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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  Maintenance Nightmare - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Cindy - April 22 - 11:09 am

  We bought this car new and it has been in the shop 6 times in under a year from issues with the clock, parking brake not holding car on hills even in park, Blower motor issues, suspension crunch problems in the front end, brake problems , do yourself a favor and stay away from this little time bomb, we traded it in last week with 10,000 mi on her and bought a new Cobalt LS Sedan, this car is so much nicer inside and it gets better mileage than the Aveo did, It has more power and a way better ride and the price was about the same as the Aveo

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  Great Economy Car - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Michael Mayle - April 18 - 10:22 pm

  I drive 50 miles round trip to work and bought this car for its economy. I like it so much,that I have parked my pick up and drive it all of the time. I find it exceptionally roomy and easy to manuver in the city. A real gas money saver

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  Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By cc7879 - April 18 - 3:36 am

  I have only had the car for one and a half years and have had to have it in the shop twice. Luckily I bought the extended warranty because the timing belt broke a couple of days ago and now I need a new moter.

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  Unfortunate Lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By One Good Granny - January 13 - 11:26 am

  Have owned this car 3 months and front end pulls upon driving and increases pull during braking. Mechanics adjusted sub frame, replaced one wheel (manufactures defect), alignment performed. It still pulls yet now in the opposite direction! Too unsteady for a brand new vehicle. I paid $16,400 for this vehicle. Was told sub frame misalignment normal as shipped from Korea and rough seas can pull on frame tie downs.

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  Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By princess - December 20 - 10:54 am

  This vehicle is not one I would recommend I have had so many problems with it. It has been in and out of the shop for 2 months now and that should not be happening with 5500 miles on it I purchased it in April...I do not suggest this car to anyone. They are garbage.

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  My lemon - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mickey Mathews - August 20 - 9:53 am

  I bought this car only a few months ago and it has been in the shop at least 10 times it sometimes will only go 25 miles an hour. It runs rough and the list goes on.

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  cheap ugly car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By alastor421 - July 17 - 10:52 pm

  This car is an eyesore i bought it thinking it would be great on gas its not the ride is boring its cheaply made you can get something better in the same price range.The performance is lacking in all aspects of this car.

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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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  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.