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 expected to hate it! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By TEaK - September 21 - 10:08 pm

  Based on other reviews Ive read, it seems to me that the people who are most dissatisfied with this car are those who expect to get a Corvette or a Cadillac for the Aveos price. After my test drive, I was really quite impressed. Its obviously no Corvette, but it accelerates better than I expected. The engine is smooth and the 5 speed transmission is easy to drive. I am 6 tall. I have plenty of head & leg room in both the driver and passenger seats. The seats are firm, but comfortable. Ive driven the Aveo for an hour on the highway several times with no comfort problems. The hatchback holds tons of stuff. Taken it to the hardware store and Costco and were able to haul everything we needed.

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  Kind of a blast from the past. - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Doggie Daddy - September 16 - 10:20 am

  Some "professional" reviews talk about the 5 speed trans being "jerky." At 13 miles on the clock, it was. By 200 miles, it had smoothed out considerably. It could be a mechanical form of tromp loi, but everything sounds solid about the Aveo. The handling is sensitive but precise enough for me. Mileage has been as advertised. Everyone who has ridden with me comments about the roominess and exelent visibility. With the LS you get the basic car and so is reminisent of Pinto, Vega, Colt, Civic of the past (had em all) but somehow a little more evolved. The option packages seem a little lop- sided. Time will tell on reliability, but for now I have no issues and enjoy my new ride every day.

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  Loved this car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By shane - September 15 - 10:50 am

  I am not a review writer, but I wanted to say a few good things about my Aveo. I was just involved in a roll over accident. The car got decent gas mileage and mostly was a commuter car. I have taller boys. one is 63" and was comfortable in the back seat. We decided to save a few dollars on a trip an took this car. To no fault of the car we went into the median and rolled 3 times. We all had minor injuries, but basically walked away from a roll over.

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  Best kept secret Aveo - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By deucecoupe - September 7 - 9:04 am

  Bought the LT Aveo. What a great suprise. Good looks. Great mileage 27 city 35-39 hwy. Great stereo system. If you want a car that gets graet mileage and you dont want to pay through the nose for it get an Aveo LT with the moon roof, youll love it..

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  Nice car, check it out. - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Roy - August 27 - 10:04 pm

  I needed a 4dr hatchback with automatic. My car also has the optional power package with keyless entry. Narrowed my choices to the Aveo, and the 2008 Fit, both of which had some minor pluses over the other. The Aveo has CC, drivers seat height and lumbar adjustments, and an armrest. It also has daylight running lights, an alarm system, and free Onstar for one year. The front end has been redesigned, and the interior has been upgraded. The engine has a few more horses with improved gas mileage. I have been averaging 30 MPG in mixed driving, and the engine turns 2800 RPM at 70 MPH. Generally quiet with some road noise. Very roomy, great visibility, nice handling, and good acceleration.

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  Wow! Better than expected! - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jean - August 25 - 7:46 pm

  This car was much better than I even expected! It has great power for only a 4 cylinder engine. That is saying a lot. Has chrome areas, built much better than the Chevys I have had in the past which include a Cavalier and a Lumina. I have a sunroof, spoiler, makes it sporty yet still a family car.

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  Great for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Michael - August 17 - 7:54 pm

  Great car for the money. Honest! Weve got the manual loaded with the sunroof/moonroof. Not the most fun car Ive ever bought but a great one. I needed a cheap car that got good gas mileage. I wanted a hybrid but figured that extra $8-13 grand would buy a lot of gas at $4 a gallon. Ive owned this for 10 months (took in once for a sensor, fixed that day) and only have 7,500 miles. If you drive it gently (Yeh, not my style either) youll get the estimated mileage or slightly better. Ill never call this a "fun" ride, but Ill always call it a smart ride. Need more fun, room, or "style", then spend the money. Need around 200 or-less miles a week and real economy, give an Aveo a look.

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  From a very satisfied purchaser - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Aveo LS - August 14 - 4:23 am

  I purchased my Aveo in Sept 2007 when I traded in my 2005 Cobolt. Have driven 11,00+ miles in all road conditions, weather conditions, both highway and city. I couldnt be more pleased with the way it handles, reliability, gas mileage and appearance. I have received numerous compliments on it. I cant understand why I dont see more of them on the road and why they are advertised very little. I would recommend this car to anybody and in fact have done so.

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  Amazing Choice! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Amazing Choice - August 13 - 12:58 pm

  I bought this car 5-6 months ago. The value of the vehicle has since increased and that never happens. With the manual I get on the highway with authority.(left in third gear) I have not had a problem yet and have no regrets for my purchase. I consistantly get 38+ highway mileage, so I am not sure why its EPA is so low! I am not a slow highway driver, so people should be able to get better. Also the vehicle is very roomy in comparison to what I thought a compact would be. When I did a "years to pay back" analysis on this car today I will make my money back in gas savings in just 5 years! Finally a vehicle that actually makes sense financially.

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  CHEVROLET AVEO - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By GLENDA - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I COULD NOT AS FOR A BETTER CAR THEN AVEO.I DRIVE FROM 300-400 MILES A WEEK I CAN NOT BEAT GAS MILEAGES 35-40 MILES GALLON,INSIDE REAL NICE LOT OF SPACE,WHEN ARE A BIG PERSON LIKE ME.LIKE SOME OTHER CARS ,DO NOT PUT ANY NAMES OUT THERE IN COMPACT CARS , WHEN YOU DRIVE LONG WAY EVERYDAY ,THE NUMBER 1 COMPACT OF 2004 CHEVROLET AVEO