2011 Chevrolet Aveo

Affordability is the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo's main selling point. Reviewers struggle to find positive things to say about the Chevrolet economy car, particularly since new and significantly better subcompacts have been released. Though more expensive, experts rate the new 2011 Ford Fiesta (Base MSRP: $13,320 to $17,120) and the perennial favorite 2011 Honda Fit (Base MSRP: $15,100 to $16,860) very highly for their driving experience and impressive quality. Even within the Aveo's price range, reviewers prefer the 2011 Nissan Versa (Base MSRP: $9,990 to $17,190). The Aveo is available in both sedan and hatchback form (the latter as the Aveo5).

The Aveo soldiers on in its final year of production essentially unchanged. It now comes standard with a cabin air filter and six-month trial of GM's OnStar telematics system for directions and other services. See our full report on the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo for a more detailed look at what reviewers think.

Front and side airbags are standard on even the cheapest model, but electronic stability control and side curtain airbags are not even offered as options. Anti-lock brakes, an important safety feature, are standard equipment on all but the cheapest LS trim level. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the Chevrolet Aveo economy sedan and hatchback at 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway when equipped with the five-speed manual and at 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway when equipped with the four-speed automatic. The Aveo gets a respectable EPA-estimated 28-30 mpg in mixed driving, depending on transmission choice. Newer cars like the 2011 Ford Fiesta (Base MSRP: $13,320 to $17,120) have even better fuel efficiency.

The Chevrolet Aveo has mediocre crash-test results. It is ranked last by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety when compared to other subcompact alternatives. The Aveo gets an Acceptable rating for front-crash protection and a "Marginal" rating for side- and rear-accident occupant protection as well as for roof strength. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not tested the Chevy Aveo under its new testing guidelines for 2011 models.

The cheapest 2011 Chevrolet Aveo sedan starts at $11,965 while the Aveo5 hatchback starts at a similar $12,115.

The Aveo will be replaced next year by the all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, which will sport edgier looks and should be significantly more competitive than the tired current model.