2007 Chevrolet Aveo Review: A Skimpy, Underpowered Subcompact, Even for the Price

The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo is dirt cheap, and you can expect to get what you pay for. Anti-lock brakes and remote keyless entry cost extra, CD players are exclusive to the higher trim levels, the cabin is cramped, and fuel economy, though good, might not match the advertised 27/37 average MPG. At a typical listing price of around $4,500, you could do a lot better.

Is the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 6/10 – The 2007 Aveo achieves the bare minimum requirements for a subcompact to be called “adequate.” It’s not a lemon, but it may have you longing for the relative horsepower and security of a high-end golf kart.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Legroom could be better, but 42 cubic feet of cargo space is impressive for a subcompact hatchback.
• Reliability 8/10 – The nicest thing you can say about the Aveo is that it’s dependable and, when something does break, it’s usually cheap to fix.
• Safety 6/10 – Crash test ratings range from poor to mediocre, and anti-lock brakes cost extra.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – It’s advertised to get around 27/37 miles to the gallon, city/highway. It’s more like 23/33 in real life, but still, that’s not bad.
• Value 7/10 – The 2007 Chevy Aveo isn’t exactly overpriced at around $4,500, but a superior-in-every-way Hyundai Elantra costs about the same.

What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo?

Consumer Reports call the Aveo “basic at best,” noting the wimpy acceleration, clumsy handling, and awkward cockpit layout. But, they note that the car is roomier than you’d guess it to be, and anti-lock brakes are available on all trims (though not standard), which isn’t always the case with a budget subcompact.

Kelley Blue Book praised the Aveo for being “practical” and “utilitarian.” They note that the car may be most appealing to RVers in search of a car small enough to can tow without killing their fuel economy. Sluggish transmission and cramped back seats earned the car a few knocks.

Edmunds noted that the Aveo is very affordable, nimble around corners, and features plenty of cargo space in the hatchback. The weak engine and unresponsive transmission cost the subcompact a more glowing review. Edmunds noted that real-world fuel economy might not match the advertised 27/37 MPG.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo Have?

The 2007 Chevy Aveo has generated 214 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with 82 of these being for airbag issues. Drivers report the airbag warning light staying on with their mechanics being unable to find out what’s wrong with the car.

There are 49 complaints on file for electrical issues with reports of burning plastic odors, leading drivers to discover melting modules and wires. A recall was issued in 2014 for overheating headlight modules. Complaints have been few since then, but not unheard of.

A recall was issued in 2006 for fuel line and fuse blockage, which could lead to fuel pumps running in the event of an accident, leaking fuel onto the ground. There have been a few reports of fuel leaks, but these seem to be unrelated to the recall.

In total, the 2007 Aveo has only been recalled twice, which is pretty low for a vehicle this old.

How Long Will the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo Last?

The Chevy Aveo is a relatively new nameplate, having not quite passed twenty years on the road just yet, so it’s still unproven. But, it’s been around long enough to have at least few models out there passing 200,000, even 250,000 miles on the odometer with adequate maintenance.

Repairpal esitmate an annual maintenance cost of just $358, with the most expensive common fix being a new fuel pump, starting at around $709. Overall, the Aveo is pretty cheap to keep running.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2007 Aveo is pretty basic. The entry level model is limited to an AM/FM stereo, while the high-end LT adds an MP3 player. That’s about as fancy as you’re gonna get in this car, so don’t forget to load a playlist up on your phone.

Safety technology is, likewise, pretty basic, even by 2007 standards. Anti-lock brakes are available, but not standard.

Is the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo a Good Value?

The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo is a decent value, if you can find it at a low price in good condition. Typical listing prices average in the $4,500 area, but the fair-market range goes from $2,530 to $3,700. Sellers will always try to get every dollar they can for a car, but if they won’t budge on the price, look for an Elantra.

In short: The Aveo is one of the best deals on the market if you’re good at haggling. It’s not quite fuel-efficient enough to justify a $4,500 price tag, but it’s a steal at $3,000.

What are the Different Models of the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo?

The 2007 Aveo is available in two body styles, being sedan and hatchback, and three trims, from the Special Value Model to the high-end LT.

With the hatchback-exclusive Special Value Model you’re getting:

• Cltoh seating
• AM/FM stereo with 4 speakers

The mid-range LS is available in hatchback or sedan, offering:

• Manual air conditioning
• Optional auxiliary input jack

Finally, the top-of-the-line sedan-only LT adds:

• Heated mirrors
• Premium cloth seating
• Remote keyless entry
• Cruise control
• CD/MP3 player

Fog lights, power sunroofs, anti-lock brakes, and remote keyless entry are available as options, but you’ll have to shop around and see what you can find.

What Engines Come In the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo?

• The 2007 Aveo packs a 1.6L inline-four engine delivering 103 horsepower and 107 lb.-ft. of torque at a reported average fuel economy of 27/37. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive.

What Colors Does the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo?

The 2007 Chevy Aveo is a bit of a tight fit. The back row stretches 53 inches across, which isn’t bad, but leg room comes up short and will have all but the shortest passengers banging their knees against the back of your seat. To be fair, it’s roomy for a subcompact, but subcompacts aren’t known for being roomy.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo Have?

The hatchback Aveo offers up to 42 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which is pretty spacious for a subcompact. The sedan offers 12 cubic feet of trunk space, which is enough for four medium sized suitcases and a bathroom kit.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo is the sixth model year in the car’s 1st Generation. The first gen was launched in 2002 and is technically still going in some markets, but was officially replaced by the 2nd Generation in 2012.

2005: The cabin got a few upgrades for 2005 with the addition of coat hooks and some improved trim materials.

2006: Side airbags were made standard in 2006.

2007: Sedans got a new dashboard for 2007 to optimize interior space in the front row.

2008: Tire pressure monitors were made standard for 2008.

2009: Some under-the-hood tweaks helped the 2009 Aveo squeeze a couple more MPGs out of the engine.

How Does the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo Compare to the Competition?

The 2007 Suzuki Reno typically lists for a couple hundred dollars cheaper than the Aveo, it’s 23 horses stronger without much loss of fuel economy, and it comes with an MP3 player and anti-lock brakes as standard features. The only advantage the Aveo has over the Reno is that it’s not easy to find a used Reno for sale.

A Honda Fit is marginally stronger than a Chevy Aveo, it’s marginally more fuel-efficient, and it’s marginally more generous with standard features like CD players and anti-lock brakes. But, with pricing starting in the $6,000 range, you might as well go one tier up and buy a Civic.

The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo is one of the cheapest cars on the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s one of the best deals available. If you’re going to spend four grand on a subcompact, what’s to stop you from buying a more spacious Elantra for the same price?

Do Owners Recommend the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo?