Overview

The Aveo is available as an entry level five-door hatchback or as a four-door sedan that made its debut in the 2004 model year on GM's acquisition of the Daewoo Motor Company. It is well-designed, functional and fun-to-drive with a 'big car attitude’. The Aveo remains largely unchanged for 2008, except for some trim packages. The Chevy has a basic warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles.

Power and Performance

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo5 is available as a sedan and hatchback. The sedan is available in LS and LT versions, while the Aveo5 (the hatchback) is available in Special Value and LS trims. It has a 1.6 liter, L4 engine that serves up 103 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy rates at 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway on the five-speed manual; on the four-speed automatic it is 26/34 mpg (city/highway).

Body and Styling

The Aveo projects an upscale aura with its sleek lines, high roof, and short front and rear overhangs. A roof-mounted spoiler is available on the Aveo5 LS. The cabin has exceptionally tasteful interiors for its price. The Aveo’s 60/40 rear seat flips and folds over to make way for 42 cubic feet of cargo area. Noteworthy standard features include side-impact air bags, a tire-pressure monitoring system and an auxiliary audio input jack for portable devices.

Safety Features

The Aveo scored five stars for protection of front occupants in frontal impacts in NHTSA crash tests. Side air bags are standard across trims. It has three-point seatbelts for all five passengers with pretensioners in the front. Anti-lock brakes (with electronic brake-force distribution) is optional on LS and LT models.