16th Place:
Chevrolet Aveo
Overview:
The Aveo is not a bad little car. High seats
make good use of the minimal available interior
space to provide acceptable comfort in the front
and back, the interior is attractive and
well-constructed, and the car rides fairly
comfortably and quietly. But the general
adequacy that the Aveo offers isn't good enough
at $15,000, when there are areas where it
clearly falls short in this class and when more
substantial competitors are available at the
same price point.
Driving the
Aveo:
The Aveo has a comfortable, absorbent, and
fairly steady ride, but it recovers slowly after
large bumps. Despite its compact dimensions it
doesn’t handle nimbly. Body roll is excessive,
and the steering is overassisted. The engine is
smooth but weak; though it has acceptable power
off the line, it loses steam at higher speeds.
Wind and road noise are consistently audible but
generally unobtrusive. Gas mileage is low for a
subcompact, despite the car’s low weight and
small engine.
Inside the
Aveo:
The Aveo has fairly roomy, high-mounted front
seats, but the cushions are a bit short and
narrow. The rear is a bit cramped, but occupants
can be reasonably comfortable on the high,
well-shaped seats. The interior is attractive
and uses mostly high-quality materials, though
some trim pieces could fit better. The
instruments are mounted high and simple to use,
though some buttons could be larger, and the
gauges are clear. Entry/exit is easy to the
front, a bit harder to the rear. Drivers sit
comfortably, but visibility is impeded by thick
roof pillars. The trunk is acceptably roomy and
easy to access.
Aveo pricing:
The
Aveo comes in
at $15,009, nearly fully-loaded. However, a
nearly-loaded Aveo is still equipped primarily
with the basics, with alloy wheels being the
only extra beyond the expectations of the class.
It also lacks side-curtain airbags.
Conclusion:
As subcompact
sedans go, the Aveo is the nicest, with a
relatively rich and comfortable interior, and
relatively smooth and quiet ride. But at $15,000
and 26 miles per gallon, it is no cheaper or
fuel-efficient than many compact sedans, which
meet a higher standard of space and comfort than
the Aveo.
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