2005 Chevrolet Aveo LS 1.6 ecotec from North America

Summary:

Great little car!!!

General Comments:

I am surprised with all the comments I read on this site. Apparently most people had a bad experience with this cute little car.

I bought this car used for 4900. This car is 5 years old and has 59xxx miles right now.

This car run like a champ; quick pull, smooth handling, nimble, and great on gas too.

I installed a custom muffler to enhance the sound, but surprisingly it gives more extra HP. I can smoke my friend's 2010 Corolla S, you might not believe it, but it's true... The Corolla was automatic though, so as a manual transmission, I have advantage in acceleration.

I love this car so much, and it feels spacious inside the cabin. Even my friend who owned the Corolla admits it.

If the car dies, I'm gonna turn it into my racing project car!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2010

29th Sep 2010, 12:03

These really are great little cars and I'd take one any day over the poorly made Corolla. However, be aware that these care are very prone to snap the timing belts if you exceed the recommended 60,000 mile change interval. Better be sure yours has been changed. Lots of luck! Enjoy it. I test drove a new one and found it to be a better riding and driving car than any of the Japanese competition.

In reply to 29th Sep 2010, 12:03

29th Sep 2010, 15:31

You do know that this car is 100% Korean right (can you say KIA??)? Just checking.

I don't think the Corolla has a timing belt that'll snap and cost you over a thousand in engine repairs, so I would opt for that car over this one. Also, I would sooner buy a Kia, as they have a better warranty than GM. If you are buying the same thing basically anyway, why not go with the superior warranty, rather than a standard 5 year one?

In reply to 29th Sep 2010, 15:31

30th Sep 2010, 16:51

The Corolla has a timing belt just like the Aveo, and a far less reliable engine (read up on Toyota's recent problems). Also, the timing belt costs $20 or so, and is not that hard to replace. Anyone paying a grand for such a minor repair should buy a repair manual and save a ton of money. I replace my own timing belts, and the highest I have paid (including new gaskets, gasket sealer and the belt) has been under $40.

In reply to 30th Sep 2010, 16:51

30th Sep 2010, 21:24

I think the Toyota has more than proven itself more than the Kia. And actually if the timing belt breaks, you'll likely have a grand in damage to your engine. No kidding, the part is $20, but who replaces these things before they break? I'd rather buy a Toyota so I don't have to waste time working on it in my driveway. Funny how every GM affiliated car has some backyard mechanic talking about how great they are. Guess you have to be a mechanic to have any good luck with GM huh?

2005 Chevrolet Aveo LS from North America

Summary:

Cheap crap, not worth the cheap price

Faults:

It has failed the emissions test today due to a crankshaft position sensor. The engine light has been on for a few months now, because frankly, I cannot afford to get any of it fixed right now. It still runs, but occasionally it bucks on me and runs EXTREMELY slow, and accelerates poorly when the A/C is on.

General Comments:

I bought this car new with only 60 miles on the odometer. When I first looked under the hood, I noticed that the anti-freeze was pink. Unusual, but I assumed it was just the color they use in Korea. Within the first two weeks of me owning the car, I go outside to start it and it does nothing. Completely does nothing. I get it towed at the dealers expense, they bring it back to me saying the catalytic converter was in pieces! They repaired this under warranty.

Not even a month later, the car has to go back in the shop. They can't find anything wrong and send me back home with the car.

A month later, more problems with the car and they keep it on the shop at the dealer for almost a week. They replaced the main computer on the car!

The car was in and out of the shop so many times I cannot even count within the first year of use. It was about an hour away from being a LEMON.

A few years go by and I have no other problems. Then a few months ago, I start having problems again with it. THE MAIN computer again! I've also had numerous electrical problems with the MP3 player and the dash lights not coming on, or all exterior lights not operating on ONE side of the car, which I had a friend repair for me, simple enough. Not a week later, I have to take it back to the dealer, for that main computer.

Today the emissions were due and the car failed. The engine light has been on for about two months, but I've ignored it. I simply can't afford any more repairs with this dang car right now. The error code on the engine light, according to the emissions test was crankshaft position sensor. Again - another electrical problem?

Now - I hope this is under some kind of warranty. What I want to know is why these cars have not been recalled. I have had nothing but problems with it. And I've been keeping up on all maintenance repairs.

As for the space inside the car, it is roomy enough. The trunk does have good space, but if you put the front seats back far, there isn't much legroom for tall passengers riding in the backseat. But it doesn't seem much less than most small vehicles I've ridden in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th August, 2010