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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  Its a great car for someones first car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By toyoracing2006 - December 29 - 3:50 pm

  I really liked the car, I bought mine used with around 4k miles on it, and yet the car still felt brand new. My car came with a wide body kit that really set the car off. I like the kit and the car because theres noone out there that has a car that even looks close to as good as mine, and, the car came with 19 inch 5 spoke motegi rims that were custom painted white, and, after I bought the car I put in a custom stereo because I felt that the stereo in the Aveo didnt do any justice since theres absalutely no bass in the stereo, so i put in a set of 2 tens, 2 6x9s and a 750 watt jensen amp. My only complaint about the car is I wish it had a lot more power!

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  Good - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By be - December 19 - 8:02 am

  I drive this vehicle 300 miles every weekend and another 200 miles during the week. It is a very reliable car, and the fuel economy is great. It handles suprisingly well for its size, and winter driving is not much of a problem. The interior is of decent design, but I believe it could be cleaned up some. Arm rests would be nice.

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  Wonderful College Car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Vanni - December 18 - 6:39 pm

  I absolutely love my car. It is extremely economical. The only downfall is wind noise inside.

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  Great deal on a good little car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By spicyorangeaveolove - December 18 - 1:27 pm

  Recently bought the 2007 special value model Chevy Aveo 5 (hatchback). I love the style and color, spicy orange. It is a very nice little car especially for the price. It is a base model so not fancy in any way but comfortable, roomy, and zippy. I am very happy so far. Spicy orange style.

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  Changes - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Wakabu - December 15 - 11:44 am

  Hatch has decent ride and gas mileage seems to be improving although I have only 1200 miles on her.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jean Bell - December 10 - 2:39 pm

  Waited a long time to get it, two months. It has a sporty exterior, spoiler, et al. Luxurious interior and very comfortable. Lots of extras included. A pleasure to drive, pep, good brakes, ease of parking, and a real buy for the money. Just what I needed for around the town and brief trips. Recommend it for anyone who needs a runabout, with style.

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  Good economy car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Gary - December 6 - 9:57 pm

  Ive owned my Aveo for about 2 years. On the highway it gets excellent MPG (avg. 33-36 w/A/C). Decent MPG in the city. In my opinion, the engine is underpowered and highway acceleration can be scary. The car feels very light, which is very evident when driving over 65mph. Exterior feels cheap and dents very easily. It did, however, get very good crash test ratings. Overall, this is a good inexpensive car. Its unbelievably reliable, even in subzero temps. Do not try driving this thing on snowy roads.

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  CRUNCH - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob - December 5 - 9:39 pm

  I bought a brand new 2004 Aveo in 7/2005 off the dealer lot. Several months later I started hearing popping and creaking in the front suspension area, and it got worse in the months to come. Finally took it in after a year of driving. Here is what happened. Dealer decided it must be the bushings and they replaced them, bad move bushings dont wear out in only months. Anyways, the fix didnt do very much. Turned it back in and they checked their TSB list that indicated to replace control arms. This was on their work order and receipt they gave me. For some reason they Instead decided to only torque control arms. Bad move. Still didnt fix it. Fix number 3 is in process, stay tuned

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  Oi-Vey-Oh - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Garibaldi - December 4 - 8:04 pm

  Rolling my 1998 Contour SVT put a new car in my life last January. Not a Sentra Spec V, which didnt charm, instead I went for the Aveo SVM 5 door. This car is so stripped, I expected to find a pull cord wrapped around the crank pulley. It took two days and one 45 mph offramp to realize the cheesy Kumho tires wouldnt do. Serious interneting got me 17" wheels and tires that transformed the handling. Gas mileage isnt stupendous at 27 mpg overall, but its decent. Build quality is all that can be expected for a sub $10k car: its tight, quiet, fast, and quick. Oddly, the Aveo is a great over the road stormer. With a 6yr/100k bumper to bumper GM warranty, Im worry free until 2012. Not bad.

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  Inexpensive but not cheap - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Joseph P. Passaretti - November 21 - 10:13 am

  The ride in this car is surprisingly comfortable for around town. My son (Saturn owner) says that you cant feel the speed because you are sitting higher and the visibility is good. The acceleration is acceptable for the little 1.6 liter engine. The gas mileage seems to be improving from the start at 19 mpg to now 22 mpg although I only have a little over 1000 miles on her. The shape and color (yellow) grows on you and is easier to spot in the parking lot. I find that I can fit at least the same amount of sundries in my Aveo as I had in my Oldsmobile Intrigue with the exception of the Oldmobile could seat 5. Yes I am happy with my choice of the Chevy Aveo and would recommend this car.