2007 Chevrolet Aveo LS review from North America
"This is a fun to drive and a well made little car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
When I first bought the car, I noticed there has been a little chip in the paint on the roof, and it was starting to rust and it only took me a few tries to get the dealer to take care of it under warranty.
One of the hub caps on the wheel was not put on tight enough after having the tires balanced. So one day I saw that the hub cap was missing after driving somewhere, and the dealer strongly refused to cover the hubcap, and I had to pay $30 for a new one.
General comments?
I only used to drive used car lemons only. However I finally decided to get a new car because they have warranty's, because I could not keep affording to pay for repairs on lemons, and also manual transmissions are more fun to drive, so I decided to get a new car with manual, and I'm not sorry that I did.
I have been doing car shopping for a while. I was first looking at Suzuki. The first car I drove was the Forenza, and I liked it but it was a little over my budget, so then I drove the Reno, and I did not like it because I felt like it was driving a motorized cart, and it had a sensitive gas pedal.
So then I went to a Chevy dealer and I drove the Aveo, and I liked it, and it drove like the Forenza, and it was just as powerful too, even though it has a smaller engine than the Forenza. I was shocked that the Aveo has the same transmission as they have in the Suzuki.
This car drives like a dream with a 5 speed manual. The engine starts to sound very mean past 3500rpm. Everybody that rode in this car is stunned at how much pickup this car has for a little 1.6 liter engine.
Stop and go driving with a heavy foot, I get around 28mpg ,and I get 36mpg on the Turnpike, and about 2mpg less with the AC on. Today I put 93 octane in it, just to clean the fuel injection, so I should get 2 more mpg than usual.
What I have to complain about is the Aveo does not have cruise control. I have always been big with it. I maybe getting an after market cruise control installed.
Another thing is that the engine already revs over 3500rpm at 70mph, which is not as bad as it seems, but it can wear out the engine faster when the rpm stays that high, so I drive a little slower on the highway. I live in western Kansas, so I do not have have to go up any hills here.
Roomy interior, which is bigger than a Honda Civic. The back is a little tight, but I'm a short person, so I have my seat way up to the wheel, so a least the back seat passengers have some room in the back. When driving non stop over 2 and a half hours, it gets uncomfortable, but I have driven 8 hours twice before non stop and still survived.
It has a great stereo system. I love how it sounds.
There are a few dislikes about the car. It has lack of trunk space, but at least the trunk can hold more cargo than I can hold.
It does not have power windows but I once rented the Accord which is a more expensive car, which also did not have power windows.
The car is made of cheap plastic, so the value will drop so fast it will make my head spin.
The belts may need to be replaced soon, because this car came with cheaply made belts.
One more thing is that at times it can be hard to shift into 2nd gear.
Bottom line: I'm very happy with the car, being that gas is now very expensive; speaking of which I just bought my wife a Malibu Hybrid because we received an owners loyalty discount. I hope the Malibu will be just as reliable as the Aveo.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2007 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 27 miles |
| Most recent distance | 22500 miles |
| Previous car | Mercury Grand Marquis |
| Date of Entry | 4th July, 2008 |

