Faults:

Nothing big.

General Comments:

First of all I would like to mention that nobody including me or my family are in any way related to the auto industry (car dealers, car shops or parts sellers).

Second, this review it is about my car, a Chevrolet Aveo 2005, and is not a general opinion about other Aveos or other Chevys or the American or import car industry.

Third, I am a careful driver, adapting to the given conditions (weather, car performance, car condition, traffic, type of road...), who takes care of his machine (any model), who loves car stuff and can do small repairs (as a hobby).

Now about my Aveo 2005; I was very satisfied after 8 years of ownership with no major and unexpected problems.

Timing belt and water pump changed at 74000 km (it is a must).

Right front wheel bearing (I hit holes with that side) at 55000 km.

Tires at 45000 km (the car came with summer tires).

Thermostat assembly at 100000 km.

Regular oil and filter change with synthetic every 7000 km.

When I sold the car (Feb, 2015) it was in perfect condition, with all systems working, including A/C and the original battery (AC Delco - 10 years old).

The car spent 50% of her life in a heated garage and the rest outside (Canadian).

The car made 65% of the mileage on highway and 40% in the city. Average consumption 6 to 9 L/100km depending on the conditions (manual transmission).

That's all.

Faults:

The rear seat belt became jammed within a year of purchase.

The daytime lights need to be replaced at least 3 times a year. You can't turn them off (not good).

The front end suspension creaks and rattles, this also started within a year of purchase. I took it to the dealership I purchased it from, but I was told it wasn't leaking, so they wouldn't replace (it was under warranty at the time).

When I spoke of the other issues I wanted to have checked, I was told that I would be charged per complaint (absolutely ridiculous).

There is a funky odor that comes from vents when the heat is on, and I've noticed gasoline smells as well. There is so much, I could go on and on but my head is starting to hurt so I will stop.

Oh, and to the people who talk about test driving, your time will come...

General Comments:

It got me from point A to point B, but its time has come to an end. In the shop for timing belt issues (engine) and I still owe money on it. OMG... really!

Faults:

Repeated gear shift lock issues. Need to use the key to release along with the brake lights not working.

Read this link: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_fix_an_Aveo_that_will_not_let_you_shift_out_of_park

Easy fix, but the problem has happened twice already on my car in less than 40K miles. Many threads and posts for this issue. Chevrolet should consider a recall and resolve this issue, rather than reflect poorly on their quality.

Head gasket also went, but they do have a higher quality replacement part available.

Faults:

Timing belt needed to be replaced after 62,000 miles with no warning.

Engine light seems to go on for just about anything.

Stop light switch went bad after purchasing the car.

Thermostat housing needed to be replaced.

After just getting an oil change, the car is knocking pretty hard, among other little noises. Oil looks fine, but it looks to me like fresh oil lining the whole motor, but nothing on the ground. I am taking it in this week to have it looked at.

Seems to me like this is a problem for way too many people, and it worries me that I will have to purchase a new motor!

General Comments:

Although my Aveo has wonderful gas mileage, I have had nothing but trouble since I purchased the car in 2007. For a new car, it certainly makes a lot of noises when going over bumps and such. And like other people, I just thought it needed to be lubed up or something.

I have also noticed that the tread on my back tires wear unevenly, because it looks as if the tires are inverted in the back. In 2 years, I have gone through 3 sets of tires.

The A/C in the car has not worked since shortly after we got it. For a newer car, it has way too many problems.