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Chevrolet Aveo - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo ranks 29 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 72 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Aveo, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Chevy Aveo is notable for its low sticker price more than for anything else.  It is among the least expensive cars on the road, and with solid fuel economy, it's cheap to operate as well.  But it has little else going for it, and in a market where most cars are available at a discount, buyers might find more attractive options for a similar price.

The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo offers a lot of space for a subcompact car.  It's cheap to buy and cheap to drive, making the most of each gallon of regular fuel. 

But the Aveo is outclassed by other subcompacts in nearly every other way.  Its driving dynamics are a disappointment even for an economy car.  Its interior is well laid-out, but constructed of cheap hard plastics that don't hold up well.  And the Aveo lacks some safety features that even subcompact buyers now take for granted - side head-curtain airbags aren't available at all, while anti-lock brakes are an added-cost option.

Those shopping for value who don't want to give up safety might want to look at the Nissan Versa.  For less than $11,000, it carries six standard airbags, and top safety scores for its performance in front and side crash tests.

For 2010, Chevrolet has boosted the Aveo's power output by one horsepower, and tweaked the gears of its manual transmission to squeeze a few more miles per gallon from the car.  Reviewers say, however, that the changes have made the driving experience worse, as gear shifts are now a little harsh.

The Aveo is available as a sedan or the Aveo5 hatchback.

Check out current Chevy deals that may be available on a new Aveo.

• "The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo, a smartly styled subcompact, offers excellent fuel economy, a long list of standard features and a bargain-basement price. The Aveo's appeal extends to budget-conscious first-time buyers, anyone on a limited income and unhappy SUV owners looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient way of getting to and from the office. -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Despite its weaknesses, the Aveo does cover all the bases: It's comfortable, reasonably scooty, fuel-efficient and easy to drive. It simply doesn't cover them nearly as well as its rivals." -- About.com
• "The 2009 Chevy Aveo is a good little commuter car, suited perfectly for trips around town. It's small, pleasant to drive and be in, and seems as easy to please as a new puppy." -- Post Chronicle
• "Aveo is aimed at first-time buyers, singles or married without large families who have to keep an eye on the monthly car payment, not just weekly gas expenses. It is a set of wheels that will get you from here to there until you can afford to do so in a bigger ride." -- Chicago Tribune
• "No Aveo is a quiet vehicle, and our measured fuel economy is unexceptional by class standards. These subcompacts also lack important safety features such as traction control and curtain side airbags. On the plus side, Aveo has a comfortable ride, decent road manners, and an inviting interior. Overall, this is a likeable subcompact that compares well with other budget-minded rivals." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Chevrolet Aveo is still one of the most popular -- and least expensive -- subcompact cars in the U.S. And although this year's revised engine and updates to the hatchback make the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo even more competitive, consumers are still advised to shop carefully and look beyond the sticker price." -- Edmunds

Aveo Performance - 6.7 (Mediocre)

Few would buy an Aveo for the joy of driving it. The car can feel underpowered at highway speeds, and is not as nimble as subcompact competitors like the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris.  As Automobile Magazine writes, "Chevy's Aveo and Aveo5 have never been that much fun to drive -- even by small-car standards."    Read More

Aveo Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

Most subcompact car designers aim to build a cute car.  The 2010 Chevy Aveo isn't cute.  Reviewers say, however, that a strong resemblance to more expensive members of the Chevrolet family keeps it from looking cheap.  Kelley Blue Book writes, "The Malibu-inspired V-shaped hood and split grille reveal its Chevrolet heritage and emphasize its wide stance. Large 'shoulders' over the wheels, oversized front and rear lights and a height of almost five feet give it the appearance of a larger sedan." Read More

Aveo Interior - 7.3 (Good)

Like most cars at this price point, the Chevy Aveo's cabin features an abundance of hard plastics - which historically wear down quickly.  Beyond the cheap materials, however, reviewers say the space is well-designed.   Read More

Aveo Safety - 8.4 (Very Good)

The 2010 Chevy Aveo managed somewhat mixed safety scores from the federal government.  While the insurance industry hasn't tested a 2010 Aveo, it gave the mechanically-similar 2009 Aveo disappointing scores.  The lack of side head-curtain airbags - they aren't even available as an option if you're willing to pay for them - helps explain side-impact scores that trail most rivals. Read More

Aveo Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Chevy Aveo receives basic coverage for three years or 36,000 miles. GM's powertrain warranty covers five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and there's a rust warranty on all Aveos that's good for the first six years or 100,000 miles. Read More