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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  suprised car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By cohed - June 2 - 2:00 am

  comfort,coazy and very solid car but not to sport driving.

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  Great New Chevrolet - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Herbert H. Harris - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Having owned many new and used cars in the last thirty years, from Triumph Spitfire to BMW 2002, to Lincoln Town Car, this new Chevy gives a lot of quality, performance, and comfort for the dollar. Even though it is a Chevy/Daewoo and offers less of a warranty than the competition, I chose it because of the Chevy badge. Plain and simple. General Motors is standing behind and with it. It holds five easily, a wheel chair in the trunk, gives a comfortable and suprisingly quiet ride. Handles agile, and peppy when driven for performance.

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  Love it - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By aleksis - May 16 - 1:56 pm

  I love this car. It is my first new car. It gets great gas mileage. Much bigger on the inside than it looks. So much to fun to drive.

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  My Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By D. J. - May 16 - 12:30 pm

  I love this car. Of all the vehicles I have owned, this is my favorite. My husband enjoys driving it so much, he plans to buy one for himself. Its a great scoot-around-town car. The gas mileage is terrific.

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  2006 Chevrolet Aveo SVM Manual Hatchback - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By 79type2 - May 15 - 2:49 pm

  I was going to wait a month after purchase to rate this car, but I feel I have driven it enough to comment. This vehicle has so far met and surpassed all my expectations. The sheet metal folds around the doors, hood, and hatch are all sealed (Something $34,000+ Dodge Chargers dont even have). The hatch shuts with VW like quality (No slamming necessary). This car is fun to drive and doesnt take long to get up to speed (Once you get going you barely have to give it gas). Im really surprised by some of the negative comments I have seen regarding this car. Its a much better deal than the Yaris Liftback or Scion Xa, neither of which looks half as good inside or out.

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  Out of the box - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By huey7018 - May 11 - 9:43 pm

  Great small car. Lots of driver room. Use as a commuter car and love the fuel economy. When comparing price/ comfort/ economy this is a hard car to beat.

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  Whoa, Gas Prices.. - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By asdf - May 4 - 11:15 am

  Well bought this for my 18 year old to get her Drivers Lic. We love driving it and if you are nice you get very good gas mileage. We have gotten 30 in the city. If you are bad and drive it hard you will get 22 - 25 MPG.

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  Aveos Rock - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aveo-Luvr - April 28 - 8:38 pm

  The Aveo is much more spacious than it initially looks. Even though it is the most inexpensive model, it rides very smoothly and you dont hear every crack in the road. It is the first new auto I have ever owned and I recommend it to anyone commuting or even as a first car. They are inexpensive, the insurance is inexpensive, and they get great gas mileage. They have a lot of get-up-and-go for such a small engine. I love my AVEO!!!

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  Good little runner - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rua - April 27 - 2:28 am

  For the price what more can you say. Use it until it wears out. Not too sure what the long term reliability will be, only time will tell. A mate of mine put 60, 000 ks on his without any problems. It drives and handles well, the brakes could be better though. All good!

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  Aveo is great - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Derek - April 26 - 10:52 pm

  Looked into a lot of cars for comfort, fuel economy, and the sort.. The Aveo has got it all . Amazing room for a larger person. Comfotatble seats that match Toyota and the beyond, due to the fact the seats and car sit high off the ground. It feels like youre driving a minivan or small truck. Almazing car...I get 41 mies a gallon highway in 5th gear....38.5 miles in town. The base radio is kinda wimpy but who keeps their base radio anyhow? This car is totally worth $9900 base!