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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  I love my aveo!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By angelilvon - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, its so compact and reliable. The mileage you get on it helps out alot to when you got a budget you got to meet. I have never been happier w/ a car.

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  The best overall small car out there - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ryan - October 20 - 10:08 pm

  The Aveo has been a terrifc car so far. I bought it brand new and in the past year it has not had one single problem. GMs rebates and GMACs low interest finance rates made the car an overall bargain. Compared to the Scion XA and Hyundai Accent, the Aveo felt roomier, more stylish, had more thoughful touches and in the case of the Accent, better built. Chevy deserves credit for marketing this European-style hatch in America, where five-door hatches have been unpopular and dismissed as cheap throw-away cars. For such a tiny vehicle, the room is incredible. Theres plenty of headroom and footroom in the front, although its a bit tight in the back, but thats to be expected. A terrific car

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  Excellent for the price. - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By tronno22556 - October 19 - 11:21 am

  I paid $7999.02 with taxes, tags, etc a year ago, brand new. Excellent price. I needed a car, and cheap at that. Im not unhappy with the car or the purchase at all. I put about 17,000 on it delivering pizzas and it performed wonderfully. Its very reliable. Nothing gave out yet, except for the tires. It ate the factory tires bare. New tires had to go on at 21,000 miles. It averaged about 28 MPG delivering pizza, and about 30 to 33 during "normal" driving. The trunk is huge. Easy enough to do my own oil changes and tire rotations. The only mechanic work Ive had to hire out is installing the tires on the old rims.

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  My eggbeater! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jeanette - October 18 - 11:58 am

  Although most of my daughters friends do not like the exterior look of the car, I can honestly say I get really good gas mileage from this car! The gas tank is small, but considering I dont have to fill up every day, its not that bad! I do like my car. The gas mileage I figured out when I had to drive up north Michigan and WOW was I surprised. It is a stick shift also which helps with the gas mileage. Other then the few problems with the gas delivery system I had, I really love this car!

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  Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By james - October 16 - 12:19 am

  The Chevrolet Aveo is a nice compact car to have. The interior is sporty and modern. When I went on a trip I had plenty of space for two people and their suitcases in the hatchback. Had a lot of room

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  Perfect for the Price - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Scott - October 13 - 6:08 pm

  This is a perfect little car if youre looking for something affordable, not too flashy, but still reliable. I have the manual transmission and although it was listed at 28 mpg in the city, I get 31 consistently and nearly 40 mpg on the highway. If its lacking anything, its top speed, but the speed limit is 75 anyway, right? If you dont feel like spending $17,000 just so you can say you drive a Civic, buy yourself an Aveo. Its every bit as fun to drive, versatile, roomy, and a lot cheaper.

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  Angel - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By angel - October 13 - 4:03 pm

  This is great little car, expecially as a first car for a teenager. My daughter really enjoys driving it. It has been great on gas, and is reliable. The dealership was very informative about the car as well.

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  I love my little bird! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By kimcan84 - October 13 - 2:33 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive! It may not be the most powerful little car in the world, but it gets me where I need to be. Its super comfortable (at least from where Im sitting). I love that I can raise and lower the drivers seat. The stereo system is pretty nice as well (MP3 cd player).

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  Nice car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By RICHARD B - October 7 - 9:24 pm

  Fun to drive.Car is used just to and from work. Lots of room . I am 6ft 1 and 250lbs no problem. Easy to park.

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  Good Bang For Your Buck - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Michelle Tyerman - October 6 - 4:54 pm

  Totally amazed with Aveos power, styling and comfort considering itÂ’s an economy car, and very inexpensive. Would definitely recommend this car to anyone thinking of buying an economy vehicle. Once you master how to utilize the hold button on the automatic which I purchased, this car is awesome.