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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  aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By cdig1 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  good solid all around economy car.I was a little disappointed with the average mpg of 28;however,there are no glaring deficencies.fit and finish are good.Long term reliabilty is still to be determined.

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  Jasons One Month Aveo Review - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jlion1 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  What sold me first on this car was the Mp3 player. I have a lot of music I like and it is hard to fit them all on one cd. It handled very well on the road test. When you look at it from the outside, it looks small. When you get in, you have plenty of room. And the gas mileage has been good.

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  Most Recent Small Car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Deborah Parish - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have not had a small car in well over 15 years, so, this review is based on seeing others with them and now having one of my own. In short, it is a fun car to drive, suprisingly "peppy" and comfortable. It also has a very nice trunk space and this is enhanced by the folding back seats for more trunk space. Gas mileage is great, especially when your used to a full size truck for transportation.

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  its ok - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By marknrhonda - August 9 - 10:00 am

  We like it and the dealer was very easy to work with. Great entry level car, and reasonable to insure, cost wise.

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  I love this car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Andrea - August 6 - 2:06 am

  I love this car. Its perfect for city driving. The interior is so roomy and designed to look sporty. The exterior has a futuristic sort of look to it. Ive had one problem with it. Whenever I accelerate from a complete stop, it makes a popping noise. Still a fabulous car!

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  3 Month Driver - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By mantis69 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have a 4 year lease, at 235 a month with 20k/yr seems pretty reasonable. My biggest aggravation about this car is the poor gas mileage. I do 90% city driving and consider myself a good driver. But dismayed at the fact that I only get 300km/tank, which is roughly 32 dollars (Canadian) a week. I had an 89-ford tempo that got that (or better), the dealer says its the break in period. It seems very similar to another small car I had and that one got 450km/tank. I am not a mechanic but I think somethingÂ’s odd. I brought it back to the dealership and they said theres nothing wrong with it? Other than poor gas mileage I find it ok to drive.

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  Excellent Value for the money - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Sam - May 31 - 12:36 pm

  At 1 1/2 months old with 2,100 miles on my Aveo, Ive found I really enjoy driving this tight well built little compact with the big car room inside. Acceleration, handling, braking, ride quality, economy of operation, quietness while underway, and even the quality of the radio are first rate. My only niggling complaint is that the cover for the passenger air bag rattles, & Im sure this will be an easy fix for the dealer when I go in for the first oil-filter change.

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  I Love My New Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By FRANNYWITCH - May 2 - 6:23 pm

  I love my new Aveo. ItÂ’s comfortable, large, rides good, is quite, and the gas mileage is great.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By cjparnell - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Yet Another Great Dependable car buy GM

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  Awesome - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jiterbug83 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  It is so rad The gas car tires windows and everything. I love to sit in it all the time.