The Chevrolet Aveo is beefed up for 2007
Cox News Service
October 6, 2006
Beefed up a bit for 2007, the Chevrolet Aveo gives you everything you need to get from Point A to Point B at less than $15,000. The Aveo also gives you a few things you don't actually need -- cruise control, an iPod jack, steering wheel audio controls -- but that make the commute more comfortable and pleasant.
 Photo by Chevrolet
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ABOUT THE CHEVROLET AVEO:
Body style: Hatchback, four-door sedan
Trim lines: Hatchback: Special Value, LS; sedan: LS, LT
Price: $9,995-$13,250 base MSRP; tester was $14,850
Drive: Front wheel
Seating: Two in front, three in back
Engine: 1.6-liter, 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual, four-speed automatic
Miles per gallon of fuel: EPA estimate 26 city/ 34 highway
WHAT'S SPECIAL: The sticker price for a bare-bones edition is less than $10,000. The top-of-the-heap LT style is $13,250 and includes cruise control, remote keyless entry, a decent enough 180-watt sound system and, of course, air conditioning. Add automatic transmission, and you're still well under $15,000. Before you start haggling.
WHAT WE LIKE: It's uncertain how the Aveo would ride on a long, "let's-go-see-the-redwoods" road trip, but the car is comfortable enough around town. The cabin is surprisingly quiet, and there is plenty of headroom, even in the rear.
WHAT ISN'T THERE: Giddyup. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine provides just 103 horsepower, the trade-off for less pain at the pump. That means merging onto interstate highways and other fast-paced roads may take some planning.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW: The fuel-efficient economy car is suddenly the hip, new thing. New competitors of the revamped Aveo, which is built in Korea, include the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. The Aveo powertrain warranty, like that of all GM vehicles, has been extended to five years or 100,000 miles.
EXTRAS: There is ample room for stuff -- three bags stuffed with lacrosse gear, a cooler -- in a trunk that measures 12.4 cubic feet. If you need more room, the 60/40 split rear seats fold down. Safety gear includes seat-mounted side-impact air bags that protect the chest and head of the driver and front seat pasenger.
AND ANOTHER THING: The 2007 sedan hasn't yet been crash-test rated by the federal government, but the previous model got a perfect five stars.
