Major Options:  4-Speed Automatic Transmission, Fog Lamps

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  24.47 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Aveo is decently powerful and offers many comfort and convenience features for the price. Fuel economy trails most others in the subcompact class, and curtain side airbags are unavailable. Small-car shoppers would be well advised to scout our Best Buy and Recommended choices before looking at the smallest Chevy.

John Biel Push a door shut and feel the lack of heft, or tromp the pedal to pass and sense the middling acceleration and you'll remember that this is an economy subcompact. But, in the top LT trim level at least, it's a comfortable and useful sedan with a decent level of equipment and mid- to very high-20s fuel mileage. Throw in that even at full sticker with delivery it's still a sub-$15,000 car and it becomes a true consideration for the budget shopper.

Major Options:  4-Speed Automatic Transmission, ABS, 6-Disc CD changer with MP3 Capability, Fog Lamps, Steering Wheel Radio Controls,

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  28.41 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta If Chevrolet wants to offer an entry-level sedan with a design so outdated and road manners so arthritic, it shouldn't have to import it from South Korea. This domestic automaker, which never has shown the ability to build a modern small car, could have done just as bad a job. In an age of the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Suzuki SX4 -- tall, roomy subcompacts with decent ride quality and forward-thinking layouts -- the ill-mannered Aveo sedan is not worth considering.

Damon Bell The Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio offer curtain side airbags and a slightly higher level of features per dollar, but the Aveo is a decent, livable vehicle that is a fine choice for shoppers on a tight budget.

Ed Piotrowski This is a decent little car in sedan form. Unfortunately, for the same amount of money as our well-equipped Aveo LT sedan, you can purchase a Suzuki SX4 or Hyundai Accent, both of which are more dynamically sound and refined.

John Biel Even our lanky official test sibling who could have used more rear-seat leg room on a trip from Chicago to Indianapolis for the 500 admired the relative room in the Aveo sedan. Ride and trunk space are other high points. Power is just so-so, but open-road fuel economy--even with car loaded--is noteworthy. It's too bad that antilock brakes cost extra ($400),but at $15,700--as our test car listed with options and delivery--the Aveo LT sedan deserves a serious look from shoppers in this segment.