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Chevy Aveo Hatchback

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Comments

  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    Sorry you got a lemon. Luckily this is not the norm for this car. Your comments sound like every other forum out there. Unfortunately there is always going to a bad one. What year is yours?
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    Cars this size and weight are pretty much the same in snow. If you get the automatic it comes with traction control.
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    I have the automatic -- it doesn't come with traction control, unless you mean the "Hold" button!

    From Wikipedia:

    Traction control systems, on current production vehicles, are typically (but not necessarily) electro-hydraulic systems designed to prevent loss of traction (and therefore the control of the vehicle) when excessive throttle or steering is applied by the driver. Although similar to the Electronic Stability Control systems, the Traction Control systems don't have the same goal as them.

    The intervention can consist of any, or all, of the following:

    * Retard or suppress the spark to one or more cylinders
    * Reduce fuel supply to one or more cylinders
    * Brake one or more wheels
    * Close the throttle, if the vehicle is fitted with drive by wire throttle.

    The brake actuator, and the wheel speed sensors, are the same as that used for anti-lock braking systems.


    The "Hold" feature just keeps the tranny in a higher gear to reduce torque and minimize wheelspin and must be activated manually. Older automatics had the same feature by keeping the lever on "2" or "L".
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    Sorry about that. I must have been thinking of the Cobalt or HHR. The hold feature is better than nothing when conditions are bad.
  • ratsmyfriendratsmyfriend Member Posts: 1
    I bought my Aveo in November of '05...

    Im 16, and I dont feel like paying more than 100 bucks a month for car insurance, or high prices for some foreign european car, so this car is great.

    I got a certified used 2004 Aveo, (looked spotless and only had 22,500 miles on it. Its works great for me.

    ;)
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    If you're getting insurance for less than $100/month, you're damn lucky. My supervisor just added her 18-year-old grandson on a policy for his 2000 Civic and it is $6000 per year!!!! He just got his license so has no violations or accidents.

    I'm shocked when I hear what teenagers pay for insurance on some POS Escort -- more than the cost of the car sometimes.
  • andy_handy_h Member Posts: 49
    Wave 54, seems like you don't like your Aveo at all. I did a little research and found that there are many owners that have high mileage on their Aveos with no problem. Also, I might add, the 04 or early-year Aveo might have some problems. Other than that, the current Aveo is built well and has no recall.
  • lemondriver4lemondriver4 Member Posts: 3
    This car should have many recalls. It is a piece of junk and you can not get a good trade in value on it.
  • lemondriver4lemondriver4 Member Posts: 3
    BUYER BEWARE, JUST BECAUSE YOU TEST DRIVE IT OK, THE FIRST RIDE MAYBE DECEIVING
    I purchased my Chevrolet Aveo new in 2004 and it has been the worst nightmare of a car that I have ever owned. I bought a yellow Aveo and it is befitting because the car is a lemon.
    I had the car 2 weeks and the check engine light went on after the car literally shook when I turned it on. The computer told the transmission to engage upon starting and had to be replaced. After that the car went in for service 9 times within the first year. The back drums were replaced because they were defective, the car threw an emissions signal, and it continued to shake and make engine noises. I think I drove a rental car more than my new Aveo in the first year that I owned it.
    Now the car will be two years old in June, and it is ready to be hauled to the junk yard. On Friday the tensioner broke off of the car and the timing belt literally took out the valves in my engine. The head has to be removed and somewhere between $1500 and $2000 in repairs have to be made on this non invasive engine.
    I would not recommend this car to any normal human being on the planet. If you have money to burn I would recommend burning the money before buying this car.
    General Motors does not stand behind any problems with this car.
  • dkuhajdadkuhajda Member Posts: 487
    Either delete all the excessive identical posts that you did by mistake, or stop spamming (flooding a forum with lots of identical posts) the forum.

    One post detailing your problems is enough for anyone to understand your frustration. Although you didn't post the actual problems (plus mileage at each issue) and what was done to fix the problems. Nor did you post the results of any lemon law claim you attempted during the first year.

    If we are to make an educated decision on whether to buy or not, it will be really helpful to know more specifics of your problems and the repair work done. This way if there is a trend of some problems more people might also indicate the same issues.
  • lemondriver4lemondriver4 Member Posts: 3
    Sorry I am new to this and didn't realize I posted so many times. My car has 75,000 miles on it. I wanted to go lemon on it but I am a widow and the dealer that I bought the car from persuaded me not to file lemon law papers on it during the first year. I am going to talk to a lwayer because this car is literally coming apart before my eyes. I don't think and the many repair people I have talked with said the car is too new to have this many problems.
  • dkuhajdadkuhajda Member Posts: 487
    Can we assume then that the timing belt was already replaced once at the maintenance scheduled 60,000 miles? If it was then the place that did the job or the part supplier they used is probably the ones who need to be held responsible.

    The specific other problems will be helpful for other Aveo owners. At a minimum they can look out for signs of those, or people can shy away from the first model year on the Aveo.

    I have seen two very high mileage Aveo cars come through. They were lab courier vehicles, tons of very hard miles, but at 180K for a 2004, they were a little loose in the suspension and it was obvious the rest of the car had a very hard life. They still ran with little to no smoke on start up, but they did drive like they had the miles on the ticker.
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    I belong to 4 different forums for the Aveo trying to learn from others' experiences. I find that owners are overwhelmingly positive when the cars have low mileage <30K miles, but have tended to have some common problems after that. Still not enough data for this model to have any reputation for reliability (good or bad).

    I haven't heard from anyone with more than 50K miles (neither has my local Chevy dealer), which is still considered low mileage for a modern vehicle. I have just under 70K miles and have had <i>some of the problems mentioned by lemondriver4 -- premature timing belt failure (38K), tensioner freeze-up with serpentine belt shredding (48K), truly excessive suspension noises and looseness - bad upper strut mounts (since 18K), exhaust leak (67K), defective brake rotors (65K).

    I don't have any information on the 06 models to indicate whether any changes in those components were made. I've seen a high number of complaints about the suspension crunches on 04 and some 05 models, others have had timing belts fail before 60K and there have been a rash of Aveos that have needed all the valves replaced due to improper seating. There was a recall (not well-publicized) for 2004 models for the valves.

    My engine, except for belts, and the transmission run fine -- I've had no problems at all. Unfortunately, the overall quality appears to be spotty and needs far more repairs than I'd like. Very reminiscent of 90s Kias -- you might reach 250K but it will nickel-and-dime you to get there.

    I hope the newer models are better than what I've experienced. Without more information, though, I would still not recommend an Aveo to anyone. Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates -- you really don't know what you'll get.
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    Early model Aveo's from what I have read were not the best as are most new cars. Have you seen the Civic or Corolla boards recently?

    Most people come to the forums to voice complaints rather than praise. Would you have felt the same way if you had bought a Toyota and had problems?
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    Most people come to the forums to voice complaints rather than praise.

    Depends on the forum. Belong to one that's just for the Aveo, and it is more a general discussion group with a number of topic headings. Seems to be a young crowd, interested in "mods" and "tuning". Have gotten some good insights from other owner's experiences, though.

    The dealers and independent garages are in the dark when it comes to this model, so we're kind of on our own to come up with solutions and find parts (other than OEM).
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    Hard to believe, but right you are Wave about the lack of shock availability. Out of curiosity I called shock warehouse last Friday and asked them about Aveo shocks and he looked up his suppliers and found none available, accept for the dealer. He said that this is not just a GM thing and other manufactures are sharing in this unethical practice for greedy profit. He also suggested to speak with the dealers parts guy (not service) and he may be able to give more information as to what will work or is available.
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    I don't want to replace shocks/struts with identical OEM parts from the dealer. When aftermarket units are available, will get upper strut mount bushings and maybe even lowering springs installed at the same time to reduce the wandering and sway.

    No one has them listed yet -- have tried: Sears, Monro, Firestone and major manufacturers such as Koni through their websites. Sears told me it usually takes 2 years for a new model to be listed, so this should be the year.
  • sparxxxsparxxx Member Posts: 14
    Anyone seen any of these "spring edition" aveos? Some type of blue...either maui or ocean. Anyway I saw a pic from a chevy dealer of one of these and it looked awful close to the icelandic blue that has been around a little while. There is also a spring edition HHR from what I hear. ;)
  • bowsersbowsers Member Posts: 14
    I found one for my 2004 Aveo LS in the JC Whitney catalog. It in not permanently installed but fits tight in the space between the two from seats and color matched charcoal gray.
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    It seems Chevy excludes OnStar as an option on the upper level versions of both the new Aveo sedan and "5" hatchback. What's up with that? I'm sure that some who purchase this machine would want such an item, considering its small size, as additional "peace of mind" upon driving it. I know I would. ;)

    Chevy, are you listening? :confuse: Wake up!

    Peace!
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    Don't mean to be smarmy, but I think most Aveo buyers are lured by the super-low pricetag, not premium features with a monthly charge. If I truly wanted "peace of mind", I would have bought a bigger, safer car to start with, not the cheapest econobox on the road.

    But... there was a budget to stick to :(
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    This car was intended to be an inexpensive economy car and they probably figured very few purchasers would be interested in this option. It also doesn't offer XM radio like the premium compact Cobalt.
  • vw79type2vw79type2 Member Posts: 37
    I posted a message awhile back that my dealer had said there wasn't going to be a 2007 Aveo hatchback. Now it appears there is going to be one according to Edmunds. I also heard in a magzine that the 2007 Aveo hatch isn't going to be redesigned. Anyone here know anything and whether the hatch will be redesigned like the sedan?

    I am the owner of a 2006 Aveo SVM hatch and am so pleased with it I'm considering getting another to replace my Dodge Dakota.
    :shades:
  • randydriverrandydriver Member Posts: 262
    My mom has decided to wait and get the new 2007 Aveo. She likes the way the restyled body lookd and how they redid the interior. I had movies from the auto show and a 2007 broucher. We switch cars for a few days.........Her Oldsmobile just gets 22mpg on the highway. She said she was getting close to 40 with my car ....good for a long comute.
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    I don't agree, wave. I will NOT debate the point except to say that I'm sure there are still others who would want this feature, of Onstar and mayber XM radio too. It's not a question of getting a larger machine with these particular features, of which the Cobalt for example hold LITTLE interest (speaking for myself). A "cheap" econobox on the road, as you so rudely called it, is not what I'd call the AVEO. It is an economical, inexpensive vehicle. The word "cheap" would better describe the Yugo of many moons ago. Some ARE lured to purchase the extreme entry level of the AVEO for economic purposes. They should have the opportunity, if they so choose, of having OnStar if they wish for further "peace of mind" as anyone buying the upper, more expensive levels of the Aveo should too.
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    No, it's not worth debating. We each have our own expectations and definitions of quality. After 50,000+ plus miles of driving one, I find it to be a transportation device -- nothing more.

    That's all I needed and if it holds up another year or two, I won't be terribly disappointed.
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    To each their point of view, wave. . .

    I wish U well, though. . .

    Peace! :D
  • aladdinsanealaddinsane Member Posts: 182
    I'm glad you dig your '06 AVEO hatchback. As far as I can tell the 2007 AVEO "5" will NOT be redesigned, for some reason. Perhaps a freshening will come, in time. Strange, isn't it?
    Perhaps they want to encourage more sedan sales with this new shell and revised interior. . .

    GM works in strange ways. . .lol-

    Peace! ;)
  • andy_handy_h Member Posts: 49
    Motorweek found city/highway driving for the Aveo is 30 mpg, and the Fit is 33 mpg. So, the Aveo is not that bad in mpg. Plus, the Fit costs 2K more and does not come with a moonroof.
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    Are you comparing similarly equipt cars? The Aveo starts at $10,000, the Fit starts at $14,200, but includes air conditioning and anti-lock brakes.
  • ron1970ron1970 Member Posts: 26
    Hi all,

    I just bought a new 06' 5 door SVM. My worst MPG has been 36.2 which was my first tank. My Average over the last month or so has ranged from 36.2 to 40.54 mpg. I don't shift above 3k and don't drive speeds above 55mph. 80% highway and 20% city driving. I have had no problems so far. I had many years ago a 93' Ford Festiva. Mileage ran from 44 to 51 mpg at about the same conditions. I believe that slowing down from 70 mph does save from 18-20% on mileage, although this is not popular.
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    Nice mileage. I have seen some others get 40 mpg in the owners review section. I too drive for mileage, so I shift early instead of winding it up. That Festiva mileage is pretty good as well, but that car is way smaller than the Aveo and much more go-cart like.
  • tdubreuiltdubreuil Member Posts: 1
    Hey there.. im moving soon and i need to ad a hitch to my Aveo, im wondering which type of hitch would be better, but more importantly id like toknow how much my Aveo can tow ... anyone out there know the answer to that?
    please let me know
  • woodsmanmnwoodsmanmn Member Posts: 13
    Read your owners manual!!!
    Page 4-36

    Towing a Trailer
    Do not use your vehicle to tow a trailer. The vehicle is not designed or intended for such a use. Towing a trailer can adversely affect handling, durability and fuel economy.
  • randydriverrandydriver Member Posts: 262
    Hey I am one of those people that gets good mileage out of there car. Mine was 36.4 on my last tank. 40/60 split on city and highway....
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A national finance magazine is looking to interview consumers who are looking to purchase a or have already purchased the new subcompact cars because of the high cost of fuel. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Saturday, June 10, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and the vehicle you are considering.

    ---------------

    A national finance magazine is looking to interview consumers who have traded-in their larger SUV for a smaller vehicle, because of the high cost of gas. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Saturday, June 10, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and car you traded-in and the current car you own.

    Thanks,
    Chintan Talati
    Corporate Communications
    Edmunds.com
  • tventtvent Member Posts: 17
    What modifications have people made for increasing gas milage or efficiency in their Aveo? :surprise:
  • randydriverrandydriver Member Posts: 262
    I dont drive with my foot on the floor ...that helps. No,really you can get a K&N filter that helps a little.
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    None that I have read about on this forum other than keeping it under 55 mph. There is one driver on the forum from last year who has a highly modified Aveo, with pictures, that has over 200 hp and a trick suspension.
  • canuck785canuck785 Member Posts: 160
    :D this is my 1st message here...i am looking at cars right now and the aveo is one of them...after reading in here how happy ppl were with it, i think i cant go wrong ;) i was also looking at the pontiac vibe (more room) and matrix, the scionXb is cool too so is the Xa, anyone tried or owned any of those and prefered the aveo? they are all more expensive than the aveo but offer more room...i was driving a YJ jeep before (NO ROOM BUT FUUNNNN!!) and i just sold my cherokee...not sure how i would deal with the change towards a much smaller car but i dont want to pay a fortune in gas anymore and want to drive a reliable car.
    and how does the aveo drive in snow? i am in kansas but originally from quebec, canada and snow still concerns me even if we did not get much last winter ;) thank you
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    Do yourself a favor and rent one -- at least for a day and put it through a variety of situations such as curvy back roads, inner-city and some highway miles behind trucks. It doesn't suit everyone, so it's hard to make a recommendation.

    Pros: Fairly roomy and comfortable, quiet, decent gas mileage, inexpensive

    Cons: No long-term reliability reputation, abundant body roll in corners or in windy conditions, poor availability of parts, most repairs have to be done at dealers ($$$)

    The other cars you mentioned (all Toyota designs) have excellent reliabilty and could easily go 200,000 miles without problems and they hold their resale value.

    Have driven in snow 1 winter -- just so-so, about the same as any other small, light FWD car. If the roads weren't well-plowed and sanded here, I wouldn't get through anything more than 6" on level roads. If you're used to a 4x4, this car will be a disappointment, but for most folks in urban areas, it's okay.
  • randydriverrandydriver Member Posts: 262
    there is also the new Accent hatch to look into and the kia Rio5 lots of room and well made cars.
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    I would rate the ride and handling above average for a sub-compact car. You will feel wind buffering on the freeway with every car this size and weight. The 2004 model was the first one here in the states, but the engine platform has been slightly beefed up with thicker cylinder bores and engine insulation and possibly different internals. It has otherwise been around for a while, and a new redesigned model comes out soon.

    I have test driven the Vibe/Matrix and find the manual shifter imprecise in shifting, and the interior of real poor quality/looks. I don't like the cars, just my opinion.
  • canuck785canuck785 Member Posts: 160
    thank you for your infos! i already drove a friend's aveo and i liked it...so did i with the vibe and the Xb...price is a major factor for me therefore the aveo...;) i just realise that a new nissan versa was coming out soon...maybe it is worth looking at too. I am used to 4x4 (jeep) but i also owned a Renault5 , a subaru justy (great little car) and a metro convertible but that was many yrs ago... i will buy in the fall so right now i am doing homeworks by reading about cars and test driving them without the pressure of needing one. thanks again for your replys!
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    I would rate the ride and handling above average for a sub-compact car. You will feel wind buffering on the freeway with every car this size and weight.

    Can't speak for the newer models (heard the handling was improved for '06), but mine has gotten much sloppier with higher mileage and is buffeted terribly by wind (even breezes) -- worse than any car, including subcompacts, I've driven in 35+ years.

    Have 76K miles on mine and it's a handful in 25 mph+ winds and/or heavy truck traffic.

    Hope GM does improve the suspension since the car isn't a bad design and offers a low-cost alternative to it's competitors.
  • poncho167poncho167 Member Posts: 1,178
    MotorWeek tested the Toyota Yaris in the last couple of weeks and said they had a hard time staying in their lane with a cross wind. They too said this is typical for a small light car.
  • wave54wave54 Member Posts: 211
    I think it's the high center-of-gravity combined with a soft suspension more than actual weight. Have driven other cars in the same weight class that were shorter and sat much lower to the ground and had no issues with wind.

    Still waiting for an aftermarket supplier (KYB, Bisltein) to come out with some decent gas struts and shocks -- won't go with the GM parts from the dealer. Too biased towards a soft, cushy ride at the expense of roadholding and control.

    Have heard many complaints about excessive body-roll on another Aveo forum. Many of the owners have installed lowering springs and have gone to 16' and 17" wheels, a route I'm not inclined to take.
  • vw79type2vw79type2 Member Posts: 37
    I don't think you can go wrong with the Aveo hatch. Had mine for over a month and a half and love it. Averaging 32-33 miles per gallon in 80% highway 20% city driving. Plenty of power. Build quality is excellent. I've seen cars $30,000 plus that are not built as good as this thing. :shades:
  • vw79type2vw79type2 Member Posts: 37
    I don't know why everyone thinks Scions and other Toyotas are so great. They are bland as heck and have that stupid center speedo that's nothing but a cheap gimick.

    Before I bought my Aveo I looked at a Yaris liftback and was quite suprised at the poor quality. The interior panels didn't fit right and one was pulling off the center stack by about a half-inch. It was as if it were warped by excessive heat.

    Plus all the Scion/Toyota dealers I have come into contact with are jerks (at least around here). :mad:
  • vw79type2vw79type2 Member Posts: 37
    Anyone know of a place where I could get a bra for an Aveo? I think the Chevrolet dealer has them but they probably want too much. I'm gonna need a full one before winter or else the hood will be pock-marked to heck by next Spring due to coal trucks and snowplows. :confuse:
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