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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  Great Little Car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By WillnLBK - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Aveo for just about a month now and I have been nothing but impressed with the car. I have driven the car in the flat lands of West Texas and the mountains of New Mexico and its performed very well. The engine has pleanty of pep and the interior is very spacious. Im a big ole boy and Im more than comfortable in the car.

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  Two Months and Counting - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By halogen - September 18 - 5:20 pm

  The car feels much more expensive than its price would indicate. It has decent acceleration with the automatic transmission, great brakes, and a fine level of fit and finish. The steering is nimble and precise, with good smooth ride quality. During sharp turns, youll notice how skinny and unsupportive the front seats are. The brake and gas pedals are very close together, and if you have big feet or drive wearing boots its easy to hit both pedals at once. This is my first new car. Previously owned newer Toyota Tercels. This car spanks the Tercel like a homeless dog.

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  The Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kari - September 10 - 8:30 am

  I got this car in Aug. I have had no problems what so ever. There was one recall but it was taken care of very quickly. For the amount that the car cost it is worth it.

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  40+ MPG - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By gjc866 - September 4 - 9:07 am

  Fantastic car..consistantly get 32+ in the city w/ AC on and well over 40 MPG on the highway. Drive the car reasonably, as its meant to be - its not a sports or performance car so it shouldnt be driven as such - keep the cruise on the highway at 70-75 MPG and youll be suprised. Yes the Aveo can go 90+ MPH if it needs to. No problems at all with car at 13500 - Many compliments on LT Sedan. Well worth the money. No complaints at all except the cup holders!

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  Just needs bigger tires - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By wifesfirstnewcar - August 30 - 1:22 pm

  Its my wifes first new car and turns out I use it more than her. I just love it. We just came back from a 1500 mile trip and it performed perfectly.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By AveoAngel - August 29 - 9:14 pm

  Being a full-time student with very little funds, I was very limited on which car I could buy. I didnt necessarily want the Aveo at first, especially after finding out that it was Korean made, and had some bad reviews. However, I have to say that I absolutely enjoy this car. I love how I dont have to be right on top of the steering wheel (Im 5 foot even) The interior is cheapy, but really? I needed a car to get from A to B with the best gas possible for the less price. I found it. I couldnt be happier with my choice.

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  Lil Scottish carI - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Walt - August 18 - 8:01 pm

  I saw them in Europe and bought one of the first U.S. ones. I rent and drive many cars and always am happy to get back into my Aveo. Drove 800 miles and it was a pleasure. Like any car they must be maintained. Aveo is very easy to service!

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  Dont Buy It! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Autumn - August 18 - 1:13 pm

  Like many people, I need an economical vehicle that will get me from point A to point B. This car is economical, but not very trustworthy. I would not buy it again. As it is, mine has less than 30,000 miles on it and is starting to do things such a new car should not do. It occasionally hesitates upon starting, it makes strange sounds when it is running, the gas light quit working, and its rattling itself apart (the drivers side armrest rattles when driving). I dont trust the car any more and am looking into getting rid of it before the warranty runs out. Of course, its not paid off and this car is worth nothing as a trade in. Bum deal! Dont fall for it like I did!

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  Best Value - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ron - August 18 - 9:33 am

  I was very impressed with the ride comfort an handling of this car. It is a vast improvement over subcompacts of previous generations. I really like the european stlying direction GM has been taking with the vehicles it has brought to market over the last few years. It is a little strained to accelerate up a hill starting from a standstill (but what the hell! its no worse than our Jeep Liberty). The shift quality could be a little better, but here again, I didn,t purchase a Porsche. To sum up, in terms of interior and exterior styling, fuel economy, ride comfort, and handling it is a very good value for the money. I made my purchase chioce over Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris.

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  Cute Little Commuter - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Expymom - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Surprising amount of space up front and in trunk. Fun little car to wrack the miles up on and not feel bad about it. This little guy is sacrificing to save a new Tacoma Double Cab.