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:

• 

  For 9 Grand, What the Heck? (Plus 33 MPG - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Sausalitodougie - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car when it first came out in March. I thought I wanted a hatchback but I bought a black sedan (with trunk) and everyone thinks its a Toyota Echo. I went to Pep Boys and bought some gunmetal gray eight spoke alloy wheels that nearly match the black metallic exterior color for $50 each. I bought a slightly wider premium set of tires from Costco to improve the ride and handling for about $400. (Michelin MXV4 Energy Green) It has good headroom for people up to about 66" and a decent back seat. Build quality not bad so far with few complaints to date. If it had power windows and cruise control I would be very happy.

• 

  Great Commuter Auto - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By slogger - October 8 - 4:53 pm

  I have owned the Aveo for several months. My city gasoline consumption is 29.3mpg. No mechanical problems so far. I paid a bit over $11K. The radio/CD is OK, but not great. Handling is quick at less than 45mph but a touch vague at freeway speeds. I purchased this auto because it was inexpensive. I also looked at the VW Golf Diesel and Honda Civic Hybrid. The Aveo provides many of the same features for $10K less...and that, in my mind, makes up for the lower fuel economy.

• 

  A surprise car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By derks - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I was originally looking for a bigger car but after the test drive in the Aveo, I was hooked! This car is so much fun to drive and I was soo surprised by how the small engine provides good performance. I was also surprised by the amount of interior space, I thought it would be small by looking at the car from the outside.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Cherryk24 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my car for a month now, but its great! Gas mileage is excellent, the ride is quiet, and the car is safe and confortable. Its even big enough to fit my snowboard in the back! Great price too!

• 

  What A Pleasant Suprise! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Hal Rhoads - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Been driving Ranger trucks for 20 years and wife owns a Saturn. Neither of us could believe the interior roominess of the Aveo. For me, the very best part is getting in and out of the car. I have to step UP out of most small cars, and DOWN out of a truck. With the Aveo I just step OUT! This is great when you have bad knees. Even with the automatic this car is peppy. The ride is quiet and smooth. Tilt wheel is great. The wife is jealous.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Sealy - July 15 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car to run around town as it is small and gets good gas mileage. So far I have approx 1800 miles on it and figure i get 34 miles to the gallon (combined city and freeway driving). Didnt need all the extras so we bought the econo package. I LOVE my little "Orange Blossom" (got the orange one. I think it is a neat little car and it handles just great NO PROBLEM finding parking spaces. So far, I have found no faults with the car. Big bang for the bucks!!!!!!!!!

• 

  A Fun Ride - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kristina - July 8 - 4:36 am

  The Aveo my first brand new car! I bought it 1/2/05 in Tampa Florida and proceeded to drive it to Detroit Michigan, 1306 miles! It drove well on the freeway holding its own with the big rigs and taking the mountains very well for a 4 cylinder. Gas mileage on the highway was good about 30 MPG and city isnt too great 20-21 MPG, but it is winter here! My coworkers and friends love it. It has lots of interior room for such a compact car. I have been asked by strangers what it is and where I got it more than a few times, so I think it will be around a while. I traded in a Ford Aspire to get this car, so anyone used to small car driving should love it with the huge interior and user friendly dash. I really like this car! I think I overpaid by about $2,000 but I REALLY wanted it! So I got it and I do like it a lot, my first Chevy and I am thus far impressed!

• 

  Off to work - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By oribhabor - July 2 - 12:00 am

  I find the Aveo a very fun car to drive. Its interior is extremely large for the size of car it is. ItÂ’s not nearly a boxy as the Mini Cooper. My friends tell me that I have a new toy. I agree. I have named it Mighty Mouse. It gets pretty good mileage; maybe 28 mpg. If you need a car to commute with, itÂ’s the one.

• 

  My Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Cheeky - June 24 - 2:43 am

  I love my Aveo! As soon as I saw that these were going to be coming out soon I just had to have one! Its great on gas, comfortable and very roomy. My husband is a big man and he has enough room for his long legs. I get great mileage and I just cant get over how good the car drives. I just cant say enough about my Aveo. I just hope more people buy them so they can experince the same.

• 

  great car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By daddysgmgirl - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Ive had my Aveo for a little over a month, and it replaced a 12 year old Lumina I had. Its great, in city and on the highway. Good mileage. Only problem I have is my keyless remote entry broke (ironically on the day I mailed my first payment), so have to go to dealership. Bought it because moving and 60/40 split seats will be great!