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:

• 

  Great Inexpensive Daily Driver - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By EllwynX - March 14 - 9:31 am

  After owning this car almost a year/6200 miles its been a very reliable vehicle. Plenty of room for tall drivers despite its small stature. Performs well for a car its price. Plenty of features (power windows/locks/mirror/sunroof, keyless entry, CDw/mp3 capability) for an entry level car. If youre in the market for one now, I say wait for the 2007s to come out. Their look is MUCH improved over the 04-06 and they are getting a few more features not available on the 04-06s. The Aveo was the #1 selling car in its class for 05 and that should continue with the improved 07 model being released this year. My Performance/Fun ratings are low due to my having an 02 Camaro previously.

• 

  2004 Aveo LS Hatchback - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By kqcheek - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The main reason I bought this vehicle was the cost, and bought my Aveo without ever test driving one. I didnt really except a lot, but was pleasantly surprised when I brought it home. The ride is very smooth for such a small car, and engine is peppy (just as advertised). There is room enough to fit 4 adults comfortably (as long as all 4 adults arent over 6 tall). The interior is well designed and the exterior is stylish. Coupled with all the above - add in great gas milage and I dont think that youll be able to find a better sub-compact vehicle for the money. The LS mode comes with just about every option except ABS.

• 

  Great Car, Greater Value - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jim - March 5 - 6:24 pm

  Great little car, gas mileage is great and it looks sharp. Many compact cars may get higher ratings, and may score higher when compared but considering that the car only cost me $10,600 with the MP3 stereo as compared to many compacts costing twice that price its an awesome little car. I dont feel that you can acurately compare a $20,000 car to a $10,000 car so as for Consumer Reports they should compare apples to apples. I can say this I have 8800 miles on mine, it has had no repairs, gets great mileage and I would buy it over again given the need or chance.

• 

  great - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By dan 454 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  ok performance great room like the style nice trunk room seems like a relible car

• 

  A car is a car - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tur Bo - February 28 - 3:22 pm

  Ive only had my car for about a month and so far its pretty nice to have. As with others my gas mileage is only about 22mpg with the auto, but I drive kinda crazy. Other than that the car is great. The driving position is great. I feel like Im in a mini SUV. The radio could go a little louder. It has lots of ammenities though its a little underpowered. All in all its a great car for the money. I think the Aveo is like an inexpensive Beetle, its colorful, cute, shapley, and it has personality!

• 

  Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By JV - February 23 - 7:30 pm

  I love my car. All of my friends laugh when they see me in my little yellow car but then when they see my gas bills I get the last laugh. Also, I can fit so much stuff in that car. My sisters four kids all fit and two of them are in car seats. People just dont believe it until they see it. And I have fit TWO 63" men in the back seat of my car with a third passenger in the back seat and they werent sitting with their knees up to their chins either. I just love my car, it is quiet and smooth and it is really cool. It is just great.

• 

  Awesome for $7800!! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By sharkbite - February 23 - 4:20 pm

  Well for $7800 brand new you just cant bet this ride! I averaged around 34mpg on the first tank!! Great room inside with a big car feel. Remember folks this is an economy car. Lifetime oil changes and free 24 hour roadside help makes this a no brainer!!

• 

  High Maintenance - Falling Apart - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By wave54 - February 20 - 5:48 am

  Relatively decent car with roomy interior and smooth ride, but is not holding up well. Have persistent problems, mainly with suspension and engine belts/accessories. I predict very poor reliability as these cars age. I have 57K miles and it feels like a well-worn used car with 200K on the clock. Something is acting up every week -- repairs are expensive since there are virtually no replacement parts such as struts, shocks, mufflers, hoses available for independent garages to work with. Extremely disappointed -- would advise avoiding at all costs if you plan to put 40K or above on it.

• 

  "How Can We Fool em Today" vol. 2006 - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By JustPassinThru - February 15 - 7:24 pm

  This is a typical GM answer to foreign brands supremacy in the small car market. Nifty styling and a touted warranty, tied to zero attention to detail engineering done on the cheap. The 5-spd is stone-slow away from lights the primative fuel injection system makes it lurch when the clutch is let in and leaves the engine revving when the throttle is released to change gears. Result is a lurching-jerking driving experience, and double-clutching is impossible. A pain to drive. And the gearbox is vague and hard to engage. And the "warning" light for the passengers airbag when the seat is empty is annoying I finally covered it with tape. And the car was delivered with bent wheels.

• 

  Give it up for low-cost dependability! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jenna Horiuchi - February 15 - 1:10 am

  Ive had my Aveo for almost 3 months and am glad I purchased it. It offers a good amount of space, interesting set up of the clock, compact design for cupholders, and the cool ticket holder slot. The fuel economy does vary with how you drive it. It does very well on the highway. The ride is smooth, relatively quiet, and zippy. It really flies off the line if you give it enough fuel! It is not luxury, but you are not paying luxury bucks. For the reliability, comfort, quirkiness and design that I was looking for, the Aveo really delivers. It makes me smile every time I walk outside to drive somewhere.