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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  A move up from a METRO - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By pms - November 30 - 12:33 pm

  Being a person who hates big, pretentious vehicles, I appreciate this car very much. I think America could use an attitude change to "bigger Women, and smaller trucks". One does not feel MACHO in this type of car. It is only for the intelligent, secure buyer. The relative luxury, when compared to a METRO is wonderful. Some zip in the engine, power locks/ windows...I am spoiled!!

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  `perfomance - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Katiebug - November 22 - 10:00 am

  ery good performance and is good on gas and the color is just right, and I enjoy driving it.

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  What a car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By hubbard - November 21 - 2:00 pm

  For the price that I paid, this car was a bargain. I know its for transportation, but this car is incredibly fun to drive. Ive put over 8000 mi on it so far and Ive found it to be very comfortable even for 8 hour drives. It also has been averaging 32mpg on my way from Boston to DC so Ive also been saving up to 80 dollars round trip, which is incredible. All in all, it has lots of space, room for 5 (reasonably comfortable), its great on gas, and it gets you place to place with a 100000mi warranty for 11,000. Money well spent.

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  Great Commuter Car! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aveo Mike - November 21 - 11:15 am

  This car does what you expect it to do - save money at the pump for a reasonably priced car. I owned it for 31,500 miles (almost 2 years-before I crashed it). My only complaint was that the front tires wore down after 22,000 miles, and the seats could be more comfortable. Other than that, the car pays for itself by laughing at gas pumps. Bought it as a commuter car going 60 miles a day, and never got less than 26 mpg city. Highway got 32~33 mpg easy. I crashed it recently, and the front collapsed well like an accordian- and I walked away without a scratch.I am 63 tall and fit well inside. Solid car for the price. Trunk is big,"hold" traction button puts car into lower gear for torque traction

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  Great Car - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Bob B - November 7 - 8:32 am

  I have the 4 door sedan. Never had a problem. Took the car over from my daughter who moved to Chicago and didnt need a car. It would have never have been a car I would have bought. It tuned out to be a very pleasant suprise. The fuel mileage has been great and the room inside is unbelivable. We had 5 adults in the car and I am 64. I put really good tires on it and it runs at 80 mph on the highway with no problem. Easy to park. I take it from Detroit to Chicago twice a month (4.5 hour drive) and its comfortable. I wouldnt want to take it across the country but Im old and like big cars. Great car for the money, 3 of my neighbors have bought them since I got mine.

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  Very reliable - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By mrsacma - October 15 - 9:54 am

  Purchased New and found this car to be very easy to get in & out of. Lots of room for a small car. great gas mileage average city 32 Hwy 38-40. Had dealer replace right front wheel bearing at 3000 miles and no problems since then, I have 40K miles on it now. No regrets here on buying this other than it should be built in the USA!

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  A great small car with much potential! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Buddy - October 14 - 5:43 pm

  I replaced a 98 4-dr Metro (60000 miles)with this Aveo LT model with auto trans and all the options (MP3 radio, 6 speaker system, anti-lock brakes, etc.). The difference is night and day. This is a car that can be modified to satisfy several markets. Make a few cosmetic changes in the front, add a stronger drivetrain and sportier interior and this car will appeal to the younger crowd that wants a new car with style, but one that doesnt cost a lot of cash. The ride is smooth and quiet, and the engine is sufficiently strong, light years ahead of the old Metro model. GM has a real winner in this model!

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  Nice car! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rayna - October 13 - 8:24 pm

  I wanted to write this review due to the fact that people have complained about this lovely car a lot. I got a 08 Chevy Aveo because I needed something better for my job and this car fit perfectly. No it doesnt have the power of a Corvette but if I wanted the power of a Corvette I would have bought one! This car has been getting me from point A to point be and this is a nice family car but sporty looking too!

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  I love my "Lil" Car!! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Lils Mom - October 11 - 11:49 pm

  After paying almost $200 for a tank of gas in my Suburban, I decided it was time to make a change! I wanted a "no frills" car, didnt even know if they made such a thing! When I saw the Aveo5, it was exactly what I was looking for! After the initial shock of switching from a Suburban to this car, I was in love! Drove 2,000 miles the first month just because it is so fun to drive! My monthly payment is less than the cost of one tank of gas in my Suburban! I did have a stereo installed. Couldnt deal with AM/FM...but other than that, Im as thrilled as can be with my car. Her name is "No Frill Lil"....very basic, but an awesome drive!

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  How much fun is this? - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By NC Dad-UCLA Daughter - October 4 - 10:45 pm

  About a month ago, I purchased a 2009 Aveo5 2LT for my daughter. The only options not on the vehicle were leatherette seats and a sunroof. After driving small, medium, and large SUVs for several years, I had forgotten how much fun driving a small car really is. My daughter needed to get to grad school at UCLA and we drove across the country from North Carolina (2700 miles). Since I am 6 feet 3 inches tall (with long legs) I was concerned, but I found it comfortable, quiet, and with good handling, even on the day we traveled 680 miles. I was very pleased with the overall 31 mpg we got on the trip, especially since the little thing was loaded. It cost just $318 in gas for the trip!