Chevrolet Aveo Review

2009 Chevrolet Aveo 5 LT Hatchback Shown

In recent years, small, fuel-efficient cars have come back into favor due to higher fuel prices and changing consumer tastes. Within this market segment, one of the more popular choices has been the Chevrolet Aveo. Classified by the EPA as a subcompact, the Aveo debuted in 2004 and has been a surprise hit for Chevrolet.

The Chevy Aveo is representative of a new generation of inexpensive small cars that sacrifice little in terms of features or comfort, especially in light of what similar offerings used to be like in earlier decades. One could also call it the result of globalization -- the Aveo is built in Korea by Daewoo, which is now owned by General Motors.

Chevrolet's target buyer is young and looking for his or her first new car. To help attract said customer, the Aveo comes equipped with youth-oriented features such as an MP3-enabled audio system, faux carbon-fiber trim and bright color choices. Budget-minded shoppers will likely be drawn to its impressively low price and solid fuel economy ratings.

The Chevrolet Aveo also benefits from a recent update meant to keep it competitive against new entrants from Japanese automakers. However, shoppers in this subcompact segment are advised to study up on all of their options. There are more choices than before, and sometimes purchasing a slightly used but superior model for the same price as a new but less desirable one makes the most sense.

Current Chevrolet Aveo

The Chevy Aveo is available as a subcompact sedan or four-door hatchback called the Aveo5. In terms of size, it's shorter in length and taller than Chevy's second-least-expensive automotive offering, the Cobalt. The Aveo's tall profile isn't the most aesthetically pleasing when viewed from the outside, but it certainly pays dividends in terms of providing useful amounts of headroom and legroom. Following a recent exterior refresh, the sedan has become the classier-looking of the two models, but it lacks the cargo-carrying versatility of the hatchback.

Three trim levels are offered: Special Value, LS and LT. Special Value is offered on the Aveo5 only and comes with minimal features. Standard equipment includes 14-inch steel wheels, manual mirrors and windows, manual locks, side airbags and a radio with four speakers. The LS adds air-conditioning and carpeted floor mats, as well as the availability of major options such as cruise control, a sunroof, antilock brakes, power windows, keyless entry, a CD/MP3 player and 15-inch alloy wheels. The LT trim is available on the sedan only. It includes most of the LS model's options as standard and can be ordered with leatherette seating and an upgraded audio system.

The Aveo's small interior was designed for comfort and convenience. Theater-style rear seating provides a commanding view for all passengers, and a fully reclining front passenger seat and a 60/40-split folding rear seat expand the Aveo's interior cargo capacity, enabling long items, such as skis, to be carried between the trunk and passenger compartment. The sedan's trunk offers 12.4 cubic feet of storage space.

The Aveo5 also has a fold-down rear seat and it can carry up to 42 cubic feet of cargo. For power, both versions of the Chevy Aveo rely on a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 103 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and there's also an optional four-speed automatic.

In Chevrolet Aveo reviews, our editors have found it to be a viable option for this vehicle class. Its strengths include a low price, nimble handling, ample headroom and logical control layout. Downsides include mediocre acceleration and, on manual transmission-equipped cars, a floppy gearshifter and overly wide gear spacing. Usually, we encourage subcompact car buyers to get a manual transmission to maximize acceleration, but in the Aveo's case, the automatic is the better bet.

Past Chevrolet Aveo Models

The Aveo is still basically the same car as when it debuted in 2004. Chevrolet has been making small improvements that used-car buyers might want to take note of, however. The better Aveo models to purchase are those built for 2006 and later as they have additional features, such as side airbags, alloy wheels and cruise control. In 2007, Chevy also made significant exterior and interior styling updates to the sedan model.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.