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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  I do like it. - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By mazade of montana - May 12 - 10:53 pm

  We were aiming for an econo-box that wouldnt need a major overhaul in the next 3 years(i.e. battery bank)... were pretty satisfied with what we have here. Fit & finish of the car seems quite nice. The only noise leaks are through the underbody panels because of no insulation/padding. Last 3-5 tanks are in the 35mpg area and we live in & around some hilly terrain... was in the 32mpg area until we changed over to a full synthetic. Currently @ 3000 miles on the car. Onstar is a feature that can spoil you... except for the knowing that they can shut your car off if/when they feel like it.

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  Ive had good luck - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By amylou - May 4 - 5:08 pm

  Paid $9000 for the bare bones 2006 sedan and for the price, Im happy with it and plan on driving it until it dies. No problems with engine, tranny, electrical, etc. Gear transition chunky, does not improve. Im lax with regular maintenance and simply dont care about image , so combined with the iffy craftsmanship minor things are always breaking and falling off, too expensive to fix. But I have always LOVED the shape of it, no one wants to steal my little inconspicuous crank-window value model. Needed bushings early on and the shocks/struts have degraded to a Lincoln Continental rolling sort of ride. Unstable in wind on highway. Good for short commute, would buy again for the TRUNK!

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  enjoying the ride - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By ics - April 20 - 12:33 pm

  I purchased my aveo5 after my brother in law let me drive his. I test drove the nissan versa and honda fit but like the aveo the best. The only problem I had with it was after driving a suv for 10 years I drove the aveo like a suv. The front of the aveo is too low and now I have damage to the front of the car. I now am more cautious.

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  watch tune ups & timing belt - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By little red - April 17 - 3:42 pm

  My wife & I love the car even after downsizing from a mid-size auto. I was shocked when I was told about the car requires a 400.00 tune-up, coolant change every 36000 miles and a new timing belt after 60000. Dealer never mention that at the time of sale!!! Other than those items the auto is nice for the $$$$$$

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  07 Aveo LS sedan - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By corvette owner - April 17 - 9:49 am

  I purchased this car this month in order to get too and from school. What a great investment. this is my first manual transmission car and "BOY" is this little thing fun.It looks good going down the road and is an overall great car. Not to mention this thing will take you 400 miles on a single tank of gas.

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  Honest Value over Status - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By TNtim - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This would be a great first car, second car, or utility vehicle. Value, versatility and more than a little verve. Dont let the price tag fool you.

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  Good Car For The Money - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jenny4bass - March 26 - 3:33 am

  I had my last vehicle (Chevy Venture) for 11 years and it was time for something new. After spending 3 hours with a local dealership getting the run around I called another dealer about 30 miles away and over the phone he gave me a price $250 less. I had a hard time keeping from laughing every time I look at it and everyone says its sooo cute but they are impressed with the milage. I had to get the hatchback because I have 2 large dogs that travel with me. The MPG is great (I get about 30) but with a small gas tank I still have to fill it quite often. When my girlfriend saw it she named it a Chevy Buttless and the name stuck. But it is sooo cute for a minicar.

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  Most economical car is based on price. - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Ron Wagner - March 23 - 10:01 pm

  We purchased this LS with air and auto for $9,340. We have been looking at Aveos since they came out. We love the way they sit. They sit high, so you dont have to fall into the seat and clamber out. The mpg is disappointing so far. Just 22 mpg city. I figure I can afford at least $10,000 worth of gasoline before I reach the price of a hybrid. I dont think that the hybrids would ever match the overall economy. We really do like this car. It could be a little wider for large people though, and I dont understand why little cars dont have arm rests for both front seats, or one that is big enough for both people. Right now, I would say go for the best priced non hybrid to save the most money.

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  Best car I have ever had - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By E Smith - March 20 - 11:47 pm

  I now have over 100,000 miles on my car and it has only been in the shop for maintenance. Drives great and has LOTS of power. I can go all the way up the Grapevine (in Calif) at 65 mph no problem. The only challenge I have had is that is seems to have trouble starting up first thing in the morning (especially when its cold). My husband, children and myself are all very all people and we fit in this car very easily with plenty of leg room (yes looks are deceiving). This car has lots of room for hauling things around. Maneuverability is good - lots of fun to drive. The key maintenance issues are to be faithful about oil changes and change the timing chain every 40,000 to 50,000 miles.

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  Very Reliable - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Albert - February 27 - 10:06 pm

  Only my 3rd vehicle(all Chevy) to never have a problem. Put 62000 miles in 54 weeks on this car. changed tires at 45000 miles. Been a surprise as to driving. Due to my financial problems sold 3 Mercedes ,sl55,s55,cl55 and a 2007 corvette. Very surprised the performance and seats did not bother me after coming out of my prior vehicles. Was very bad and only changed oil 1 time and never went in for normal service. oil level never went down even after long quick trips. Gad millage at 85 was 27-29.5. Wind can push this car very easy and had occasionally caused the steering wheel to be knocked out of my hand. Breaks squeaked a lot in the morning