! Many domestic cars seem to have problems by this time.

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  to many probelms - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By fgsmith - April 21 - 4:55 pm

  Has had 4 sets of headlights in 2 yrs. 2 full sets of tires. Needs serpentine belt @ 40,000 these problems are not resolved ignition coil replaced @ 20,000 miles. New sunroof @less than 5000 mp3 player didnt last six months. Struts @ 20,000 miles. Gear shift assembly @ 15,000. Car dies in traffic @times other times wont start a lot of problems seem to be electrical in origin. Other mechanics say the car has been wrecked. I bought it new. The car only has 40,000 on it now. Gas mileage not as good as advertised also had crank sensor replaced @ 15,000.

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  Long term information - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By KW - April 20 - 1:41 am

  I have over 56,000 miles on my 5 spd hatchback. Love it. Absolutely no problems, never been in the shop. Ride is very smooth and controlled. Turns on a dime (18 ft turning circle). Lifetime average MPG is at 34.7, top was 44, lowest was 27, but only been below 30 MPG four times. Last 6 months overall average is 38.9 MPG. I cant believe the value I got with this purchase. Engine just purrs. Ride is quiet at 60-65 cruise speed (but Ive been keeping it at 55 lately for better MPG). Acceleration is adequate for all my needs. Would by another without question. Fit and finish is supurb. Seat is comfortable for long drives. Plenty of room for backseat passengers.

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  Good and sad - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By ReC - April 18 - 3:13 am

  I bought this car mainly for the fuel economy: (1.6L 4cyl 5A) 25-30. We were so happy until--15,000 miles and bang, major repair, in shop for a week now, waiting for parts in drive train/control arm. This is a major disappointment. The car is light in the high winds! Should have bought the Toyota Corolla for 2k more.

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  This is a great car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jason - April 17 - 8:00 am

  This car has been better than expected. Lots of room very nice ride and gas mileage has been outstanding the first tank we got 33.1. I have an 85 mile daily commute 75 hyw and it averages 33-37 mpg all the time and its an auto trans. Saved thousands over Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Drove them all and this car is just as good.

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  Great car for a great price - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By brooklyn - April 16 - 11:57 pm

  This was my first new car and I have not been disappointed. It is practical in terms of price, but very nicely designed as well. It is a small vehicle, which is perfect for fitting into small parking spaces, but inside it doesnt feel cramped. Additionally, Chevrolet offers a great warranty, which I havent had to use yet, but it good to know it is available if needed.

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  Great Value! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ilkster - April 16 - 4:14 am

  This car is a great value for the price. It has excellent reliablity and is a great commuter car. I do a lot of driving and this car is perfect for it. It has a nice European stling and look to it. Would recommend it for someone that does alot of driving.

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  Best Small Car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob - April 10 - 10:41 am

  This is one fine small car. Interior comfort and quility is more than expected for a car that cost 8998 with air.The exterior is great to me. I love it.Now as to mileage going back and forth to work and driving around no highway I have gotten over 40 miles to a gallon. I do drive easy but still I think for the cost there is no comparision to other cars in class. This is by far better.I know others would not be better on mileage than this one I own. Best small car I have owned and I have owned Toyota, Honda, Ford, Masda. I think for price I paid and mileage I get this is the cheapest to own dont care how you compute it. Love this car.