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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  Honest Description - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Matt - December 29 - 6:46 pm

  I bought this car looking for a stick shift compact car that was easy on gas mileage and relatively cheap. I have had two cars before this, a F150 pickup and a Mitsubishi Eclipse. The car is average, but for that price tag, you cant expect a Ferrari. Good gas mileage. Great MP3 player. PROBLEMS: 1)The horn is placed EXTREMELY badly making it impossible to hit in an emergency, particularly if you drive one handed. 2) Sometimes the stick shift jams up for inexplicable reasons weather also alters stick shifting. 3) Hard wind blows it all over the place, worse than driving a semi. Relatively good on ice, but Im no expert.

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  First and Last Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By trlinde - December 26 - 9:42 pm

  First off, the car driven before this was an SL1 Saturn which they stopped making, so Im comparing it with this. The Aveo is nothing more than a station wagon too short to be of use. Its uncomfortable, noisy, and feels like its going to tip over around every turn. It has no lumbar suoort and to add to the discomfort you cant adjust the angle of the steering wheel. The insturments are very hard to see the way they have then at the bottom of what looks like cup holders. The actual cupholders are unsafe in that you have to move your beverage to use the ashtray while you drive. Its perhaps the most unsafe car on the road. You cant even adjust the delay on the intermittent wipers.

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  Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By princess - December 20 - 10:54 am

  This vehicle is not one I would recommend I have had so many problems with it. It has been in and out of the shop for 2 months now and that should not be happening with 5500 miles on it I purchased it in April...I do not suggest this car to anyone. They are garbage.

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  I love my Metro all grown up!! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By John McCommas - December 17 - 11:14 pm

  I fell in love with this car and I knew I had to have it as soon as I saw it. It reminds me so much of my little blue Metro that I bought in 1994. Those engines in those cars did stink when they got old but they were so much fun to drive. Great on gas too. I have a few beefs though about the Aveo. I dont think the blue was sharp enough. I hated the pastel blue and the other blue just did not pop. So I got the red which does pop. The other thing is I got an automatic and I find it does not shift right a lot of times. It is stuck in a lower gear and you have to pump the gas a little to get the gears to move so the ride is smooth again.

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  My car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By 4 door sedan - December 14 - 1:13 am

  If I were designing a car for myself, this is the kind I would design. And for someone buying a new car on a tight budget (like mine), this car was not only economical to purchase but also it has been economical to operate. As an added bonus, it has an attractive compact appearance with contemporary styling. As a practical 4-door sedan it has adequate interior room for four full-size adults even on extended trips. (The back seat has seatbelts for 3 adults in a pinch, but this arrangement would get snug quickly on a long road trip.) Its 4-speed automatic shift makes for responsive performance when needed but also good on gas mileage if it isnt pushed hard continually.

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  Amazingly Fun - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jules - December 12 - 6:56 am

  Im overly pleased with this car. Dont be fooled by the small exterior size. Its very roomy on the inside. Easy to handle, very fun to drive. The fuel economy is incredible. Ive driven it around town for a month and the gas tank is still half full. Filling it up is usually $10-$15, even at todays high prices. The engine is powerful considering the lightness of the car, but even with heavy loads it has power. It feels like Im driving a 4-Door sportscar. The only downside I can find is that there is no true air conditioning, but it does blow cold air.

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  Great Economy Car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Prozac - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I have already put 450 miles on this in 5 days time. The car handles great, gets great gas mileage without even being broke in yet, large enough to accomodate a 62" man with more room to push the seat back, and enough power to get out of its own way. I really hope that they come out with some after- market support. I mainly use this car for work, but seem to like it more for when the family and I need to make short trips aroung town. It has a great European car feel to it. If you just need a basic car that can be lots of fun, this would be a great choice.

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  I Love My Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By zensmile - December 5 - 2:13 pm

  It is a fun car to drive, kinda like a super go-cart for big kids. I really like the way this car drives and it is peppy for being only 1.6L--a great city car and good for short trips (200-350 miles).

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  Little burst of sunshine!!! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aileen - November 19 - 2:32 pm

  I just picked up my Aveo this past thursday and I am in LOVE!!! I got a manual LT fully loaded in Summer Yellow my payments are great and I couldnt enjoy driving more! This is the best car I have owned second only to my 1991 Volvo Bertone. It zips through traffic with no hesitation at all. Its easy to get in and out of because the seats are nice and high. I had searched for months on the internet looking for a new car that would suit my needs, I travel alot, am a student and dont have alot of money-for those reasons and more the AVEO is perfect. Also the dealership was knowledgeble and friendly, not pushy. I recommend this car to everyone-its the NEW BEETLE!!!!

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  I love my Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ilona - November 18 - 3:34 am

  My parents bought an 05 Chevy Aveo LT (the hatchback version) for me as my first car. Im an 18 year old college student and this car is perfect for me. It gets me to school, to see my friends, and do whatever else I need. Ive driven in it for over 4 hours with my dad on vacation, and am going to take it to Lake Tahoe (a 6-7 hr drive from LA) in a few weeks for winter break. Its an overall reliable vehicle, roomy enough to fit 5 people (4 without a problem), and to top it off is super cute. I get compliments on it all the time, and all my friends + family love to drive in it with me. I love this car!