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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  Okay, but my Metro is way better!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Matthew L - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I own a 97 Geo Metro and my wife has the Aveo. At first she loved it, but after a time, she noticed some instability during windy conditions due to the twist beam axle that was not apparent with the fully independant suspension in the Metro. Secondly, the build quality, not material quality, is greatly superior in the Metro. Overall, fuel economy is better with the three speed auto in the Metro than with the four speed O/D auto in the Aveo. I am not impressed with the Aveo, and am now regretting it.

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  Its still a blast... - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Don Althaus - November 15 - 12:36 am

  The 2004 Aveo is an amazing little car. It has all the interior room you could ask for in this class car. It really will carry four normal adult humans in relative comfort. Instruments are well placed and easy to read. The interior layout is extremely well thought out. On the outside, its small and nimble enough that you can zip through city traffic and find almost anyplace to park. On top of that, it handles the highway with amazingly refined manners. It is relatively quiet even at 75mph. It can move away from a stop light smartly and it gets to highway speed in a reasonable amount of time, but it does need some help in the passing department. With 103hp, it takes some planning to pass.

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  great little car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By kikismith - November 14 - 10:00 am

  So far this vech is a great little ride

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  car is the pits - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By rodney - November 11 - 11:48 am

  Cant buy parts in Texas. Too compact . Rough riding.

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  For the money, you cant beat it - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By aveonut - November 9 - 12:20 pm

  I had been living in cities like New York where I didnt need a car, and after moving to a place where I did need one, I couldnt get my head around spending so much money for transportation. So I bought an Aveo, and I am LOVING it. No, its not the best quality of car out there. But its 10K. Ive put about 4000 miles on it in 6 weeks (I drive A LOT) and it always does well. It does have a strange rattle in the back now, which I think is somehow connected to the muffler (according to my boyfriend) so Im taking it back to the dealer in a few days to check it out. Great on the highway, great in the city, great fuel efficiency, fun to drive, spacious, big trunk, comfy, etc.

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  Hope it lasts! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By julieamber - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car, and I must say I do love it! However, Im noticing several interior and exterior design flaws (i.e. windshield wiper fluid sprays sideways rather than on the windshield, back seats dont fully click closed so they fall forward when I break, etc.). I feel like the car was put together too quickly.

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  I Love My Aveo! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mel Miller - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have never ownwed a brand-new, fresh-off-the-lot car before.And im 34 years old! I had to find the cheapest car possible, so when I saw the Aveo ads, I decided to check it out. I have been so pleased! The price is right, it handles great,it turns on a dime,it has a good high suspension-and high seats, and a surprisingly roomy interior "feel".The only gripe I can think of is the sound quality of the stereo-probably the speakers fault. The same C.D.s and radio stations sounded much better in my old car. But to me, the most important features are all well-represented.

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  My little baby... - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By KttotheZ - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Frankly its a little petal pusher but all in all it is a great little car! The gas mileage is awsome..everytime I fill my gas tank suprisingly it is less than $20. Also the fear of parallel parking is swept away because all I have to do is just pull into the spot! But my favorite characteristic about the aveo would have to be its look its just soo adorable! Go get one.

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  as advertised - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By bigporkchop2000 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Surprisingly roomy, my wife and I are both over 6 ft, and we both fit comfortably with both kids in the car also. Im still waiting to get more than 32 or 33 MPG, although that may not happen as I always have a full car with either my family, or my carpool buddies. Also, I regularly drive elevated freeway speeds (80-90MPH) when en route to my full time job, or am otherwise driving around town at a fast clip as I work as a pizza delivery guy as my second job. Particularly thoughtful touches abound with the sunglasses holder and the I.D. holder. I had an aftermarket body kit installed at the dealership that obviously makes the car look much faster than it really is. Ha Ha!

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  Good car, Good price - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Nicholas Allred - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought my vehicle new from Larry H. Miller Chevrolet. I had no trouble getting financed for it, and was offered a great warranty for 6 years and 80,000 miles. My car drives extremely smooth and feels very safe. I only have one problems, and that is that I cannot feel how fast Im going. It handles like Im going 25 mph when Im travelling 35-40.