Teresa’s View
This Memorial Day Weekend, don’t be surprised to see Americans taking a road trip to the local car dealer instead of the local campground. With sky-high gas prices, turning in that gas-guzzler for a more economical car is practically a patriotic duty.
If size doesn’t matter, here’s a compact to consider — the 2007 Chevy Aveo sedan. This restyled runabout is especially attractive if you’re looking for a solid commuter car.
In the oldie days, an entry-level car was little better than a scooter, and about as safe. These days, the Aveo, one of America’s lowest-priced cars, is a reasonably sweet ride. An improved suspension effectively absorbs most rough spots in the road and steering is small-car-nimble.
Powered by a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, the Aveo delivers 103 horsepower and EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 37 highway with the manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is an $800 option. There’s enough power to blast around town, but the little guy bogs when loaded with passengers or gear.
The Aveo sedan is available in two trims — LS and LT. The base version LS comes with air conditioning, daytime running lights, tilt steering wheel and floor mats. However, you must step up to the LT trim for power windows, mirrors and door locks. Front and side-mounted airbags for front seat occupants are standard on both trims, although side curtain airbags are not even offered. Other standard features on the LT include a new audio system with in-dash CD with MP3 player and inputs for your iPod.
Unlike the sedan, the hatchback version — now called the Aveo5 — remains unchanged.
What Is It?: The Chevy Aveo is a four-door, five-passenger, compact sedan and hatchback. Prices for the sedan starts at $12K with destination.
Gadget Rating: 6.8 out of 10. Controls are logically arranged on the mirror-image dash that allows Chevy to switch the steering wheel to the right side for the Japanese market.
The Back Seat: Surprisingly spacious for a small car, the Aveo’s back seat features theatre seating and, thanks to its tall profile, gobs of headroom and large windows.
Cupholder Rating: Triple Shots. Longtime readers will recall that I used to regularly rate a vehicle’s cupholders. Back then, you were more likely to see Madonna wearing a turtleneck than factory-installed cupholders on a new car or truck. Now that cupholders are obligatory, I seldom bother to make mention. However, I resurrect this rating because the cupholders on the Aveo take a step backwards. Like early cupholders, the rickety tray sits dangerously close to delicate electronic gear and blocks access to climate controls when engaged. A third cupholder is little more than a shallow divot at the rear of the center console. People. Have we learned nothing?
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Aveo is a car with a past. It started out as a Daewoo, a Korean car company that Chevy’s parent, General Motors, gobbled up several years ago. The Aveo is still produced in South Korea.