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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  Better than you think! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By ss - June 28 - 5:19 am

  This car has been all over the US since bought. It has carried more than 25 cases of vegetables from a case sale without complaint and with minimal impact on its gas mileage, In Summer! It isnt the prettiest car. I call it "TC" which is short for Tin Can. But for solid, reliable, cheap transportation, you flat out cannot beat it!

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  MPG, not what I expected - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Free4 - June 27 - 10:13 pm

  I bought this car for the gas mileage so far not what I expected 21 mpg, maybe after it breaks in it will improve. For some reason I find when hitting the brakes it will pulsate at times,( No ABS )will take back to dealer for check. The car rides very good otherwise.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By John Thayer - June 14 - 11:22 pm

  Love my Aveo. Getting 33 mpg going to and from work (very little stop and go driving). Love the way it handles. Pretty good power for a small car. About the only things I dont like are the coffee mug holders (block the radio and heater) and bad visibility (blind spots) from the rear window. Why are they making all these cars with tiny rear windows? Course, I love small cars. Just upgraded from my Metro and I love being able to pass without fear of falling behind the car Im trying to pass.

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  Visibility - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By N. Bruce White - June 10 - 8:02 am

  One of the main reasons that attracted me to this vehicle was the wonderful visibility. I found that my eyes easisly and comfortability could continually view all around the outside of the vehicle. No straining to make sharp turns. Adequate seat and mirror adjustments. A very efficient vehicile to maneuver, and drive relaxed.

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  I love my Aveo! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mills - June 9 - 2:52 pm

  Ive been driving this car for about two years now, it never let me down. I love the way it rides, its zippy! The back seats are extremely roomy, my two large dogs feel comfortable back there. Trunk is big enough to hold a weeks worth of grocheries.

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  A Neat Little Car - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By GOOSE4909 - June 7 - 5:26 pm

  Zips around neatly in traffic and has plenty of zip on the interstate. Decent gas mileage [I get about 36 overall]. Easy to enter and exit the vehicle. Seats could use a little more padding but you do sit up nice and straight.

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  Best car (for the $) Ive ever owned. - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jeramyryan - June 7 - 8:24 am

  My wife and purchased our Aveo Sedan six months ago based soley on the sticker price (less than 10k) and the gas mileage. We were also attracted to the Aveos European style design. The longer we own it, the more happy we are about our decision. Despite what others have said, this car handles very well, especially compared to our Hyundai and it is much more comfortable. Like Dr. Whos Tardis, the inside seems much bigger than the outside-plenty of room, comfortable and ergonomic, with a HUGE trunk. Those who complain about power and a widely spaced transmission seem to forget they are reviewing an economy car. 6 months and no mechanical problems whatsoever.

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  Enjoyable, Satisfied - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By m - June 3 - 8:14 pm

  Very easy to drive car. The Aveo is cheap to own and operate. But, its handling, stopping distance, forgiving road manners, and solid ergnomics truly shine. Stopping distances are short. The drivers cockpit is well laid out. Generous headroom, a commanding view, well laid out controls, well tuned steering with McPherson struts, reasonably comfortable seats and solid extras like the card holder, cupholders and overall design make this a very easy, and pleasant car to drive. Even the layout of the oil pan and filter are designed to be owner-friendly. Do yourself a favor and swap out the factory issued front tires, for better rubber. Performance will improve.

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  Very Nice Car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By TrishaLynn - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I took this car for a test drive, and I enjoyed driving it so much that I had to have it. It is comfortable to sit in, has great gas mileage, and is very roomy.

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  I Love It - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By solderqueen - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I chose the Chevy Aveo for my first car, and I absolutely love it. Its easy to manage, has excellent gas mileage, and small which helps first time drivers get used to turns and staying in lanes. Its also nice for my generation and possibly even younger that an MP3 player comes with the LS version. And you get an excellent car for a very nice price. Its an awesome deal.