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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  2011 aveo ls sedan - 2011 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Tom prescott - June 15 - 7:57 am

  Great car

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  07 aveo - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Heather M - November 5 - 3:08 pm

  I love i bought it for 1700 off offer up two years ago .. only fixed the ac no problems what so ever .. had 89000 miles when I bought it .. ut is time to replace struts buts its 20 yrs old so I have no complaints.. I feel safe driving it and Im a traveler I love my aveo

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  I Love My Chevy Aveo - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rhonda Christopher - April 18 - 6:47 pm

  I am in love with my AVEO. I Have had Cherry (thats my AVEO name) for 10 years, and I havent had any problems AT all. You guys did a GREAT JOB!!!!!

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  I LOVE MY CHEVY AVEO - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rhonda Christopher - April 18 - 6:38 pm

  I have had my Chevy Aveo for 10yrs. I absolutely, with out a doubt am in love with MY CAR. Her name is Cherry (because shes red). Hasnt given me ANY PROBLEMS at all. You guys did a GREAT JOB!!!!!

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  My first car, my first baby - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Claire B. - December 18 - 9:47 pm

  My dad bought this car back in 2007 brand new when I was 13. He paid it off and when I got my drivers license, he gave it to me. I loved this car. It had all the bells and whistles at the time. Overtime things did go wrong though. The drivers door lock fell (common problem apparently), hinges were creaky and stiff, headlights burnt out constantly, and it did not hold up in accidents. That last one always made me somewhat scared to get in my vehicle. My first accident was in 2011. When I got t-boned in a parking lot. At 10mph my front axel was bent and my drivers door hinge was crumpled. Problems were fixed but never solved. Unfortunately a month ago I was rear-ended and because of the poor quality of this vehicle, it caused more damage than what the vehicle was worth. Being a 2007, it only had 54000 miles on it. I said my goodbyes today and am now beginning my search for a new car. It wasnt great quality but it was never meant to be. It was however a great first car.

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  Happy with the purchase of my first new car - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By T. Jacklin - October 20 - 6:37 pm

  I bought this car new off the lot. Within a few months I noticed a screeching noise out on the open highway in a cross wind. Come to find out it was something to do with the design of the vehicle (not safety) and after a quick fix at the shop, the noise was gone. I wanted a bare bones car. Lets features, less to go wrong, less expense. This car is perfect for me. It can be parked anywhere, not overly spunky but can whip it on the highway. The fuel mileage is great, only a few minor repairs (mostly from lack of use, not over use) like creaky doors, a rear hatch release that sticks, heater only works on blast (at least it works). If you are looking for something to get you from point A to B without a lot of bells and whistles, this is your ride. It now has 78,000kms on her, just had the control arm replaced today, new water pump a couple weeks ago. These are things that are going to need replacing regardless, and I think after 6 years that is fair. Still has original brakes, clutch, wipers, numerous other things. I am more than happy with The Intimidator. I would buy another one in a minute. Its GREAT in the snow! (Granted you know how to drive in it. I am Canadian. I have this skill)

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  For the Price its a great car! - 2010 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Thadious - September 16 - 3:47 pm

  I have had my car for over a year now. Cant beat the price! I had to fix the a/c in it and replace the thermostat. However car runs great. Dont worry about people saying it has no power. I have no issues getting it up and going. When I went to buy it I was looking into a Mazda. This just for my budget better also as a owner of a 09 Chevy Cobalt. I am a huge Chevy fan. Best two cars I have ever owned.

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  It has very few shortcomings for the type of car its generally classified as. - 2010 Chevrolet Aveo
  By inprogressing - March 1 - 3:05 am

  After three months of pouring $80 of gas into a 2008 Jeep Liberty, I headed up a car hunt with a top priority on fuel efficiency. I ended up with a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo, and it surprised me in so many pleasant ways. Its a very effective little car, and then some. Despite some irritating features such as on star and day running lights, the car is extremely fun to drive. It glides like an eagle, quickly and quietly. Its powerful, both mechanically and electrically, and it uses a very intelligent design. Its pretty tough and durable for its size. It looks a little less sharp than average for its size and type, but its roomy, comfortable, and reliable. I would recommend it, very highly.

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  Spacious little hatchback - 2011 Chevrolet Aveo
  By mirde98 - January 12 - 8:33 pm

  I bought my Aveo5 2LT with 52k on it. I really like the exterior design and the interior is very spacious for a little car. Power is adequate for city driving. Drives comfortable and brakes are strong. AC is weak and so its the radio. MPG is barely ok. I get from 26-28Mpg overall. I have the 2LT AUTO with leather seats, sunroof, rims, and fog lamps. Looks pretty sharp compared to the basic LS.

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  Shes a good old gal - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By lovee - October 25 - 8:08 am

  I bought my basic Aveo in Feb 2007 right off the lot, brand new. My little silver bullet has been a pretty car with only a few minor problems. in 2012 i had to get the valve cover gasket replaced, 2013 both rotors had gone bad, but mechanically, she really has had any major motor issues. I feel she has a few good years left, as i dont think the basic model was intended to last beyond 10yrs. But, she may surprise me and keep on going.