Extensive Upgrades and Comfort 2007 Chevy Aveo

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  The 2007 Aveo, Chevrolet's entry-level sedan, got an extensive redesign. This model is now more upscale, with available premium touches such as chrome door handles and Leatherette seats. The 2007 Aveo is also slightly larger than its previous models.  However, it still relies on the basic mechanical underpinnings, or architecture, from the 2006 model year.  The Aveo has some serious competition, including the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent.  The Aveo stands its ground, though, with its attractive price, and, for an economy car, a surprisingly nice interior, and a nice amount of standard equipment.

The Aveo works best as a daily driver. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Aveo got only an 'acceptable' rating for frontal-crash protection and 'marginal' for side-impact protection.  Notable standard features include side-impact airbags for the front seats and an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music devices.  When Chevrolet redesigned the Cavalier several years ago, bringing it into a new class, the Aveo took the place of Chevy's entry level vehicle.  The Aveo's role is aimed at comfort and not sporty driving, which is what makes it unique from some others in its class. One concern with the Aveo, as with all small cars, is collision safety.

In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Aveo got only an 'acceptable' rating for frontal-crash protection and 'marginal' for side-impact protection.  The side-impact ratings can be compared among vehicles of all sizes.

Aveo Trim Levels

There are two versions of the Chevrolet Aveo sedan. The Aveo LS is the base model and includes air conditioning; variable-speed wipers; 14-inch wheels; AM/FM stereo; height-adjustable driver's seat; rear-window defogger and 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.

The Aveo LT adds power windows and door locks; remote/keyless entry; AM/FM/compact disc player; power/heated outside mirrors; cruise control; 15-inch aluminum wheels and a 60/40 folding rear seat.

2009 Engine    

The 2007 Chevy Aveo is powered by the same engine as in previous years: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 103 horsepower and 107 pounds-feet of torque. Transmission options also remain the same, with a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. The 1.6 liter four-cylinder is rated at 103 horsepower, which is adequate.  The Aveo's 103 horsepower is a few less than what's offered by the Yaris or Fit, each of which also weigh slightly less than the Aveo, increasing their advantage. 

Driving the Aveo

The Aveo handles well for a vehicle in this class, both through the city and on the highway.  The four-speed automatic on the Aveo is fairly quick to respond and the acceleration is adequate.  However, the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo is front-wheel drive, and like many front-wheel-drive cars it feels nose heavy, which means a slight pause when the driver turns the wheel and asks it to make a big change in direction.

Inside the Aveo

For 2007, in place of the previous Aveo model's molded plastic interior is a handsome two-tone dashboard with chrome-ringed air vents, painted plastic inlays and an upgraded radio modeled after units in GM's pricier cars. Other interior features include a standard 60/40-split, folding backseat and a fold-flat front passenger seat, which expand the cargo area for longer items. The noise and vibration from the 1.6 liter engine is well controlled for a four-cylinder engine.  Still, at high speeds the cabin noise increases quite a bit. The Aveo's basic controls, such as climate and stereo, are simple and easy to use.  The driver's seat is height adjustable, a nice feature for drivers of all sizes. One problem with the front seats is that the bottom seat cushion is a bit shorter for those with long legs, cutting some occupants short on thigh support.  More rear legroom is an advantage the Aveo has over competitors.   The Aveo's trunk is rated at 12.4 cubic feet, which is competitive in a segment like this and the back seat folds down for more cargo space.  Although the base stereo does not include a CD player, it features a standard auxiliary input jack for connecting portable music devices.

Safety Features

Safety features include seat-mounted air bags for front seats and seat-belt pretensioners for the front seats. The pretensioners  is a technology which takes slack out of the belt in a crash.

Conclusions

The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo sedan offers attractive pricing and a pleasant and comfortable interior. There is nothing about it that makes it stand out in the way of style, fuel economy, or driving.  Its fuel economy is actually below its major competitors. The Chevrolet Aveo is definitely cheap wheels, and could be in no class but entry-level, but it's an enjoyable car with a great cabin. Zippy performance and sharp steering make the Aveo fun to drive, while a decent ride and reasonably quiet cabin make for pleasant everyday transportation.  The Aveo gets upgraded in many ways this year.  Car and Driver finds "Nice textures, none of those hard, shiny surfaces that remind you of a truck-stop restroom floor." Cars.com says "The new model moves upscale, with available premium touches such as chrome door handles and Leatherette (imitation leather) seats." Fuel Economy Range for the 2007 Aveo manual is EPA estimated at 27/37 mpg. Mileage for the 2007 Aveo automatic is estimated by the EPA at 26/34 miles per gallon.