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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  Excellent - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Robert Brennan - January 14 - 10:56 pm

  Ive owned the Aveo for a month. Very roomy inside for driver and passenger. Good pickup. Great fuel economy. Responsive handling. Fun to drive. Very pleased so far with the car.

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  Awful gas mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By gangrel101 - January 14 - 1:15 pm

  I had just bought my Aveo broke it in and took it to Chicago, While on the highway my mileage averaged 25, this is going at a constant speed. Now that I am back home I filled up last night and I am getting 22 miles per gallon. This car does not get anywhere close to the mileage they say and I took it in and they claimed nothing is wrong with it. So dont buy this car for the mileage!

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  Unfortunate Lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By One Good Granny - January 13 - 11:26 am

  Have owned this car 3 months and front end pulls upon driving and increases pull during braking. Mechanics adjusted sub frame, replaced one wheel (manufactures defect), alignment performed. It still pulls yet now in the opposite direction! Too unsteady for a brand new vehicle. I paid $16,400 for this vehicle. Was told sub frame misalignment normal as shipped from Korea and rough seas can pull on frame tie downs.

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  2004 aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By kevin - January 12 - 11:17 pm

  I purchased the car for work. Drive around 65000 per year. Car has been very dependable. Slight problems. Both front wheel bearings have been replaced. Timing belt broke at 60,000. Chevrolet paid for almost all of the work to be done. Get about 30 mpg with car. Wish the mileage was a little better. Overall very satisfied with car and plan to buy another in 2006.

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  The Review - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kari W - January 12 - 5:49 pm

  I have had the Aveo LS for about a year in a half now... and I love it. I have only had one problem with it, and that was that the coolent was leaking...I brought it to the dealership that day and havent had a problem with it since. The car is on the light side tho, so for those windy days you need to really pay attention because you do drift a lot. For the cost of gas, this is a great way to go.

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  17K Miles & 15 months. I love this car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By debewley - January 8 - 7:29 pm

  Ive put over 17,000 miles on my 2004 Aveo so far. As others have mentioned it is extremely peppy and has a surprising amount of interior room. Im currently driving my Aveo 120+ miles per day including interstate, secondary roads, and city driving. And Im averaging greater than 31 mpg. I love the small turing radius and the extremely responsive steering. Ive owned several new cars in my lifetime and this is the first one that Ive not had any problems with after prolonged ownership and driving. The quality has been excellent and I really dont know how you could expect more from a $12,000 dollar vehicle.

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  Disappointing MPG - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Pat B - January 7 - 2:51 pm

  Purchased 06 Aveo mid October 05 with main objective "minimizing fuel cost" What a disappointment, I am only getting an average 19-20 MPG which is 6 miles less per gallon than my Grand Prix. Overpaid for this car $13,000+ which is my fault, but I know I could have done better.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By hayhay - January 6 - 3:44 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. It doesnt feel like you are even moving and suddenly you are cruising along at 85mph. I definitely recommend taking it for a test drive.

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  Satisfied customer - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mike - January 6 - 12:47 am

  Pleasant and easy driving characterize the Aveo. Handling is agile and predicable with quick braking. Turning circles are short. The car is solid, well-built and heavy for its size. Its very economical on gas. It glues to the road well with proper tires. (Factory Kuhmos were replaced immediately after purchase.) The short nose, tall driving position, and superior forward view magnify the cars agility assets, making it easy to drive. The 1.6 L4 provides plenty of pep (4-sp auto). This car rides well, and handles well in snow. The cabin is spacious. I am 58", and my girl is 510" with very long legs. Limits: seats four only, trunk lid arms dip into trunk, lower than normal ground clearance.

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  A Great Little Car!! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Andy - January 4 - 7:22 pm

  This car has to be one of the best bargains available today. All of the negative comments I read in reviews I have not found to be true on my car. This car is the best riding, most comfortable, quietest small car I have ever driven. It handles great both on rural roads and super highways. I have read about problems with standard tranny but mine shifts great in every gear all the time. Passenger room is great, even in rear seat. Cargo room is great with rear seat folded. Engine is great. Very smooth and requires less shifting than any 4 cyl I have ever driven. So far I have averaged 34 MPG! This is not a luxury car or a muscle car or a sports car, but after 5 mos and 7000 mi Im very satisfied