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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  this car is not reliable - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By martin fan - July 19 - 10:00 am

  we have had our car for about 3 mths and it has been in the shop all of the 3 mths except 3-4 weeks. the front end stays out of align and they cant fix it. they didnt offer to swap out or buy back, we had to ask for it. still havent been taken care of. lets people know that all general motors is worried about is the money, not the satisfaction or safety of the buyer. ill never buy another chevrolet as long as i live. someone needs to step up and make satisfaction happen and quit using excuses to stall the buyer.

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  Surprising "cheap" car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By MN driver - June 26 - 10:56 am

  Having had a LOT of different cars (all price ranges including Lexus), I was looking for a real cheap drive to work car. The Aveo has proven so far to be a very acceptable ride. My only complaint is the choice of tires which do not provide much handling especially on ice/snow. The car starts in cold weather (below 0) is quiet has a good radio/ABS/Auto Trans and great interior space. It is a lot of car for the low price.

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  A base car for the commuter minded - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Stratford - May 22 - 6:46 pm

  The cabin is well thought out, and is roomy for an econobox, the controls easy to read and use, but pedals are too close to each other, and too small. Seats are roomy and have good side bolster, and are also height adjustable. The rear seats are high and ok for kids. Performance is what can be expected for 103 horses, but more than adequate for on ramps to the interstate. The trunk is plenty roomy and rear seats fold down. Style wise...well who cares this car is for commuting, and economy which in the city is about 30, and 40 mpg on the hwy. The Aveo is an economy car, and doesnÂ’t pretend to be anything but. Smart car, great in traffic, and at the gas pump. I got a new 04 with air, for $8300.

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  great little car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By BJ S - May 6 - 10:00 am

  body is a little tinny

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  My Kalos! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By limee - April 7 - 8:23 pm

  Got a great deal on this little car which is one I had been researching for a while now. It was the Aveo or the Scion Xa. The Aveo won out on price. Have owned a number of GMs in the past with lousy build quality and reliability. This is a Daewoo and appears to be well put together with tight seems and no sqeaks/ rattles, etc. It is a blast to drive, especially in the city where it excels. Its amazingly quiet at speed after it has been wound up, and cruises comfortably at 80 with minimal fuss. Not that impressed with the fuel economy at 27 MPG (I get that from my V6 Honda Accord and feel the push in the back of the seat!) It makes me feel like Im living in London again. The size is ideal.

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  MySummerYellow04Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By KRO - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for 2 days and i love it, i have a Summer Yellow 4door hatchback, i love everything. It is a very neat car. The sport shifter is very cool. The handeling and ride are very smooth. When i got mine it had 27 miles on it, now it has 222 miles on it. If you take care of it, it will last. The warrenties are good as well.

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  Not a Putt Putt! Awesome Little Car! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Nancy - March 14 - 7:53 am

  This is a wonderful little car that GM/Chevy has come out with. We have the LT hatchback, with automatic transmission. It drives smooth and is quite peppy - you floor it and it takes off! I have driven 4 cylinders before that just wont MOVE when you put the pedal to the metal. Not this baby, shes not a putt-putt, shes world class for a subcompact! Its comfy and roomy - my 64" nephew fits beautifully in it! We traded a gas guzzling Ford F150 for it and have not regretted it! It SIPS gas, it will cost us ONE THIRD of what the Ford cost us weekly in gas! For the money this is one great little car! If you want a subcompact thats cheap in price but high in quality, buy an Aveo!

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  My Aveo - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jacob - February 11 - 8:36 am

  By far the greatest car that I have purchased. I got this car at the perfect time, I am saving a bundle on gas, as opposed to my last car. I have nothing but great things to say. I have recomended it to quite a few people.

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  Excellent value, great gas mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By KHC1930 - January 10 - 12:46 am

  Have had car for 3 months, plenty of city and highway driving - seems to be pretty well built. Gas mileage is incredible - even with A/C on - getting about 26 to 28 in the city with an Auto transmission. Car can do 80 MPH on highway with ease, complains a bit passing at that speed, but all in all, a decent ride for the money. Good job Chevy.