Test Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 Hatchback

The Small Car with No Heart

Nearly 30 years ago, when I was in high school, my first car was a late 1970's model Toyota Corolla. It had a four cylinder engine with a four-speed manual transmission. That Corolla was a great little starter car until the frame, probably stressed from the harsh Michigan winters which include the liberal use of corrosive rock salt to keep roads ice free, broke. While in college, I had an early 80's Honda Accord hatchback, also with a four cylinder engine and manual transmission. it was the perfect car for a young college guy looking for mobility and practicality.

Fast forward and I can say the same thing about the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo-- After spending a week driving the vehicle, it's the perfect car for young college bound students who need mobility and practicality.

Chevy offers the Aveo in three trims, all with GM's Ecotec 1.6 liter, dual overhead cam engine. It produces 106 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. On paper, not bad for a this type of car. But at no time did I feel like the Aveo was adequately powered. Acceleration was anemic and passing power was next to non-existent. Of course, my frame of reference is based on the thirsty eight cylinder powered vehicles in my own garage.

What the Aveo lacks in power, it makes up for in its interior. I was quite impressed with the look and layout of the car and found it quite comfortable for a sub compact. Safety ratings are also a plus. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Aveo its highest marks, 5-stars for frontal crash ratings and 4-stars for side crash and rollover ratings.

Designed and built by GM-Daewoo in Korea, the Aveo does not have the heart or soul of the typical Chevy, but it will do for your newly licensed teenager or college bound young adult. Starting price is $15, 365. Can anybody say, "nice high school graduation gift?"

Appearance

On the outside, the Aveo looks like the typical sub compact. Its most distinctive feature might be the now-Chevy standard front grille design with a body-colored bar through the middle and the trademark Chevy bow tie logo. Front and rear light designs help provide an aggressive appearance and the optional 15-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels on my test model helped make the Aveo somewhat easy to look at.

Power

Under the hood, the Aveo needs help. For all of the aggressive look Chevy tries to give the Aveo, when you start it up and give it some gas, you quickly learn this dog is all bark, no bite. As I have already stated, the Ecotec 1.6L DOHC engine is anemic. It needs an iron injection to counteract the condition. If the exhilaration one feels from acceleration is measured in G-forces, is it possible for that number to be negative?

My test model was equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission. It performed adequately in city driving and also once I got up to speed on the highway. But forget about passing anyone.

As for efficiency, you would expect some big numbers from the Aveo. The EPA fuel economy estimates are 25 MPG/City and 34 MPG/Highway. I did not take a highway road trip in the Aveo (and, I really wouldn't want to) but the Aveo's city performance, under my foot, was less than impressive. I drove 112 miles consuming about 5.6 gallons of regular gasoline. That works out to a disappointing 20 MPG. I must have really been pushing the car to make me feel the acceleration.

Comfort

On the inside, the Aveo does not disappoint. I never expect much from sub compact interiors so opening the doors to find a clean, convenient dash layout, plenty of room, optional leatherette seats along with leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob was quite satisfying. Leg and headroom were plentiful almost creating the illusion that I was not inside a sub compact.

Features

My test model was the Aveo5 2LT. Standard features included some surprises. Things like power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm, tire pressure monitor system, stainless steel exhaust. I did not expect to find those features offered without having to pay extra for them. Add to that list the 180-watt, six speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player, auxiliary input jack and steering wheel controls and I say, "nice touch, Chevy!" XM Satellite Radio is also standard with the first three months of service included.

In addition to the aluminum wheels, automatic transmission, leatherette seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob already mentioned, my test model also included an optional antilock brake system with engine immobilizer.

Summary

The first three letters in the Aveo name are also the first three letters in the word I will use to describe the car overall-- average. A decent appearance, good comfort and nice features on the plus side; Lack of power and less than stellar fuel efficiency on the minus side. I will stick with my initial assessment-- not the car for me, but a great first car for kids.