2005 Chevrolet Aveo | Review | Buying Guide
Still just an infant in the grand scheme of car models, the fresh Chevrolet Aveo is a vehicle that sits in showrooms under one of the least expensive price tags you can find anywhere. And though it is a subcompact car, it still offers quite a bit of interior space.
The Aveo’s no-frills attitude, combined with its pleasant driving manners, versatility and durability make it a favorite among college students and people on a tight budget. For 2005, the Aveo gets a few new exterior items and a revised trim lineup.
The subcompact was introduced in the fall of 2003 as a 2004 model. The lineup now includes a four-door sedan and a stylish five-door hatchback. Each seats five adults and is available in three trim levels: the Special Value Model, LS and LT.
Under the Hood
The engine under the Aveo’s hood is just peppy enough to motor you wherever you need to go, without hassle or fuss. It is a proven E-TEC II 1.6-liter dual overhead cam, 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine. It is able to produce 103 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm.
There are two transmissions available: 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual. Automatics have a fuel rating of 26/34 mpg (city/highway), while manuals do slightly better with a rating of 27/35 mpg (city/highway).
The Aveo’s 97.6-inch wheelbase is nearly the longest in the class, and it results in a smooth ride and stability. The Aveo is also equipped with rack-and-pinion steering that acts on a fully independent MacPherson front suspension. The rear suspension is a semi-independent torsion beam setup.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Both the sedan and the hatchback are roomy enough to accommodate up to five adult passengers, but the latter’s design gives it quite a bit more cargo-carrying ability. All totaled, there is 42 cubic feet of room to work with.
Though it’s definitely an entry-level car, its designers didn’t want the Aveo to look and feel that way. They gave it an instrument panel that includes a tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge and lighting dimmer control. The panel also has a center storage tray, lighter, extra 12-volt outlet, a digital quartz clock and a lighted glove box.
A power sunroof, premium speakers and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player are some of the options for 2005.
|
