11th Jan 2008, 21:27
I've just passed the 80,000 warranty mark with my 2004 Aveo and can honestly say it has been the nicest experience of any car I've owned. Previously, that would be Toyotas and Mazdas. Repairs (other than some recalls) involved brake drums and some some wheel bearings, all covered by warranty. Hopefully, they will not flare up again now the warranty period is up. The car's handling does take a bit of getting used to. It is a bit of a tank, has a wider turning radius than I'd like, and snowplows on drastic turns. Overall, however, a very comfortable car, peppier than I expected, and good value.
23rd Jun 2008, 10:28
It's funny, as I read the post, half the stuff has happened my 04 Aveo as well.
The alignment was off out of the gate, I had a problem with a rotational noise on my front wheel, which required that I replace the bushings.
The interior light doesn't last long, and burnt out before I reached 30,000 miles.
The biggest problem, not mentioned here, was my timing belt snapped off and damaged the engine. It seems to be a common problem on the 04 Aveos. Fortunately the engine was still under manufacturer warranty, and the whole thing was replaced. But fair warning, pay close attention to you timing belts, and get them replaced sooner than recommended.
17th Sep 2008, 09:37
My 2004 Aveo (5-speed), after 4.5 years I must say on scale 1:10 it's about 9. On initial problem with a clock, a mechanic changed a fuse I think with different amperage and works. Under basic (3 years) warranty the dealer replaced all bushings and that's all. I've passed 50000km.
It is very good city car. It's not a beemer or Mercedes, but for 13000 Canadian dollars.
29th Jan 2009, 00:06
I've had nothing but problems with this car! It started with the timing belt snapping at 35,000 miles. 2 months later the serpentine belt snapped (while I was on a road trip) and took a pulley with it.
Within the last year I had to replace the front wheel bearings, the heater core and it's in the shop now for the rear wheel bearings.
THANK GOD I have a friend that works in a repair shop. My warranty was up after 40,000 miles so everything but the timing belt I've had to pay for. I wish I could be spending the money to pay this car off and not on repairing it!
Don't buy one, unless you don't plan on having it long.
15th Dec 2009, 11:55
Sorry to hear that the above poster (29th Jan 2009, 00:06) had so many problems with their Aveo. I've gotta say, based on reading the original post and the following comments, that car must be a lemon.
I've got a 2004 Chevrolet Aveo and have put every mile on it from the time the odometer read "3" miles. (Well, with the occasional designated driver putting some miles on it, I was in the car though).
My quick review:
Highs: Fuel economy, size (good for crowded areas like the San Francisco Bay Area, where I am), comfort (not the best seats, but quiet and smooth), easy maintenance.
Lows: power (it's an economy car, don't expect much performance), Plastic (I've broken the door crank a couple of times, easily replaced it myself, but it's annoying) Color (this was the best blue they had, and it's still a crappy blue color).
Problems: 1: There is a button behind the clutch pedal that is pressed every time you step on the pedal. This button tells the ECM (engine control module; ie: computer) that the clutch pedal is depressed, and therefore it will allow the car to start. That button broke around 55,000 miles and had to be replaced. The good is that this problem would have only cost me $150, but it was covered under warranty. No big deal. That was the only problem that I have.
Currently I am at 96,000 miles. There have been no more problems with the car except for a couple of problems that I have caused, and have fixed.
Recommend this car: Yes.
Buy this car again: No, I'd rather have a compact than a subcompact.
Build quality: At 96,000 miles there are absolutely NO squeaks or rattles, the drivers seat seems to be ever so slightly loose after all the plops and readjusting, but you have to be paying close attention to notice.
And that's about all I have to say about that.
8th Oct 2007, 18:41
I notice in the review the Aveo owner said he liked the Aveo much better than his previous Honda. I am also an Aveo owner who formally owned a Honda and I must agree that the Aveo is far superior and much lower priced than my old Accord.