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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  Great Car, Simple and Fun! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Shauna - February 10 - 3:55 pm

  I have really enjoyed my Chevy Aveo. I purchased this vehicle right out of college looking to save money on gas and the purchase price. I have not had any problems with the vehicle at all. I keep up on all the maintenance and just got new tires at 46,000 miles. Not a luxury car for sure but the LT is nice with leather, wood and some stainless accents...plus the AUX is nice and the 6 disc changer. Everything I needed and would definitely recommend it! p.s. I live in WI...handles unreal in the snow for the size! My first winter I was REALLY nervous but my pumpkin (burnt orange:) never let me down!

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  Great for under 12500! - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By My favorite! - January 9 - 10:25 pm

  Well Ive had it for 5 months now and it has been a little champ! Of course its a little slow (I have the auto) but I get 26 city and about 33 highway. Its a nicely built car, Ive had no rattles or problems like others have said. I have every feature except the leatherette seats. The only fault I really have with it is that I feel it could be either sportier with some engine tuning (maybe even raise mpgs?) but everything is good. I wish they would give the car a little more something with the styling outside ( I dont like the headlights on the aveo5). I would recommend this car to anyone on a budget!

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  Great Car AVEO 5 - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bill - December 22 - 11:45 am

  The only problem I have with this car is some of sensors blink on when it gets really cold. Otherwise I would suggest this ride for anyone. Much roomier than what it looks like from the outside. Thanks Chevy for putting out a great car.

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  I love it!!! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob from PA - November 29 - 9:47 am

  I bought this car to drive to and from work,35 miles 1 way. Ive owned the car for 1-1/2 years now and have 30,000 miles racked up. On average I get 39+ MPG with summer tires, and 35 MPG with winter tires. Both more than the advertised 34 MPG, WOOHOO. For 10,754.14 out the door and delivered to my place of work, youll not get a better deal. Im 511" and 300+ pounds and have plenty of room. The tires do wear a little odd, and the paint has worn off right in front of the rear doors and rocker panels from winter driving. The arm rest are in awkward positions. All in all, I LOVE IT!!!

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  forget echo- buy this - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By railroad man - November 11 - 10:00 am

  old car broke.rented toyota echo for 1 month. read my review. one aveo test drive and i was sold. im at 6k miles and the only 2 problems ive encountered are during winter-a stiff rear hatch seal and ice damming up inside the fuel filler hatch. both very minor design problems. 30mpg solid at chicago tollway speeds. sunglass holder hell-saftey glass holder. how many of us have to wear them? dealer threw in mp3. station wagon no charge.real useable storage. my 400lb girlfriend even fits in it comfortably. hauls me and dive buddy and all our scuba gear with the rear seat down.nice ride quality.

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  Great All Around - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Hovatch - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I looked at this car on accident. I really wanted a focus, but couldnt understand why i was going to pay almost $2500 more for a focus with 5spd and air when i got my AVEO loaded. I added the cruise, i spent the extra cash, but it was welll worth it.

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  Love my 2009 Chevy Aveo LS 4 door 1.6 L - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Missouri Man - October 31 - 12:31 pm

  Get 33 mpg plus in city traffic and 40-46 mpg plus driving highway in Missouri Ozark Mountains on interstate or two lane or city traffic. Great deal for the price on a subcompact of $10,600 brand new 2009. Excellent view out all directions of window, great comfort and leg/head room. Quiet, no road noise or engine noise. Easy to steer and operate, handles well, rides smooth, lots of trunk space, good stereo with plug in for Ipod or MP3 player, Onstar features! I cannot say enough good about this car, for the price and after shopping for over a year driving and looking at all over subcompacts, this is the best deal going by far! Love driving it, AC works wonderful, and can haul 4 people!

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  Good Commuter Car - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bubba - October 18 - 2:47 pm

  I did the Cash For Clunkers deal. I needed a good commuter car since I drive a minimum of 700 miles a week. All you Jerseyites will understand. So far the car has been performing exactly as I wanted. 35 to 36 mpg in mixed driving mostly through the Pine Barrens. I have the auto with cruise control and they are the two items I must have. Comfort is fine. On Star is great so I dont need a cell phone if I break down in the pines or when I hit a deer again. Also got the 5 door which I highly recommend. This car is about utility and the 5 door is the way to go. Get me to work and home, load stuff in when I need to. I bought the car for cheap, reliable transportation. Grade: A+.

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  Better than they think!! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By David - October 16 - 2:50 pm

  I hesitated for almost 2 years to buy our next economy car and I sure am glad that I did. Because the Aveo is a GM takeover project (from the Daewoo), it does not recieve the credit it deserves! The Japanese always recieve the Champions banner for their vehicles, but for the money, the Aveo is really an excellent choice. The engine is sufficient in power, but it would be nice if it did have maybe a few more ponies. But the vehicle overall is really a great bargain, in todays economy.

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  Right Choice - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bobbi - October 11 - 5:06 am

  As a semi-handicapped, eighty year old woman on limited income, I could not be more happy with this choice as far as ease of getting in and out, mileage, and reliability. Its appearance is in keeping with the much more expensive cars that Im used to and can no longer afford. My only criticisms are that it will not accommodate towing and at any speed over seventy five. It wants to take off and fly and is susceptible to buffeting from large vehicles and heavy winds. All things considered, I would rate this a 9+ for what it is meant to be. In my lifetime I have owned and driven over eight different makes and types of vehicles over 2 million miles and taught drivers education, and I recommend this car highly!