2009 Chevrolet Aveo 2LT Thomson GA

December 10, 2009   By Zach Bowman, DriverSide Contributing Editor 
2009 Chevrolet Aveo


2009 Chevrolet Aveo
DriverSide Overview 
Last year’s heinous gas prices put a new spotlight on small , fuel-efficient cars for buyers and manufacturers alike. While there has always been a decent selection of inexpensive cars out there, recent months have seen the market grow like never before. New options like the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube have worked their way into a segment dominated by plenty of standard features, unique designs and low MSRPs. While economical vehicles rarely rake in impressive profits for carmakers, General Motors recognized the need for a low-buck offering in its own stable and brought the Aveo to the U.S. market in 2004. Built under the Daewoo banner in Korea, the Aveo offers good fuel economy, decent space inside and a low sticker price. Unfortunately, a few quick ticks on the option sheet can easily put this subcompact on the same shelf as much more expensive and comfortable hatches. Still, the Aveo manages to do well at what it was designed for – basic transportation.
 

What's to Like 
An attractive, familial nose and big headlights ensure the Aveo avoids anonymity in a segment dominated by nondescript cars. The optional, four-speed automatic transmission is incredibly smooth for this segment, and there’s plenty of headroom inside for taller drivers and passengers alike. The Aveo5 also boasts solid crash test ratings –five-star front and four-star side impact.
 
What's Not to Like 
The 2LT represents the highest-available trim level for the Aveo and includes amenities like power windows, locks and cruise control. Unfortunately, those are completely unavailable on the base LS model and only optional on the next trim treatment – all standard with most of the competition. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine can be noisy and the interior is largely what you would expect from a car in this price range. Hard, cheap-feeling plastics abound. 
 
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions 
Despite having only 106 horsepower, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine manages to scoot the Aveo around town without too much heavy breathing. There’s enough power for interstate passes, though the extra gusto is found high in the rev band, making a noisy powerplant even louder. Though we didn’t get any time with the standard five-speed manual transmission, the optional four-speed automatic ($925) is incredibly quiet and smooth-shifting. Visibility is good as well thanks to plenty of glass and large side-view mirrors. While there’s enough room inside for taller individuals, the Aveo’s seats are a little too uncomfortable for long drives no matter where you’re sitting. While leatherette interior ($375) is an available option, we found it to be less attractive than th...

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