2009 Chevrolet Aveo. (Courtesy of General Motors Media)
The 2009 Aveo gets an estimated 34 mpg on the highway and comes in two body styles-Sedan and redesigned Aveo5, with a choice of three trim levels: LS, 1LT and 2 LT. The sporty new 5-door style includes wraparound headlamps and circular tail lamps, a dual-port grille, and integrated front and rear fascia. The sedan and Aveo5 offer new features, including standard OnStar with a one-year safe 6 sound plan, XM radio with three month trial, a driver information center, an oil-life monitor, and a large selection of richly appointed interior fabrics and accents. The 4-speed automatic transmission ECOTEC 1.6L DOHC Engine Aveo5 I drove had a blue moon exterior with a charcoal interior.
The thing I liked the most was the 100,000 mile/5-year transferable powertrain limited warranty, plus road assistance and courtesy transportation. Every Aveo comes with a standard auxiliary audio input jack. My LT model featured an AM/FM stereo with four speakers, and a CD player.
Aveo side view. (Courtesy of General Motors Media)
Aveo is wrapped in technology. There are advanced two-stage driver and front passenger frontal and side impact air bags. An OnStar advisor is always ready to help protect you and your family on the road with nine standard safety and security services. The pressure monitor helps notify you when a tire’s pressure falls below a specific level.
Even though Aveo is purported to have more headroom than the Toyota Camry, it didn’t seem to be enough for me. However, with the rear seat flipped and folded down, you can pack up to 42.0 cubic feet of gear into the back. The sedan’s 60/40 rear seat split and folds allow a convenient trunk pass-through for longer items.
Aveo inside (Courtesy of General Motors Media)
Two major features are the 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway fuel cost, and the $18,000 price. But you really give up power and cabin space. It is difficult to activate cruise control back up to 70 mph because the engine just doesn’t have the power. I also feel a little uncomfortable when I look out the front windshield and can’t see the hood. Yet the Aveo has 5-star government safety ratings for front driver and passenger impact.
This makes a great first car or young couple’s car. Or even for an old geezer like me, providing you don’t have bad knees, need a container holder with a capacity of more than 4 ounces, or need to get out of the front seat and to the bathroom in a hurry.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net.
