2004 Chevrolet Aveo Base review from North America

When we got the car, the check engine light was on. My husband is a mechanic and we're certain it just needs the camshaft position variation relearn procedure done, but the shop he works at doesn't have the correct scanner to perform the procedure and the Snap-On Modis won't do it. We haven't bothered to take it to a GM dealer yet. The light actually stays off in the cold weather.

The inner tie rod ends are a LITTLE, TINY bit loose. When looking into what it would cost to replace them, we found you have to replace the whole rack and pinion as they are a part of that. I have NEVER seen this before!

Cute car. Rides fine. No issues with performance. It's a little snappy. Timing belt should be replaced between every 40 and 60K. The previous owner had cruise installed in it and I LOVE that! It is small when it comes to leg room, but good head room and large trunk. Trunk has emergency release and rear seats lay flat. I have the bare minimum base model, so no power locks, doors or windows. I do like that you have to lock the door with the key (I have a habit of locking my key in the car). Mine has Mp3/CD player. There isn't a whole lot of stuff out there if you want to "pimp" it up or do any sort of customization. I love the middle seat belt design in the rear. It has a shoulder belt that has two latches. It latches straight down, then across and it makes it easier if you have an infant car seat to unhook/hook the seatbelt regardless of what side you are on.

The biggest disappointment is the gas mileage. We have a Geo Metro that gets 52 mpg highway. We were told going into it that these cars get around 30 and didn't believe it. After all, we'd had a 2000 Dodge Intrepid that got 30 mpg and it's a 6 cyl and heavier. The Aveo, DOES get 30 mpg, which I wouldn't believe if I hadn't checked it myself regularly. I'm disappointed that I downgraded in size and luxury features and get the SAME mpg! If I was getting better mileage, I wouldn't mind the small size.

Overall, it's not a bad car depending on what your priorities are. Mine is gas mileage, so I wouldn't buy this car again. Otherwise, I would recommend it.