Is the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo Worth the Low Price Tag?
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With a base sticker price below $12,000, the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is one of the most affordable vehicles on the road. If you are a value-minded shopper, this enticing MSRP may have you thinking about introducing a new Aveo to your driveway or garage. However, before making your decision on price alone, it's important to understand what amenities your compromising in exchange for bargain-basement pricing.
First, the good news: the 2010 Chevy Aveo not only saves you at the dealership, but at the gas pump as well. With an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, the spritely Aveo beats out many of the best gas-sippers in the small car vehicle category. As a result, this Chevy subcompact will continue to save you money for the length of ownership.
Despite its diminutive dimensions, the Aveo is also surprisingly roomy. Four average-sized adults can pack into either the sedan or hatchback with reasonable comfort. Thanks to Chevy's "tall car" design, the vehicle is especially generous with available headroom.
Your happiness with the interior environment overall will likely be dictated by how high your standards are for a vehicle that is focused on value. To cut costs, the Aveo is filled with hard plastic components and less-than-luxurious amenities. However, simple and elegant touches to the dashboard and comfortable-enough seating both help hide some of the shortcuts taken by Chevy. As such, if you're not looking to be pampered, then the Aveo's interior may prove adequate enough given the low price tag.
Still, there are other vehicles on the market with similar pricing that offer a more refined interior. For a vehicle that is light-years ahead of the Aveo in terms of styling (and still meets low price requirements), check out the feature-laden 2010 Kia Forte.
While the interior my be forgivable, most drivers will likely be disappointed with the 2010 Aveo's driving dynamics. The 108-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder Aveo engine is anything but inspiring, and leaves a lot lacking when it comes to acceleration. This can make getting up to highway speeds a chore. However, if you don't plan on saddling up to these highway speeds on a regular basis, then the acceptable around-town handling of the Aveo may prove adequate for your needs.
If you'd prefer a peppier subcompact, head to a Suzuki dealership to test-drive the 2010 Suzuki SX4. For a little more, the sporty 2010 Honda Fit is a top pick for the subcompact category.
Safety is another category where competitors outclass the Chevrolet Aveo. Anti-lock brakes, which are standard on most vehicles, are only available as an optional upgrade. Worse still, side head-curtain airbags aren't available at all. The lack of these and other safety features results in a mediocre "Acceptable" crash test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
If safety is a top concern for you, then you'll like be happier in a Toyota Yaris (or most other vehicles, for that matter).
Finally, while you can expect the stellar fuel economy of the Aveo to save you money in the long run, a poor track record of reliability may lead to a higher level of costly repairs. The Aveo's standard warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, a time frame that does little to inspire Chevy's faith in the vehicle's long-term viability. For better long-term value, consider a Kia or Hyundai model. Both of these automakers offer better warranty packages that could save you a hefty sum in the long run.
When all is said and done, the 2010 Chevy Aveo may be an adequate vehicle for some value-oriented shoppers. However, the subcompact is hard to recommend given the clear advantages of several competing vehicles. Of all the alternatives on the market, the Kia Forte may offer the best all-around package at a similar price. Alternatively, options such as the Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa deliver a slightly better car for less money.
If you are disappointed with the feature set of all vehicles at the Aveo price range, you might consider buying a reliable used 2009 model. Picking up a year-old Honda Fit or Hyundai Elantra will net you a more capable car for about the same cost as a new 2010 Chevrolet Aveo.