2009 Chevrolet Aveo5

by Rebecca Antioco - 06/2009

We’ve all heard the old adage that first impressions are everything. That can be true when it comes to a vehicle but, sometimes, a few days behind the wheel can change what was initially a bad feeling. So, when I spied a Tahiti Green hatchback in my parking spot, and not-so-fond memories of my similarly hued first brand-new car crept into my head, I did my best to squelch them. Image isn’t everything, right?

Stepping inside, the redesigned interior of the Aveo strives for an upscale look, sporting a neutral tone with some unconvincing wood-like trim on the dash, which, in my opinion, just looks silly. Metallic trim, also available, is more in line with this class of vehicle without diminishing the appearance. Overall, materials are decent and the dash is well laid out and intuitive. Charcoal is the other interior color option. My first impressions were decidedly mixed, but leaned more toward disappointment than pleasure.

But, these impressions are merely superficial. Features and performance are what matter most. The Aveo is available as either a sedan or hatchback (Aveo5) in three trim levels: LS, 1LT and 2LT. All are powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine yielding 107 horsepower, mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic (LT models only, $925).

The base LS comes equipped with tire-pressure monitoring system, AM/FM stereo with auxiliary input jack, and 14-inch wheels. Upgrade to the 1LT and you’ll get air conditioning and a six-speaker audio system with CD player. The top line 2LT adds 15-inch wheels, foglamps, a trip computer, power windows and locks, heated power side mirrors, three-month trial of XM satellite radio, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Power seat adjustment is not available. A Sun and Wheel package ($795) with the larger wheels and a sunroof is also available on the 1LT.

I drove the 1LT hatchback with the optional power and convenience package ($425), including power windows and locks, and remote keyless entry but, annoyingly, no power mirrors. Really? Vanity mirrors and sunglass holder but no power mirrors? Maybe I’ve become spoiled, but I hate having to crawl over the center console to adjust the passenger-side mirror, then lean back into my seat and have to repeat the process if the mirror isn’t just right. And, because I consider air-conditioning to be a must, the base LS is immediately eliminated from purchase contention.

The seats are comfortable and the interior is reasonably roomy. Rear seats split and fold 60/40. With the seats up, Aveo offers a paltry seven cubic feet of luggage capacity, less than half that offered by competitors Kia Rio and Honda Fit. Even Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa offer more cargo space. A trip to Costco was all it took to convince me that Aveo falls far short in this area.

On the road, the Aveo provides an average if not exciting drive experience. The engine is underpowered and the wide gear ratios on the manual transmission make the Aveo sluggish in getting up to highway speed. A shift indicator on the instrument panel is designed to help the driver maximize fuel economy by shifting at the appropriate time. I found it to be of little use as it only emphasized the underpowered engine and transmission shortcomings. Road noise is what you’d expect in this class of vehicle, but not overly intrusive. Handling is nimble enough and the suspension is adequate.

In terms of safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Aveo the highest five star rating for driver and passenger protection in front impacts. It gets a second-best four stars in side impacts and rollovers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives Aveo its second-best rating, “Acceptable.”

Standard safety equipment includes dual-stage front and side-impact airbags, but no side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes are optional ($440), but only on models equipped with the automatic transmission.

Overall, the Aveo is a middling competitor in a popular segment. There’s nothing about it that makes it stand apart from the pack — unless you choose one of the more flamboyant color options. It’s average, and that just isn’t good enough to compete with segment leaders like the Honda Fit. In this case, first impressions don’t lie.