2009 Chevrolet Aveo / Aveo5 - Review

Chevrolet’s entry-level car is available as both a homely looking sedan and an altogether more attractive five-door wagon (the Aveo5). Built by GM’s Daewoo subsidiary in Korea, the Aveo is fitted with a 106-hp, 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic, the latter of which is only available on LT models. The Aveo sedan was redesigned in 2007 and sedan models have continued on relatively unchanged since. The Aveo5 receives an interior and exterior styling update for 2009, differentiating it from the sedan considerably. Both body styles are available in LS, 1LT, and 2LT trim levels.

Verdict

The base Aveo LS model foregoes such basic features as air conditioning and power windows to get in at a starting price of $12,625. An Aveo outfitted with power windows, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission will cost more than $16,000, for which one can get a Honda Fit—and the Fit is superior in every way, particularly if one enjoys driving. The Aveo is, however, well made and roomy, although the engine is underpowered and becomes coarse as the revs rise. Fuel economy is average for the class, with estimated EPA figures of 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for manual models, but not stellar, considering the Aveo’s size.