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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  Dont get an Aveo - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Blue Moon Aveo - September 27 - 3:09 pm

  The Aveo is attractive and the sound system is decent but it lacks in performance. Mine is only averaging 23 miles a gallon. Wind noise and slow exceration make it a poor choice compared to other cars, but it is cheaper. Mine had a defunct OnStar system (though purchased new with only 15 miles on it) and it took GM six weeks to get the OnStar fixed and reprogrammed.

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  Ive grown to like it. - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Unclewally - September 18 - 9:16 am

  I purchased my brand new black LT 4 door with all options except sunroof, leather and steering wheel audio controls. I checked around and it was the least expensive car with the options I wanted. I needed a more fuel economical car being that I commute 150 miles round trip a day, for four days. My 11 mpg (highway) Ford Explorer, V8, All Wheel Drive was killing me at the pump. (I still love my truck). I put the car to the test as soon as I got it. I had a custom made tow hitch installed to pull a mini tear drop cargo trailer and drove to Houston Texas. She was loaded with 3 adults and pulling a loaded mini trailer. She didnt miss a beat. Mind you the car is cheesy. You get what you pay for.

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  No HP (yes I know its only a 1.6,4-Cyl) - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Chris .S. - August 27 - 1:46 am

  I bought my 07 Aveo in October (4,649 Miles and tagged at $11,000). The vehicle does really good in city driving, but leaves something to be desired at highway speeds. I own the manual transmission and had to upgrade with an aftermarket intake just to feel like I was moving faster then a stagecoach. All in all, the car is fairly "stable" once you reach your goal speed (as long as it isnt windy) but takes a long time to accelerate even when you lean on the higher RPMs. And it would be a good car for the price if you dont care about looks or horses thanks to the the MPG and dependability factor. But thats all it has going for it to be honest. My opinion is buy another vehicle like the Cobalt.

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  Basic transportation - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Michael Kinney - June 14 - 4:06 pm

  Three years we have been driving this car. Its is hard to hold on the freeway with any kind of side wind. I can say that is is basic tranportation. Mileage is nothing to speak of. I wished I still had my Metro. It was a better car.

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  Dont buy - poor gas mileage - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tim in Maryland - May 11 - 6:14 am

  I have been driving this car for 3 months now. I average 22.5 MPG in mostly suburban driving, with a roundtrip distance to work of 20 miles each day. I also use it to deliver papers in every morning, which takes about 30 minutes. I use to do the same routine in a Honda Civic which had a larger engine and got 30 MPG. So I am very disapointed with the fuel economy. Even open road driving you can watch that gas gauge visibly drop. You cannot lock the driver side door except by using the key - this is a pain when you have bundles to carry and/or its raining.

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  Dont believe the window sticker - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jeff - April 30 - 7:48 pm

  There is plenty of room in the front, although the seats could be more comfortable for longer legged people. The styling is similar to many others on the road now, and can be made to look pretty sporty. The worst drawback is the mileage. I drive 40 mises a day,35 of it no the freeway, and it averages 31 MPG. Not too good for a 1.6 liter four cylinder with almost no horsepower. I bought it thinking it would be alot like the Geo Metro only bigger. The Metro was quicker,and got half again more mileage, Boy do I miss it!

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  to many probelms - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By fgsmith - April 21 - 4:55 pm

  Has had 4 sets of headlights in 2 yrs. 2 full sets of tires. Needs serpentine belt @ 40,000 these problems are not resolved ignition coil replaced @ 20,000 miles. New sunroof @less than 5000 mp3 player didnt last six months. Struts @ 20,000 miles. Gear shift assembly @ 15,000. Car dies in traffic @times other times wont start a lot of problems seem to be electrical in origin. Other mechanics say the car has been wrecked. I bought it new. The car only has 40,000 on it now. Gas mileage not as good as advertised also had crank sensor replaced @ 15,000.

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  Good and sad - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By ReC - April 18 - 3:13 am

  I bought this car mainly for the fuel economy: (1.6L 4cyl 5A) 25-30. We were so happy until--15,000 miles and bang, major repair, in shop for a week now, waiting for parts in drive train/control arm. This is a major disappointment. The car is light in the high winds! Should have bought the Toyota Corolla for 2k more.

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  Not what I expected - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Darcy - December 23 - 5:12 pm

  I bought this car mainly for the fuel economy. This is the only area it reached my expectations. I have had it into the dealer 4 times for problems. One of them involved replacing the main seal which took a week! This is a defect in the vehicle, other Aveos have the same problem. The car didnt even have 8000 miles on it. Then within a week I had to have a sensor replaced. In the past I have always been pleased with GM vehicles but this one is a major disappointment. I dont feel safe driving it long distances and I am glad there is a dealer near my home and another near my work. I will be getting rid of this car ASAP.

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  The Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Kari - September 10 - 8:30 am

  I got this car in Aug. I have had no problems what so ever. There was one recall but it was taken care of very quickly. For the amount that the car cost it is worth it.