2007 Chevrolet Aveo Review

What reviews like:
The Chevrolet Aveo's big advantage is its low price, though a couple of competitors are even less expensive. Reviews say the Chevrolet Aveo has a nice interior, along with a pleasing exterior design. Ride quality is generally complimented, and the Aveo comes standard with side airbags -- a rarity in this price class. An auxiliary jack for an MP3 is also a nice touch.

What reviews don't like:

Reviews say the main drawback is the Chevrolet Aveo's underpowered engine, which lacks pickup, especially in highway driving. Legroom and headroom are sometimes issues in reviews, and aside from front and side-curtain airbags, the Aveo has few other safety features. A bonus of small cars is their generally better fuel economy, but here, the Chevrolet Aveo is bested by the competition as well.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: 26 mpg/city, 36 mpg/highway

2007 Chevrolet Aveo review highlights

The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo is one of the least expensive sedans on the market. At this price, you can't expect many amenities, so reviews appreciate the Chevy Aveo's standard front- and side-impact airbags and its optional antilock brakes. However, reviews say the Aveo's main weakness is its 103-hp, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, especially now that the redesigned model is heavier than the '06 Aveo. Long-term predicted reliability is questionable, say reviews, and fuel economy is only average for its class. When it comes to the least expensive sedans, the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo generally loses the race to the Hyundai Accent (*est. $10,415 to $13,915), which gets much better gas mileage and comes standard with six airbags. The best 2007 economy car overall is the Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250), but most versions of that car are much more expensive than the Chevrolet Aveo.

The 2007 Chevrolet was redesigned for the 2007 model year, and for that reason, it's received many critical professional reviews. The most detailed and balanced of those reviews are from Automobile.com and Motor Week. Reviews from CarCritic.com and Consumer Reports focus on reliability and customer satisfaction. A review from the Detroit News offers a his-and-her perspective on the Chevrolet Aveo, which is one of the least expensive small cars on the market.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Automobile.com
2007 Chevrolet Aveo Sedan LT Road Test
Justin Couture
July 2006

This review of the Chevrolet Aveo is nicely balanced, covering both positives and negatives. The reviewer loves the look of the redesigned Aveo and praises the car's aesthetics (except for the door fabric). In terms of performance, however, the car isn't much of an improvement over previous versions of the Aveo. Fuel efficiency is middle of the road, and the warranty is not as comprehensive as that of its competitors.

2. Motor Week
>> Details/Subscribe
Road Test: 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
Editors of Motor Week

Motor Week also has a good balanced review of the Chevy Aveo. Editors say the Aveo is a nice looking car with a more adult appeal compared to other compacts. Performance is said to fall short, however. Fuel economy isn't impressive, but the ride quality and interior materials are both praised.

3. CarCritic.com
2007 Chevrolet Aveo
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com's Don Vorderman doesn't go into detail about performance and features in this review of the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo. Instead, he focuses mainly on long-term predicted reliability based on owner surveys. According to Vorderman, a used Honda Civic is a better bet than the minimal, underpowered Chevrolet Aveo.

4. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Chevrolet Aveo Road Test
Editors of Consumer Guide
Nov. 2006

Rather than a narrative review, Consumer Guide breaks down its road test into individual numerical ratings for the Aveo's various aspects. The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo comes in below the class average; while it is applauded for maneuverability and fuel efficiency, the car receives negative feedback for poor acceleration and handling.

5. The Detroit News
2007 Chevrolet Aveo
Paul and Anita Lienhart
Oct. 2006

This review from the Detroit News is delivered in a "he says, she says" format. The female perspective is almost totally negative, with the major negative being the lack of safety equipment. Anita Lienhart does like the Chevy Aveo's looks, however. Paul Lienhart likes the iPod jack and the tilting steering column, but the lack of power windows, locks or mirrors is a downside. Both reviewers took issue with fuel economy.

6. MarketWatch.com
2007 Chevrolet Aveo review
Ron Amadon
Oct. 2006

MarketWatch delivers a short and sweet overview of the Chevrolet Aveo. This review is generally positive in nature, appreciating the look of the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo as well as the reasonable price and quality interior. Lack of power and sub-standard legroom are negatives. Headroom for taller drivers is cramped. This review had good things to say about the fuel-efficiency of the 2007 Chevy Aveo.

7. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
Chevrolet Aveo review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Report test the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo. Although performance and ergonomics are tested, editors also include a lengthy section on safety features and presumed long-term reliability. You must be a subscriber to read this report.

Also see full report: Economy Cars