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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Best in show for price - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
By phil - July 24 - 1:45 amI bought this car three weeks ago and I havent looked back. I bought the Value Special stickered for $10,700. I paid $7700. There is no car anywhere close to this price that performs this well. I dont feel buying this car loaded is a smart deal at $14,500. But at $11K to $8K you cant go wrong. Rides nice. front seats fit me great. Great 5 speed transmission. Shifts smooth. Good fit and well I think it is fun to drive. I drive 300 miles a week for work and spend around $36 to $38 in gas a week. Payments are low, gas bills are low. What is not to like. Sure there are nicer cars out there but at twice the price.
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Love my Aveo - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
By aveo fan - July 22 - 3:32 amGreat car, have had it for 3 years, bought brand new at a dealer. If you want something more than a reliable, gas sipping tin can on wheels dont buy this, you will be dissapointed. Never any problems with it, have driven it from midwest to east coast, comfortable.
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Awesome for a used rental! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
By screwwiit - June 28 - 4:46 pmI used to drive a 1993 Dodge Intrepid. After 15 years the transmission finally went out! I settled with the Aveo after finding it around the block. I bought it with 49252 miles on it and its been a blast since! Gets me everywhere, has a lot of get up and go for a little car. Heats and cools fast and taking trips to the coast are fantastic! Handles great! I love driving my car and the head room is incredible. Also I dont know how I did it but I fit a readmill in it and closed the trunk lid! This car hasnt stopped blowing my mind! Awesome choice, great economic value and the price wasnt bad too.
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Appreciated - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
By mark - June 25 - 3:02 pmAll in all this car is fun to drive, lots of room. Found it in no way cramped even though I am over 6 ft tall. Small but makes you think you are in larger car. Great value for what you get! Paid more for my bike then this car. Great for my long commutes to the oil sands.
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Shes the Best - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
By laura - June 17 - 9:22 amI love my little baby. This was a great investment and I havent been sorry even 1 day. My husband is 62" and I am 53" and we are both happy with the roomyness as well as how she handles. I get between 35 and 40 to the gallon and we love her at the pump. We love her so much we call her Cherry. I pet her behind the mirrors till she purrs each night(just kidding) I plan to buy another one next year I just hope that they keep them as great as this one.
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Suprisingly Solid and Roomy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
By Angela - June 7 - 8:47 pmWe just purchased this car when my grandma couldnt drive it anymore. It has 12,000 miles on it, and is in like new condition. Having driven only SUVs for a while, I am blown away at how well this little car handles and how much cab space there is for people. Our 2 teens and a 7 year old fit comfortably in back (as comfortable as our last SUV). Our first trip was 750 miles with 4 people (weighing 600 lbs. total) and packed to the hilt with our stuff. We got 34 mpg on the highway. Acceleration is good on the interstate, even on hills. I just took a 16 hour trip in a Toyota Matrix that didnt do so well and didnt handle as good. Im only getting 22-26 mpg in the city, but I drive fast.
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A good first car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
By Monica - June 5 - 3:12 pmThis was my first car and I couldnt ask for anything better. Its affordable and very reliable. Ive only had it for 2 months but its been wonderful. As of now I only average 18 mpg, but its brand new. After I break it in I hope to average at least 24 mpg. Otherwise theyll need to be more honest about the actual mileage.
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Better then Hyundai Accent - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
By Craig - June 3 - 11:19 amThis car is a great car and it does have a good amount of pick-up. The price for the car is good. The interior carpet is a little cheap looking and feeling. I also have a Hyundai Accent hatchback SE 2007 which is lemon lawed and being bought back. I would like to see this car with 4 disc breaks rather then 2 but what can you do. I would also like a different color opt for inter leather (black). This is a opt for 2009. I did a few things with this car to make it stand out. I had the break calipers panted Chevy orange also tinted 20% with auto start and mobile in dash DVD
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Awesome little car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
By Ashley - June 2 - 2:50 pmI have only had this car about 2 months, but I was in love with it from the start. My boyfriend begs to drive it any chance he gets. It is very fuel efficient, I have the optional automatic transmission, with the average for me being 27 mpg (all city. I am happy with this car and would recommened it to any asking.
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Great performance for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
By fos4snt - June 1 - 11:46 amI was looking for a car with good gas mileage and enough room inside for my 12 year old son who is now 511 1/2" tall. He needs room to grow over the next 3-4 years of anticipated ownership and is supposed to end up about 66" tall! We checked out a variety of cars in the similar class, with fuel efficiency & cabin size being the #1 priorities. Not only does the Aveo offer ample headroom and decent leg space for a compact car, but its paying for itself! The reduced insurance cost, improved gas mileage and decent styling led us to this car. Our former car was an Xterra, and there is as much interior cabin space in this tiny Aveo as we had before - but more then twice the MPGs.
