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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  My lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mickey Mathews - August 20 - 9:53 am

  I bought this car only a few months ago and it has been in the shop at least 10 times it sometimes will only go 25 miles an hour. It runs rough and the list goes on.

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  Ash review - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ashchevvy - August 14 - 10:47 am

  Been driving ny LS Sedan Aveo 2005 for a month. Till now good value for money. Goes about 415km on a full tank {with AC on}. Very spacious on the inside. Silver is perhaps the best colour here. I got my windows tinted silver..so it looks cool. The pick-up is not very powerful but once a speed is attained it cruises smoothly. The fuel indicator is very dim and fluctuates. The seat has no height adjuster. AC is very effective. Engine is spaced out neatly for air to pass around. Have overall enjoyed till now. I would recommend it if you are looking for a decent value for the money.

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  The Aveo is the best bang for the buck! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jynx - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most affordable and well equipted GM car out there. It has the reliability of the GM company but the new stylish design like the more "hip" foreign cars. Even without all of the upgrades the car is great...but the upgrades do inhance the appeal of the vehicle. Overall I would rank the Aveo as my first choice for a starter car with class.

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  I llove this little blue car! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Nancy - August 1 - 4:29 pm

  I am delighted with my car! I did not have a lot of cash, but this car is so worth every penny! The gas mileage isnt what I had hoped for, but we have had a hot summer and I run the AC all the time, and still make it up the hills going 70+ mph! Great torque in 1st and 2nd, a little more dog in 3,4,and 5th gears. I get quite a few compliments on this car. People like the way it looks. I can almost cut traffic like a motorcycle in it. Just kidding, officer.

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  Excellent, Fun, Blue Flame Special - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aveo Fan - July 29 - 4:11 pm

  We originally got this car for our daughter when hers needed to be replaced. My wife insisted on one with pinstripes and blue flames on the doors. We drove the car for that weekend and decided to keep it for ourselves with our daughter getting my current car. The car has terrific interior space. It rides as well as cars more than twice the price. As for fun, Ive had several Corvettes, and except for sheer acceleration, this car is as big of a blast to drive. Folks seem to like the quirky styling. It was rear ended (about 5 mph) by some fool a couple months ago and the car took the impact very well with only minor damage to the bumper and one fender. Its had no warranty issues at all.

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  It could be better, but its cool!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Im Canadian - July 28 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car in Canada, so I dont know if theyre different. Ours is a modern green hatchback 5 speed manuel with no CD player, no Sunroof, No aluminum wheels, no spoiler no nothing special. We paid about $18, 000 Canadian with insurance, taxes, and full protection package. Its an ok car for the price, better than the echo but in the sedam edition there are better vehicles(than the Aveo). The one big problm with the Aveo is its gas millaege.

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  Jenns car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jennifer Hurtt - July 27 - 2:07 pm

  This is my very first new car and I love it! I checked this car out before making my purchase and every person that I knew that had one said " Its a great little car!" I feel the same way! I was also glad that it had a 5 star crash rating!

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  2004 chevy aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By debra stover - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for only 2 weeks and have 120 miles on it, but I fully enjoy it. Ive owned plenty of cars to compare it to and I tell you, this car is a great city car and fun to drive. It takes corners tightly and is very roomy inside with plenty of window area and head and leg room. I have an automatic, so the take off is a little sluggish, but I didnt buy it expecting nor caring about burning rubber from the stop light. I shopped economy cars and feel I got the best one made so far for the price.

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  things wrong - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By bummer - July 19 - 1:48 pm

  within the first month the heater motor went out, then would not heat, back in the shop again. then 2 months straight of taking it back in to have the tires balanced. first 4 months i owned this car, it was in the shop once a month. now it is back in again to have a marker light replaced when a clip broke (car not being hit or anything.) also to have the back seat fixed. it was put down and up, when it was put back down, it came out of alignment and would not latch on one side. new seat bracket having to be ordered.

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  Pretty nice first car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Randy in Georgia - July 18 - 1:54 am

  This was my first car. I have put well over 20,000 miles on it and it is still ticking without any problems. Gas milage could be better and the dings I have received from cars bumping my doors are annoying. I certainly will upgrade for my next purchase and probably get a Toyota Prius, but this is an excellent starter car.