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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  Gas mileage and air conditioning bad - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By MJF - May 7 - 10:44 pm

  Truly enjoy this car, but gas mileage stinks. Only 22 mpg. AC barely takes edge off in hot weather. Took it in to dealership and all checks out. Cant complain about anything else at all. Was in front end collision and the passenger compartment had no damage at all!

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  Do not buy this car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Andreana - April 24 - 10:21 am

  This car is not built for our environment. Sure its good on gas but its not reliable. I bought my car new, and its been in the shop 13 times in 2 1/2 years. They have gone into my engine twice to fixe problems, and had to rebuild it. Ive had 4 different oil leaks my a/c has been fixed 3 times, my brakes were coming loose and the list goes on. So please if you are reading this do not buy this car! Its a cute car but its not worth the trouble.

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  Beware! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By lesjop - April 17 - 10:33 pm

  I am so disapointed in this little car, not only has been in the shop 3 times, in the last year from a fuel pump to the transmission, but what the heck is this the gear ratio will not allow the trans to shift from 2nd to 3rd if the temp is below 65 degrees!? So the trans revvs up to an unhealthy sound just to go down a 40mph street. I regret buying this car and I am now trying to get rid of it!!! They told me I would get almost 40mpg, ha! the most I have gotten is 34 and that is open freeway cruise set at 60mph. I will never buy anything from Chevy again, Im going forgien!

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  The Aveo is Fun - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By ashum001 - April 17 - 3:12 pm

  I love my Aveo. It is a fun sporty car. It has a lot of little extras. Ive gotten some people asking me if it is a Volkswagen. If you compare a Jetta with it youll find that the body is similar. It has lots of leg and head room. It feels as if you are sitting in a real chair and has good interior styling-flashy dashboard and stereo knobs etc. The engine is spaced out enough that a do-it-yourself mechanic can work on it comfortably.Its an American car which hopefully means cheaper parts, though I have heard that American cars tend to break down more so well see in the long run whats least expensive. With chrome lined lights, a spoiler and a sunroof this is the cutest little car Chevy makes.

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  Um... its ugly. - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kasey - April 11 - 11:09 am

  My Dad bought it for me when my 1985 Toyota pickup blew a head gasket. All of the girls at my school think its cute, but I still say its ugly. iI was happy to work on the Toyota till it ran again. Im a 17 y/o girl and I pretty much hated my car until my Dad bought graphics to put on the side. So now its not as ugly, but Im still not really fond of it. It works for going too and from school, but not for working with my horses. So its not really all that great for a farm girl.

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  Great little car - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By dieselpower - April 7 - 12:05 am

  Im now rapidly approaching 20k miles. My Aveo continues to run with clockwork reliability. Fuel economy has ranged from a low of 32, to as high as 43 mpg. Im 62" tall, and have no problem finding enough room to stretch out in this car, even on long highway trips. I also love the European urban runabout styling. I have the 5 speed manual in mine, and find the power to be plenty adequate. My only issue has been the tires, which seem to have trouble maintaining balance. Plans are to swap em out in the near future. Overall, I would highly recommend buying one. My neighbor was impressed enough to buy one for himself two days after I bought mine. His has also been flawless.

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  My little car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rob G - April 4 - 8:15 pm

  I was very happy with this buy because its my first car. I needed somthing cheap and good. The look was great and the interior was great for the price range. What won me over was the look and the price and the miles this thing gets. I support American cars so I love this car. Sorry Yaris.

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  Transmission Issues - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ben - April 3 - 4:41 pm

  The car drove great for a few years and then the transmission went out. It got a clog in the fluid so when I checked on the fluid it was always full. Also there is no literature on the vehicle, no Chilton guide, no info on the transmition type, nothing.

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  aveo is the best car Ive had - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By shoshanae - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The Aveo was my first brand new car Im very impressed with the gas mileage Ive never seen a car that they say has a certain amount city/hwy and it be true

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  very good small carI drive 100 mile - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By john - April 2 - 8:52 pm

  I drive a 100 miles a day to work. The car does what I got it for. The mileage with out the air on is very good. With the air on, you get about 36 miles per gal. 2yrs and no problems.