2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Chevrolet introduced a new entry-level front-drive subcompact model for 2004. Essentially, it put a Chevrolet badge on a car designed by the now-bankrupt Daewoo Motor Company, Ltd. Named Aveo, the car was built in South Korea by GM Daewoo Automotive Technologies, which had been formed after it bought parts of Daewoo. Aveo was offered as a four-door hatchback and a slightly longer four-door sedan. Both body styles ranked among the smallest and least-expensive cars sold in the U.S. A 103-horsepower four-cylinder was the sole engine. A manual transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic optional. Aveos came in SVM (Special Value Model), Base, and LS versions. Standard equipment included a tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, and split folding rear seat. Available features included antilock braking, cabin air filtration, power windows and locks, and heated mirrors; a sunroof joined the list later. No side airbags were available. Chevrolet placed the Aveo on sale nationwide in early 2004, with prices starting at a frugal $9,995, including destination. Potential rivals included the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra, as well as the Nissan Sentra, Kia Rio, and Hyundai Accent.