MSRP: $10,235 - $13,920
Invoice: $9,672 - $13,154
MPG: 24 City / 34 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:6.3
Performance:6.0
Exterior:7.7
Interior:7.4
Safety:6.7
Reliability:4.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Low sticker price
  • Interior materials seem higher quality than expected for such an inexpensive car
  • Roomier than many subcompacts
  • Weak engine
  • Poor, under-assisted steering
  • Average fuel economy compared to top competitors
  • Few standard safety features, and side curtain airbags aren't even available as an optional upgrade
  • Some find the front seats uncomfortable during extended driving

Prices

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Chevrolet Aveo - What the Auto Press Says

The Aveo doesn't compete effectively with the top small cars on driving performance, safety features or fuel economy. What it does offer is an economical sticker price, and efficient point A-to-B transportation.

Despite a 2007 facelift, the Korean-built 2008 Chevrolet Aveo's unchanged mechanics still make it one of the weaker cars in the subcompact class. Our analysis shows the Aveo is uninspired, but a decent choice for value, thanks to an extremely low sticker price. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel points out, "At that price you don't expect much fun or excitement -- you're shopping for basic solid transportation, and Aveo fits that bill."  As one of the least expensive new cars on the market today, the Aveo may be a decent choice for these penny-pinching times.

The Aveo is offered as a sedan, with an Aveo5 hatchback anticipated this summer. For 2008, the model carries over virtually unchanged. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, you should consider the value, reliability and better gas mileage of the Honda Fit or Honda Civic.

  • "The Aveo is basic transportation, and its attractive pricing includes lots of standard features. Build quality is pretty good and a redesign for 2007 addressed its lack of style. Performance, however, is not on a par with the subcompact leaders." -- Car and Driver
  • "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
  • "There's enough power to handle the daily commute, a front seat area good enough to keep a driver comfortable, and a price that puts this sedan in just about every car buyer's budget. However, none of those attributes contribute one iota to the fun factor, of which the Aveo, not surprisingly, is short on supply." -- Autoweb
  • "In sum, the Aveo doesn't excel at anything, but it's a decent second car. If it doesn't surprise or delight, it won't disgust or anger you, either." -- Newsday
  • "It's a car that could satisfy legions of American buyers without any embarrassment." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
  • "There is nothing about it that makes it stand out, including fuel economy which is significantly below its major competitors." -- New Car Test Drive

Aveo Performance - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo's weak engine and vague steering don't sit well with reviewers. Despite some "competent" responses, Car and Driver recommends that "for anyone who seeks some modicum of pleasure from driving, even in an activity as mundane as commuting, this car is exactly as entertaining as televised ice fishing." Read More

Aveo Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

Most reviews say that the Chevy Aveo's redesign in 2007 makes the car look more expensive than it is, but note there is still room for improvement. Automobile Magazine calls the Aveo "wart-free," but the Detroit News complains, "If only it didn't look so generic, even with the face-lift." Read More

Aveo Interior - 7.4 (Good)

Though reviews generally say the 2008 Aveo's interior looks more expensive than they expected, it's not without its problems. Car and Driver finds "Nice textures, none of those hard, shiny surfaces that remind you of a truck-stop restroom floor." However, the Aveo loses points for seats that many find uncomfortable. Read More

Aveo Safety - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo has a general lack of accident avoidance and crash protection gear, even as options. Still both the sedan and hatchback do moderately well in government crash tests. Read More

Aveo Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 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 Aveo comes with GM's basic limited warranty, covering three years or 36,000 miles. Read More

Review Last Updated: 2/17/09