2011 Chevrolet Aveo

Among affordable small cars, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo hangs at the back of the pack thanks to its underpowered engine, cheap interior and lack of standard air conditioning. The Aveo will be replaced in 2012 by the Chevy Sonic.

With the exception of two new colors and standard cabin air filtration, the Chevy Aveo plods into 2011 almost unchanged. In fact, 2011 is a holdover year until the all-new Chevrolet Sonic arrives for 2012. So far, test drivers appreciate the Sonic’s solid list of standard features and sporty exterior styling – especially since there are few reasons to buy the 2011 Aveo. There are plenty of compact cars that excel where the Aveo fails.

What’s wrong with the Aveo? Test drivers don’t like its underpowered 1.6-liter engine, sloppy steering and cheap, poorly equipped interior. Even air conditioning is optional. Plus, the Aveo lacks many safety features seen on other affordable small cars. With the exception of a low base price and good fuel economy with the manual transmission, the Aveo doesn’t have much going for it.

Kelley Blue Book, however, thinks the Aveo has a niche in the market, and says, "The Aveo's appeal extends to budget-conscious first-time buyers, anyone on a limited income and unhappy SUV owners looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient way of getting to and from the office.”

If you fall into that category, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo might fit your lifestyle. Still, if you’re determined to buy an Aveo, your best might be to wait for the 2012 Sonic.

Other Cars to Consider

Unless you are a devout Chevy fan, there’s really no reason to choose the Aveo over its competitors. A better choice is the all-new Ford Fiesta. Reviewers praise its excellent handling and build quality. Plus, the Fiesta offers more horsepower and cargo space, as well as a more stylish exterior design. Just keep in mind that the base Fiesta is about $1,400 more than the base Aveo, but that price difference is worth it, especially if you’re concerned with safety. The Fiesta is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.

Another vehicle to consider over the Aveo is the Honda Fit. Available only as a hatchback, it starts at nearly $3,200 more than the Aveo5 hatchback. However, the Fit holds 57.3 cubic feet of cargo, which is significantly more than the 37.2 cubic feet offered in the Aveo. The base Fit also includes standard safety features like side-curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes – which are unavailable in the base Aveo.

If cost is most important, take a look at the Nissan Versa. Base Versa sedans are available for $9,990, which is nearly $1,200 less than a base Aveo. Neither the Nissan nor the Aveo offer much in the way of standard equipment, but the base Versa comes standard with anti-lock brakes, something that’s only optional on the Aveo.

Many used cars also make better choices than the Chevrolet Aveo. Be sure to look at all of your options before deciding on an Aveo.

Details: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is available in three trim levels; LS, 1LT and 2LT. LS models live up to their bottom-rung designation. If you can’t drive stick, want air-conditioning or need power windows and door locks, then the Aveo LS isn’t the right car for you. These features aren’t even available as options. The Aveo is also available as a sedan and hatchback called the Aveo5.

Moving up to 1LT models opens up the option sheet for an automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels and power windows and door locks. Air-conditioning is standard on Aveo 1LT models.

• "No Aveo is a quiet vehicle, and our measured fuel economy is unexceptional by class standards. These subcompacts also lack important safety features such as traction control and curtain side airbags. On the plus side, Aveo has a comfortable ride, decent road manners, and an inviting interior. Overall, this is a likable subcompact that compares well with other budget-minded rivals." -- Consumer Guide
• "On paper, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo looks as if it could be a front runner in the subcompact economy car segment. Cheap price? Check. High fuel economy? Got that. Respectable handling. Yep. The problem (for the Aveo) is that even in this bargain-basement class of vehicles, there are still better choices." -- Edmunds 
• "Other than space efficiency, fuel economy and a really low price, the Aveo doesn't have much going for it, and its biggest competitors are three-year-old compact cars." -- Motor Trend

Aveo Performance - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is a comfortable commuter, but not much else. In fact, in their reviews of thisaffordable small car, test drivers reminisce about competitors they like more. Among these are the Ford Fiesta,Honda Fit, Chevrolet Cruze and Kia Forte. Read More

Aveo Exterior - 5.7 (Mediocre)

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo has a pleasant exterior, but it’s easily forgotten. Cars.com writes, “The Aveo5 looks pretty good, but the problem is that the Fit and Versa look better and are close to the same price." Read More

Aveo Interior - 7.2 (Good)

In terms of standard features and interior quality, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo lags behind highly ranked affordable small cars like the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. "The cabin's layout is simple and logical but certainly not a standout among economy cars," says Edmunds. Read More

Aveo Safety - 6.3 (Mediocre)

Only the insurance industry has tested the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo, but this affordable small car doesn’t perform well in crash tests. Check out the Ford Fiesta and Kia Forte, top performers in insurance industry tests. Read More

Aveo Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo is protected by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five–year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty