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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  Simply The Best Decision You Can Make - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Travis Johnson - October 2 - 8:21 pm

  I looked and test drove, Honda Fit, Toyota Scion, Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio... Former Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner (2005 Lease) .... ABSOLUTELY THE BEST DECISION WOULD BE AVEO!!!... I have little to NO engine noise whatsoever, very smooth suspension, it does not have the torsion bar (ind. suspension), lots of cool little "features" that are common on premiums, great handling and response and EXCELLENT fuel mileage and I could compare that to my families Toyota Prius... Just the BEST investment I could have made...

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  I love my Aveo - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By judy2164 - September 28 - 6:46 pm

  I absolutely love my new Aveo. It handles great, and feels bigger inside than it looks from the outside. Tons of trunk space. Plenty of leg room in the front. The adjustments on the driver seat are wonderful, I can drive long distances without feeling fatigued and sore when I arrive.

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  Id buy another one - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By M. Boren - September 23 - 9:15 pm

  I wasnt sure at first if I would like this car. It, however, has turned out to be one of my favorites. Undoubtably got my moneys worth for the super low price. Fun to drive. This car can zoom, and handles well in all weather conditions. Amazingly roomy inside and good trunk space. MP3 player is nice. Upkeep is a snap. I have had no problems of any kind. I was hoping for a little better gas mileage - average about 28/30. If you like small cars, this one can make you happy.

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  Value, Fun, Good Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rammer - September 22 - 3:57 pm

  I use my new Aveo hatch 5 speed for both work and personal use. I am getting close to my first oil change, and have been very pleased with my car. Good pick up, great mileage if you can keep from exceeding the speed limit. Design - basic, clean, and it works. Its a head turner for a small car. No long trips yet, but I know if I keep at double nickels, the mileage is great, so I sacrifice some time and get to smell some roses.

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  What we wanted - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By anotherchevy - September 11 - 9:14 pm

  Have had for about a month. Already have over 3000 miles on it. Bought for a third car to drive long distance commute to save on gas. The car is what we expected for a $9000 car. It runs, goes down the road well, is great on gas and is a tin can. Plain Jane and we like it.

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  Red Lemon - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By kathi z - September 10 - 9:00 pm

  Nice to drive, traded Metro in for an Aveo sedan. Has been to dealer six times for warranty repairs with only 34,000 miles on it. Fuel mileage is not great. My Chevy Impala with 3.8 gets as good. Dash hard to read in daylight. The stupid chrome around shifter has sun glare off of it. In cold weather, will not shift into over drive for several miles.

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  Glad I Didnt Buy a Fit - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rhonda - September 10 - 12:29 pm

  I did it. After months of readings reviews and comparing similar vehicles, for me the Aveo offered the most car and extras for the best price. I purchased a model that had all of the extras as a package straight from the manufacturer. For those of you caught up in the import hype, I suggest that you strongly check out this vehicle and give an American automaker a chance. I traded in my 2004 Subaru Outback and do not regret it one bit. I am hoping my Aveo will be ever the realiable vehicle that our current 2005 Chevy Silverado has been.

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  Blue rocket on wheels - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By great little car - September 8 - 7:31 pm

  I needed a car for travel as my job is 3hrs away. I sold my Geo with 248 thousand miles and it had great mileage. This was an inexspensive auto, and thats what I needed. After driving it for 3.5 months, I havent had any problems with it. Im very happy with the car all around. It handles very well driving through the mountains.

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  Great Little Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Debbie - September 7 - 9:04 pm

  This is a nice little car. It handles very well, is reliable, and decent on gas. The interior is clean and attractive. It could be a little bit more comfortable. The headrest and the stiffness of the seats were awkward at first. Also, it is difficult to adjust the air/heat controls when drinks are in the cup holders. The exterior of the car is very appealing though (I have silver). For the right price, its a good deal. Although, I have seen some, (new), that were a bit excessively priced for what you actually get. Shop around.

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  Do not buy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By gtown317 - September 2 - 3:51 pm

  I have only been happy with the mechanical performance of this vehicle. I think It is one of the worst cars to drive on the road today. It is all over the place and It does not get great gas mileage for its size. It is an ugly car also. There is a lot of room in the back seat.