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2009 Chevrolet Aveo Performance Review

July 3, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 4 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Aveo accelerates off the line quicker than one would expect
ConsumerGuide

one of the bright spots in the 2009 Chevy Aveo is the ride quality, which is pretty good
MyRide.com

the manual shifter is numb and rubbery
Automobile Magazine

According to reviewers, the 2009 Chevy Aveo is awash with adequate performance, including fuel mileage. However, the revised inline four-cylinder engine now includes variable valve timing.

In its evaluation, Edmunds says “while the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is certainly no thrill ride, it provides respectable vehicle dynamics. The steering is direct and the suspension is well-tuned for day-to-day commuting. The 1.6-liter engine is adequate, but it's not particularly powerful.”

According to ConsumerGuide, the “Aveo accelerates off the line quicker than one would expect, but no one will mistake these subcompacts for a sports car. Manual-transmission versions feel slightly quicker than automatics, but a rubbery, imprecise manual shifter detracts from the driving experience. The automatic is relatively responsive."

Continuing with the transmission, Automobile Magazine says, “The manual transaxle is a mixed blessing—it allows you to more easily stay in that rev band, but the shift action is rather sloppy, and the optional ABS can't be had with the manual.” In addition, “the manual shifter is numb and rubbery, which wouldn't be all that terrible if you didn't have to downshift constantly just to keep up with traffic.” Edmunds remarks, “We normally recommend that buyers in this class opt for a manual transmission, but in the Aveo's case, the automatic is the better bet. The manual tranny's gear ratios are too wide, leaving the car underpowered on highway grades and ultimately compromising fuel economy.”

Suspension and ride quality receive positive feedback. MyRide.com says, “One of the bright spots in the 2009 Chevy Aveo is the ride quality, which is pretty good. Like most small cars, the Aveo's short wheelbase makes it bounce too much over freeway expansion joints and the like. However, the soft spring settings and good shock absorbers help smooth out even that common problem better than we expected. By comparison, many of the 2009 Chevy Aveo's competitors feel downright jittery.” ConsumerGuide comments that the Aveo is “nimble enough due to its petite size and responsive steering, though some testers say steering effort is a bit heavy at low speeds. Aveo's body leans more in turns than class rivals.”

In the area of fuel consumption, ConsumerGuide says the “Aveo sedans with the automatic transmission averaged 24.5-28.4 mpg. Aveo5 hatchbacks with the automatic averaged 28.3-28.7 mpg. All figures are unimpressive for the class.”

When it comes to scrubbing speed, MyRide.com states that “the brakes prove perfectly adequate in the day-to-day world of commuting in which the 2009 Chevy Aveo will be thrust, but no more than adequate.” ConsumerGuide says “the brakes provide decent stopping control but are nothing special in terms of pedal feel.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Chevy Aveo delivers just adequate performance and surprisingly unimpressive fuel mileage.

PERFORMANCE | 4 out of 10Expert Quotes:Aveo accelerates off the line quicker than one would expectConsumerGuideone of the bright spots in the 2009 Chevy Aveo is the ride quality, which is pretty goodMyRide.comthe manual shifter is numb and rubberyAutomobile Magazine According to reviewers, the 2009 Chevy Aveo is awash with adequate performance, including fuel mileage. However, the revised inline four-cylinder engine now includes variable valve timing. In its evaluation, Edmunds says “while the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is certainly no thrill ride, it provides respectable vehicle dynamics. The steering is direct and the suspension is well-tuned for day-to-day commuting. The 1.6-liter engine is adequate, but it's not particularly powerful.” According to ConsumerGuide, the “Aveo accelerates off the line quicker than one would expect, but no one will mistake these subcompacts for a sports car. Manual-transmission versions feel slightly quicker than automatics, but a rubbery, imprecise manual shifter detracts from the driving experience. The automatic is relatively responsive." Continuing with the transmission, Automobile Magazine says, “The manual transaxle is a mixed blessing—it allows you to more easily stay in that rev band, but the shift action is rather sloppy, and the optional ABS can't be had with the manual.” In addition, “the manual shifter is numb and rubbery, which wouldn't be all that terrible if you didn't have to downshift constantly just to keep up with traffic.” Edmunds remarks, “We normally recommend that buyers in this class opt for a manual transmission, but in the Aveo's case, the automatic is the better bet. The manual tranny's gear ratios are too wide, leaving the car underpowered on highway grades and ultimately compromising fuel economy.” Suspension and ride quality receive positive feedback. MyRide.com says, “One of the bright spots in the 2009 Chevy Aveo is the ride quality, which is pretty good. Like most small cars, the Aveo's short wheelbase makes it bounce too much over freeway expansion joints and the like. However, the soft spring settings and good shock absorbers help smooth out even that common problem better than we expected. By comparison, many of the 2009 Chevy Aveo's competitors feel downright jittery.” ConsumerGuide comments that the Aveo is “nimble enough due to its petite size and responsive steering, though some testers say steering effort is a bit heavy at low speeds. Aveo's body leans more in turns than class rivals.” In the area of fuel consumption, ConsumerGuide says the “Aveo sedans with the automatic transmission averaged 24.5-28.4 mpg. Aveo5 hatchbacks with the automatic averaged 28.3-28.7 mpg. All figures are unimpressive for the class.” When it comes to scrubbing speed, MyRide.com states that “the brakes prove perfectly adequate in the day-to-day world of commuting in which the 2009 Chevy Aveo will be thrust, but no more than adequate.” ConsumerGuide says “the brakes provide decent stopping control but are nothing special in terms of pedal feel.” ConclusionThe 2009 Chevy Aveo delivers just adequate performance and surprisingly unimpressive fuel mileage. 2009 CHEVROLET AVEO STYLING | [5 out of 10] Car and Driver: “available as a homely-looking sedan or an altogether more attractive five-door wagon” Automobile Magazine: "ungainly front fascia" MyRide.com: “the design is bland, but inoffensive” The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 gets a facelift ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Priced at less than $13,000, including destination, the Aveo5 hatchback is one of the cheapest vehicles available in the United States. Out of all these competitors, the Nissan Versa drives and feels most like a larger vehicle, in a positive sense, with a smooth, settled ride on the highway, as well as a roomy interior. Our next favorite would be the Honda Fit because of its sporty driving character, cavernous interior, Magic Seat arrangement, and best-in-class safety. Base models of the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Yaris are in the same price range. The Rio and Accent (mechanically related to each other) don't feel as roomy. The Yaris is smaller inside, too. The Korean pair is much more fun to drive than the Aveo, but they're not as refined because of their stiffer ride and noisier engines. Nearly all of these vehicles get better fuel economy than the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo.

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See the Chevrolet Aveo in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (3 total)

  1. By Jason #1, Posted: 8/8/2009

    My wife and I just purchased an Aveo last night. No frills, standard transmission, 4-door hatchback. It's simple, small, and for our purposes, absolutely perfect for what we need. It has reasonable acceleration, the brakes work great, even without the ABS, and the transmission shifts smoothly. It's definitely NOT any kind of sporty ride. I do agree that the gears are spaced too far apart, and yet it's also winding up rather higher rpms than what I would like to see at 70, but at the same time, this is an A-B car for my wife, and will do terrifically. It's quiet inside, and even with the windows rolled down, there isn't a huge amount of road noise. The wind inside the car with all windows down isn't too extravagant either. The fuel economy is something I will have to wait and see, as we have only put 100 miles on it so far, but I do know the gas needle hasn't moved hardly at all so far.
    Climbing mild grades it was able to maintain highway speed, but you would need to downshift if fully loaded or if going up a mountain pass. The handling is more than sufficient with a very small turning radius. We live out of town quite a ways, and the backroads we have to take are rather bumpy and curvy. The car handles them nicely, providing the smoothest ride I have ever had out of something so small. It's also not spongy, and doesn't lean out of corners. It's responsive, yet not too sporty. It's NOT a sports car, and doesn't even try to pretend to be (maybe my insurance will be lower!). But it's also not a "dog" on the road either, and will move where you ask it to without feeling like you're going to lose control. Plenty of room in the back to put groceries or basic work gear, also. One other thing, it actually feels solid for such a small car. I don't feel like I am truly in a "tin can" like I did in a Rio.
    Overall, I am very pleased with this car so far. For running to the store, or going back and forth to work, it's totally perfect. A relaxing ride, comfortable seating, and quiet motor that gets the job done with what appears so far to be quite good fuel economy, I couldn't ask for anything more for the price.
    P.S. This is also my first GM vehicle ever. I have driven many different ones over the years, but I have never been impressed by them, until now.

  2. By Doc #2, Posted: 9/4/2009

    I purchased my Aveo5 a couple of weeks ago. I am a musician and there is enough room in this little car for my 2 88-key keyboards, a 15 in pa speaker, power amp, suitcase with all my wires, music stand, Microphone stand, and my seat. It handles very nicely in the city and on the hwy, I am getting great gas mileage, it accelerates very well with or with out the equipment. I love this car.

  3. By just me #3, Posted: 9/30/2009

    I have a 2008 aveo LS. I HATE IT!. I swear I put more gas in it than my old 9 van. It is too small. Has no pick up. It's like a matchbox on wheels or better put a box on wheels. Today there was a recall on certain toyotas. I told my husband I wish they would recall my Aveo. I made a bad choice.

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