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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  AVEO Review - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By jbbrack - July 6 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Aveo for three months and have no complaints about the car. It replaced a small pickup we used around town and is mainly used for shopping and local trips. The space behind the rear seats is great for groceries and other small items. I have also used it to carry heavy items up to 800 pounds with no significant change in handling characteristics. The seating is comfortable and the headroom and visibility equivalent to a much larger vehicle. I am impressed by the quality in the car for the price I paid for it. All in all, a real bargain.

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  Looking forward to keeping this car! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By drnhrtwl - June 27 - 12:02 am

  Im a college student and this is definitely great for that. I bought it new. Once I got an oil change and rotated the tires it drove like a dream. It survived a harsh winter and still holds up. You might need better tires for the snow. I wish the speaker system was a bit better. Also theres a design flaw that causes the windshield to whistle from an air pocket when I drive on the highway. Also the check engine light is on and Ive only had the car for a year. The car is really roomy despite its outward appearance. Its definitely a good car. Oh yeah, amazing gas mileage! Saves me money!

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  Zippy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob Daily - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Wow this car can get away with you if you dont watch out. watch the speedometer. Just have had it 3 weeks and love it. I traded in my 97 Metro for this one. (I also owned a YUGO!) and a Pinto, and an Escort Wagon

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  Love our Aveo - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Butler Hendrix - May 8 - 1:30 am

  Best car dollar for dollar I have everhad. A real value package, ours has automatic transmission and is getting 38 mpg hwy and 32 mpg city Thats fantastic without paying all those extra dollars for a hybrid.

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  Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By arthur cook - April 21 - 12:43 am

  Seats are very comfortable. Sound system is good. Its fun to drive. Paint job is excellent. Ours is grey and pretty. We love the design of the back of the car. Ample room to store groceries. We are very satisfied!

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  Good car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By chefantwon - April 12 - 11:23 am

  I have had my Aveo for about 3 months now and I think its great. Im getting about 28MPG city. I sometimes have to haul large packages to UPS/DHL to ship and this car can handle just about anything. You can even put a 27" TV in the box in the front seat with no problem. I am very happy customer.

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  Drivers view - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By sailor3 - April 9 - 7:21 am

  I have been extremely happy with this vehicle. I have made two trips from Frederick Maryland to Florida. On one trip I drove across Interstate 75 at 75 mph on that trip I averaged 35 mpg. I drove to North Carolina and averaged 32 mpg. These are actual driving figures not EPA fudged figures. In city driving my average mile is 25 mpg. My only complaint is with the Cruise Control set up. Having the button under the switch that must be pressed to use the on off switch on the top of the steering wheel is a stupid design.

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  I like my cute fun car! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Liberty - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I was attracted to the outside 0f the Aveo. i am 20yrs old and I was amazed at being able to afford a new car. I have taken it on the highway several times now and easily get 40 mi to the gallon. some of my tall family members have really enjoyed the extra head room of the Aveo, as well as the adaquate leg room. Dont write off the Aveo just yet, look for yourself first!!

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  Great little car, glad I bought it - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By celticgent2 - April 1 - 2:14 pm

  I bought a 2007 Aveo 5 door hatch back LS with automatic trans and air conditioning for my 16 year old daughter. That was 2 and a half years and 30,000 miles ago. Its been a great little car ! No problems at all and gets great gas mileage. This was the perfect car for my daughter to learn how to drive. Its easy to drive, has great visibility and very good safety features like side impact air bags with good crash test ratings. I guy at work has the same car but with a manual transmission and he swears he is getting 40 MPG ! What do people expect from a $12,000 car ? Its a great value.

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  Chey Aveo 2007 Review - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Nancy - March 26 - 11:03 pm

  I like this car. It was cheap. I wanted something inexpensive that was good on gas mileage and reliable. Paid $8,100 out the door. No air conditioner, but it has a lot of good features that years ago would have been considered an upgrade. Very reliable and so cute!