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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  2006 Aveo LS - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Billy - July 30 - 8:57 pm

  I have 600 miles on my new Aveo LS and so far I am pleased. First tank of gas was 32 mpg mostly highway miles. Second tank was 34.5 mpg. I hope it conteniues to go up from here. I bought it as a transportation car to save on gas to and from work but find myself wanting to drive it all the time. I also have a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 that I love but at 13 mpg it sits home alot.

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  Good deal - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jim - July 27 - 1:41 pm

  I purchased a new sedan with manual for $7345. Deducted my GM balance of 3395. and walked out with a new vehicle for under $4000. Does it get any better than that? 35 mpg so far and fun to drive. Plus a 60,000 mile warranty. I can add air, and cruise if I desire, and CD players are available at salvage yards for under $100.

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  Little car that can - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jamie - July 23 - 2:52 pm

  After comparing many different makes and models I finally settled on the Aveo. And it has not disappointed. I use my car for both personal and business uses, so I wanted good fuel economy(dont we all!) and interior room. I can honestly say that my Aveo is a better overall car and value than the 2007 Hyundai Accent and 2006 Kia Rio that I also tested and compared. The steering and suspension is tight and responsive. The engine is only rated at 103HP (lower than both the accent and rio) but it has good torque (especially from 1st to 2nd gear) to get you up to speed. Overall the cars performance and drive is better than I expected from a car of this size.

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  Nice Car Fun to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Vince - July 23 - 12:48 am

  Bought both 2006 sedan and hatchback within 2 days. Both are automatics, they handle nice on the highway, are a very quiet ride and have a very roomy interior. Gas mileage is 27-28 for both with a/c and mixed hwy/city. Havent taken a trip yet to see Hwy mileage. We have less than 500 miles on the engine and hope to see more improved mileage. So far we are very happy with our purchases.

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  Surprisingly solid so far! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Sabrina in L.A. - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the Aveo and find it to be amazingly solid for an economy car! The ride is smooth on the street and the highway, and I feel safe in it. The Aveo is superior to the Kia Rio when it comes to its design, both inside and out. Kia may offer a longer warranty, but you wont feel like youre driving a reliable car at all. Its a zippy, sporty car and if the Honda Civic had a little sister, the Aveo would be it.

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  Aveo Fun - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By AVEO LOVER - July 15 - 2:36 pm

  This car has been so fun to drive. Its small and sporty, yet surprisingly roomy inside. Great gas mileage, which is nice since gas prices are so high. It cools off quickly, which is nice because Im in a warm/humid climate. Easy to park and turn. And I love the keyless entry.

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  The Aveo is Fun! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By starlight - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The new Chevy Aveo is a smart, good- looking, fun vehicle! The body design is such that it can easly maneuver into many tight spots while the interior provides ample space for even the tallest passengers. It has the power to come up to speed quickly, smoothly and quietly. Overall, its impressive.

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  Not Quite Sure - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By agrzeskowiak - July 11 - 9:17 am

  I fell in love with this car before I bought it. Was told it was 1 of a few that were painted key lime green from the factory. After driving it for about a month maybe 2 it seems to feel like something is bent somewhere. Car seems to have vibrations and interior door handles are loose. As also the black appliques on the rear doors is buckling. I have gone back to the dealership in May of 06 to get these fixed they are still ordering parts and have not heard from them.

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  Best and safest little car for the money - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bonnie - July 5 - 11:24 pm

  I bought this car had it for 2 years never had a problem ever just regular maint. Saturday June 17th 2006 I hit something in the road and lost control of the vehicle. Crashed into telephone poll and fliped over. I am happy to say that all I had was some bruises and even though the car is no more, I can safely say that car saved my life. I am buying another one.

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  I love my little car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By My Aveo rocks* - June 28 - 7:49 am

  I did quite a bit of reseach before buying this car. I test drove literally 13 different cars of all competitors. I found this car to be the best of them all. I am a 6 tall guy, and I felt the least cramped in this car of them all! A lot of my freinds ragged on me for buying such a small car, especially since I could afford a lot bigger car, but after I took them for a ride, they were believers! This car is huge on the inside, can fit a ton in the trunk. After driving it for a few months, I do have a couple of complaints, but just minor. 1) Needs a center arm rest 2) Can be a beast to handle in high winds. Overall this is a great car, and Ive driven a few, I reccomend!