2007 Chevrolet Aveo Exterior Review [ 2008 ]

MSRP: $9,995 - $13,510
Invoice: $9,445 - $12,767
MPG: 27 City / 37 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:6.5
Performance:6.1
Exterior:7.7
Interior:7.3
Safety:6.7
Reliability:4.0

Chevrolet Aveo Exterior Review

Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

Most reviewers agree that the 2007 Chevy Aveo's redesign, which Automobile Magazine quips is "wart-free," makes the car look more expensive than it is. However, the Detroit News complains, "If only it didn't look so generic, even with the face-lift."

About.com sums up the conflicting exterior opinions, noting it "won't win any design awards, but at least it doesn't fade into the background the way the previous version did."

Despite the mixed reviews, writers all seem to agree that the new exterior is focused on brand awareness: the hood's V draws a viewer's eyes towards the Chevy insignia on the grille. But About.com admits "I'm fighting the temptation to use the term 'clown car.' The Aveo is small and it looks small, there's no getting around it. Watching a full-sized adult climb out of the driver's seat made circus music run through my head. Once I got past that, I noticed that the Aveo is nicely styled, with modern lines and tasteful details."

Changes for 2007 include new rear clear-lensed taillights (praised by many reviewers), front headlights and a redesigned hood. Motor Week says "while the Aveo Sedan is not as cute as rivals Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, it does look far more substantial and upscale than one might expect at its price point." Body-colored mirrors and bumpers help keep the Aveo's exterior sleek, as does the rounded roofline and the character lines running from the wheel well to rear, "which may or may not add character," says New Car Test Drive.

Review Last Updated: 5/2/08