Used 2007 Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet brings its re-designed entry-level, economy subcompact four-door Aveo into dealerships as a slew of other fuel-efficient small sedans race into showrooms to beat the continuing gas crunch. Appealing to its target buyers by matching marketing strategies with webcasts for the digital generation, the affordable Aveo model line is aimed at first-time buyers, young singles, small families and train-station commuters.

Driving a car as uncomplicated as the Aveo LT releases you from constantly checking the myriad of messages on lavish instrument panels in pricier cars. With an eye occasionally on the speedometer, the driver is free to enjoy the surprising capabilities of the Aveo LT’s zippy little 103-horsepower engine once you reach your preferred cruising pace. There is no available stability-control system, although anti-lock brakes (ABS) are an option. A slight lean is noticeable on corners taken at speed but the overall driving experience is precise and pleasant, with the car holding the line during straight, hard braking. As to be expected from this category of car, some tire, wind and engine noise is par for the course.

Small touches of metallic grain and satin chrome trim give an upscale look to the interior. Front seats with tilt headrests, storage pockets in doors and seatbacks, a sunglass holder and six-way adjustable driver’s seat are features you’d expect in a higher-priced car. The dashboard is a masterpiece of simplicity, clearly showing all the information the driver needs to get from point A to point B. The front passenger seat reclines and, with a trunk capacity of 12.4 cubic feet and rear 60/40-split seats that fold almost flat, there’s plenty of room for the longest skis.

For what it is, a full-featured economy subcompact built by General Motors Daewoo in Korea, the Aveo LT is a competently-designed four-door whose sheetmetal blends smoothly together to present a neat package. The V-shaped hood and strong grille reveal its Chevrolet heritage and emphasize its wide stance. Large "shoulders" over the wheels, oversized front and rear lights and a height of almost five feet gives it the appearance of a larger sedan.

Input Jack
With an eye on youthful buyers who enjoy music 24/7, the Aveo LT has an auxiliary input jack for iPods and other music players and electronic devices. The sound is carried through the car radio and six speakers with exceptional quality.

Fuel Economy
Saving on gas bills is high on everyone’s list and Aveo buyers are obviously looking for this benefit. The LT’s automatic transmission rewards you with 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, depending on road conditions and driving style.

Despite its low-end status, the Aveo LT houses a surprising amount of useful equipment found on more expensive cars, including remote keyless entry with alarm, cruise control, air conditioning with rear vents, side airbags and power heated sideview mirrors. The remote trunk release saves time fumbling with keys and the rear window defogger, tilt steering column and headrests are unexpected extra conveniences. Music lovers will appreciate the LT’s standard CD/MP3 player and 180-watt six-speaker system. Power windows and door locks lift this model above many of its manual-handle, similarly-priced competitors.

Chevrolet’s Hold-Control four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive uses adaptive-shift technology. It helps to reduce wheel spin and loss of traction by allowing the driver to manually select a different gear so that torque to the wheels is reduced, much as with a true manual transmission. Like audio controls at your fingertips? The LT installs them at thumb level on the steering wheel. Other options include a sunroof, leatherette seats, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, an engine block heater and an anti-theft system.

General Motors’ 16-valve four-cylinder engine powers the Aveo LT, producing 103 horsepower. An electronic throttle control and variable induction system help maximize power across the rpm range for consistency and fuel economy, and the four-speed automatic transmission’s Hold Control mode provides a pseudo-manual operation the driver can select for sportier or more controlled driving. The re-tuned 2007 suspension helps with handling.

1.6-liter in-line 4
103 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
107 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/37 (manual), 26/34 (automatic)