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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  Imported Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By FWG - June 12 - 4:28 am

  Reminds me of a Chevy economy car not an import. Nice ride for so little cost. Aveo is equal to a Nissan Sentra (Mid 90s model) in ride and quietness. Buy it cheap and drive the devil out of it!! (5/60 running gear warranty) Remember this is not a $20,000 car for $10,000 This is a $10,000 car that should be compared to another $10,000.00 car!

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  Poor handling on the highway - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By TedK - June 11 - 2:34 am

  We found it was hard to pass vehicles on the highway. The tachometer swings wildly and the car gets stuck in low gear, with drivers behind us giving us an annoyed look. The ABS of this car also gives problems when trying to slow down during an exit from the highway. It actually veered offroad into a collision. The car is too small to handle well in windy conditions. Overall, while some may like the head room and drivers seat, my old Toyota Corolla is way ahead of this car in terms of reliability and and highway handling.

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  Allens Review - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By BAM - June 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a great inexpensive car and is very reliable. It has plenty of leg room,head room and room for storage. The 4 door Sedan comes loaded, and it is a very sharp car!

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  What a great little car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Cactus - June 7 - 4:23 am

  Ive had my Aveo LS about 3 months now and all I can say is WOW! What a great little car. Handles beautifully, quiet, comfortable, and suprisingly quick. Its an aqua color, and it really stands out. I get looks and questions about it all the time. Living in rural Iowa, people come up to me and their first question is usually, "what is that?" I love it GM! Keep up the good work.

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  Who could ask for better under $10,000? - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Gene - June 6 - 1:47 am

  I bought my car nearly 3 months ago,and I have put about 3,000 miles on it. I could not be any more impressed. I have made some minor adjustments (rims and tires, sound system, etc), but I do that with every car I buy. For those who complain about power, I have no complaints at all. I get mine in the triple digits pretty often, with no worries. Great car, great price, what is there to complain about?

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  Great car for what it is - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By n9915t - June 5 - 11:05 pm

  If youre looking for a little commuter car, this is it. If I was a long -distance cruiser, I wouldnt have picked this car. It is roomy, comfortable and an adequate performer. I think it is well built and a good design. If it holds up over the years, Ill be very happy.

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  Commuter? This is your Car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aveothustic - May 20 - 11:41 am

  A solid good looking "Puddle jumper". I commute 105 Km.(65 mi.) per day. Have read complaiants about it being slow and unable to keep up on the highway. Not true! Does well on our expressways. A sustained 120KPH.(75 MPH) is no problem, and I still have pedal left. I have had other "small cars"...no competition. The load capacity with seats in HB forward is impressive. Passenger room in the rear is amazing. I love GM products, and although it is an import, it still carries the Chevy "Bow Tie", and merits the GM service. Good enough for me, and the gas mileage at todays prices...great!

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  A great little family car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By chalda - May 13 - 12:50 pm

  Affordable to purchase, maintain, and run. Great on long car trips (over 500mi) and very good looking for an economy car. Dont compare it to the expensive cars, but if you compare to others in its class (Toyota Echo, Pontiac Wave, Sunfire, Cavalier) this car outdoes them all for space and apppearance. I test drove them all and still bought the Aveo. We all love it!

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  2004 Chevy Aveo LS Hatchback - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jody Lee - May 4 - 10:00 am

  really fun car to drive. interior controls are layed out exceptionally well. very easy to see out of. would make a great car for a young driver.

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  Love this car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By randydriver - April 20 - 2:13 am

  I just love this car I have had it a month and a half. It was the last 2004 on the lot and it had a 5-speed. I have averaged about 29 mpg around town and 38-40 on out of town trips. I like the quirky style and the cavernous interior.