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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  Peggys Review - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By peggy629 - September 2 - 8:43 am

  I like my new Aveo, but the gas mileage is not what I expected or was reported. I think it should have a switch where you can lock doors from inside.

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  By Far the Best Buy for the Buck - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Stambaub - August 30 - 1:20 am

  This is a great little car. Peppy, plenty of room, and 5-speed with cruise control! Ice cold A/C. Sure footed and fast on the freeway, and plenty of interior room for two 6 foot adults with passengers in the rear. Properly configured it can swallow some pretty large objects for hauling through the rear hatch (large TVs, a vertical tank air compressor on its side, etc.).

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  love my car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By spyder - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for about a month now and I get all kinds of compliments on it. It rides nice and I feel it is very comfortable and economical. Would advice it for anyone looking for an economical and cute car.

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  Best Car Ive ever Owned! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Sharon - August 26 - 12:03 pm

  My mechanic recommended this car, and Im glad I listened to him. Have done nothing but oil/lube in the 2-1/2 years Ive owned it. Not one mechanical problem. Very fun to drive, easy maneuvering, good pick up on the passing gear. Like everyone else says, great interior room. Looks small and squished in from the outside, but when you get inside, you feel like youre in a Suburban. My boyfriend is 65" with a very long torso he ususally has to hunch down in a car. He couldnt believe the headroom in the Aveo. Its a zippy little rollerskate and you can park it anywhere. The gas mileage is terrific.

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  Economy Commuting Work Car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Carrie - August 22 - 9:44 am

  When looking for an economy car that primarily would be used for work/commuting, I looked for in this order: reliablity/dependability, gas mileage, price, and options/looks. Amoung others looked at: Ford Focus, Saturn ION, and the economy one from Toyota (which I cant remember the name of but, not much to be disired either). After test driving and having the vehicle I have which is the Chevy Aveo. I am happy with its performance, maintenance, options, price, and gas mileage, and I like how it handles curves. I feel safe and comfortable. Even though its slow going up hill at the rate of speed I prefer, but its keeping my gas mileage reasonable. Overall, I dont regret purchasing it

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  Do NOT buy one of these! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By aveohater - August 21 - 10:00 am

  The saddest day of my life was the day I bought one of these things. Poor quality, poor craftsmanship, hopelessly bad dealer servicing. Already had it in the shop twice with less than 500 miles! Wait a few years before buying one these.

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  Its a good car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By brian Spears - August 18 - 10:21 pm

  I think the Chevrolet Aveo is a wonderful car. It sits up high, seats are firm. It has a lot of room, especially with the back seats folded up. The engines not too thirsty. I get about 37 miles to the gallon on the highway, but thats with a K&N air filter, running synthetic oil as well. I firmly believe that it is just as good as a Honda or Toyota, of similar size. The car is getting even better looking in 2007 with available leatherette seats, six disc changer and refreshed exterior.

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  Nice Car, Well Loaded, Poor Gas Milleage - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Roni - August 17 - 7:46 pm

  Comfortable car. Very nice interior and exterior design, and for the price, very well equipped. On the other hand, poor gas mileage for this engine. Noisy with the struts.

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  Love My Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By sandy - August 16 - 10:07 am

  When my truck got totaled back in 2004, and I was nearing retirement, I looked for an economy vehicle. I saw the Aveo LS Hatchback. Didnt take but a minute to decide that was my choice. I have had countless compliments on it and am so happy with it. I would like to see this make and model continue. Thanks Chevy!!

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  The big Trip - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Gobrowns - August 9 - 10:21 am

  Just wanted to let you all know that I recently drove my little Aveo from Alaska to Texas. This car handled the mountains, rough roads, and the 4,800 miles I put on it in just 5 days. I have the best value hatchback so I dont have all the amenities as the other models but I made it safe and sound and the car held up remarkably well. Ive owned the car for 6 months now and 7,000 miles later the only thing Ive had to take it into the shop for was the darn hatchback handle broke. Other than that, absolutely, this car is a tank. Oh and by the way I only spent $600 dollars on gas for my 4,800 mile trip!