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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Disappointing MPG - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
By Pat B - January 7 - 2:51 pmPurchased 06 Aveo mid October 05 with main objective "minimizing fuel cost" What a disappointment, I am only getting an average 19-20 MPG which is 6 miles less per gallon than my Grand Prix. Overpaid for this car $13,000+ which is my fault, but I know I could have done better.
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Getting to know it still.... - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
By Curt - November 13 - 5:11 pmIm + 6 and fit comfortable in the front. It reminded me of a diesel Fiat Ide driven in Italy. Main purchase purpose is a commuter car. Seating provides good visability for everyone inside. So far its a fun nimble, very easily parkable little car. It has the Europeon reverse shift pattern.
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Not so good - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
By Vic - October 27 - 2:18 pmI bought the 05 Aveo in July and the care is OK. Im not sure why people are raving about the gas mileage as I only get 23mpg in the city with automatic. Besides the gas complaint, my headlights went out after 2 months and my suspension needed to be tightened and still does every so often. For the price of this car, it is hard to beat if your planning to keep it a very long time.
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things wrong - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
By bummer - July 19 - 1:48 pmwithin the first month the heater motor went out, then would not heat, back in the shop again. then 2 months straight of taking it back in to have the tires balanced. first 4 months i owned this car, it was in the shop once a month. now it is back in again to have a marker light replaced when a clip broke (car not being hit or anything.) also to have the back seat fixed. it was put down and up, when it was put back down, it came out of alignment and would not latch on one side. new seat bracket having to be ordered.
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Pretty nice first car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
By Randy in Georgia - July 18 - 1:54 amThis was my first car. I have put well over 20,000 miles on it and it is still ticking without any problems. Gas milage could be better and the dings I have received from cars bumping my doors are annoying. I certainly will upgrade for my next purchase and probably get a Toyota Prius, but this is an excellent starter car.
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Think before you buy! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
By peznmom - December 15 - 10:00 amThis car is a peppy little car. The price is right. Thats the only positive things about this car. Alternative to a used car???? It like driving a tin can. Cheaply made somewhare in Korea. That should be you first clue not to buy this car. I should have listened to my first instincts. "PASS THIS ONE UP." The placement of the cup holder is dangerous. It can stop the car from going into park when a cup is in right holder. It caused mine to fly out of gear and through a garage door. Feels like it could turn over easily due to high center of gravity. Dont drive it in a wind storm!
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Okay, but my Metro is way better!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
By Matthew L - November 19 - 2:00 amI own a 97 Geo Metro and my wife has the Aveo. At first she loved it, but after a time, she noticed some instability during windy conditions due to the twist beam axle that was not apparent with the fully independant suspension in the Metro. Secondly, the build quality, not material quality, is greatly superior in the Metro. Overall, fuel economy is better with the three speed auto in the Metro than with the four speed O/D auto in the Aveo. I am not impressed with the Aveo, and am now regretting it.
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Most Recent Small Car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
By Deborah Parish - August 14 - 10:00 amI 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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For 9 Grand, What the Heck? (Plus 33 MPG - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
By Sausalitodougie - October 14 - 10:00 amI 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.
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new owner, replacing Geo Metro - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
By mld - February 18 - 10:00 ammore power then Geo, but not as good mileage
