Chevy Aveo New Owner Reports!

Replying to: heyphillip (Aug 19, 2006 12:35 pm)

this is coming from a friend of mine, that still lives in Quebec, Canada (where they MAKE the snow ) she has an aveo 06 sedan and she said it does just fine in the snow, no problem whatsoever, but she also add that she is using good new winter tires, not 4 seasons ones.

As someone who did extensive research, comparing, and test driving of similar small vehicles [Honda Fit, Toyota Matrix/Yaris, Scion XA], I am writing in hopes that yet another positive review of the Aveo LT Hatchback will encourage those blinded by the fantastic marketing ploys of Honda, Nissan and Toyota to look elsewhere. Prior to the recent purchase of my 2006 Aveo, I owned a 2004 Subaru Outback that was plagued with an unidentifiable noise that could not be fixed and/or diagnosed. Although I attempted to go the Lemon route, I ultimately decided that it was not worth the effort beings I work with attorneys and understand how long litigation can play out. In any event, I am not one bit sorry that the Subaru is now a distant memory. My Aveo came fully loaded just as the writer above and for the price the Honda Fit and Scion XA just did not compare. Although the Fit was adorable, it did not offer a sunroof or floor mats [shame on Honda] and when you couple that with the mark-up that the dealers are charging in So.Cal., it just was not worth it. Then you have the Scion, which just looked cheap all the way around [shame on Toyota]. The only thing both could boast was a bit better gas mileage. Oh and don't get me wrong I have owned in the past Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Volkswagen and Chevy. On my first tank in the Aveo we calculated 25 mph city driving, which makes me jump for joy beings my 4 cylinder/5 speed Subaru only got 19 mph city -- what a joke. With gas prices going up, up and up, I think it only makes sense to go small no matter what car manufacturer you chose. Anyway, without going on and on I just want to say kuddos to Chevrolet for making a product that did not insult those who could not afford more, as well as those who just wanted more for less. I am a 40 something woman who knows and appreciates quality and felt that overall for the price the Aveo was surely the better buy. Remember all manufacturers are capable of making a lemon or two so do not be fooled by those individuals who have had bad experiences with a certain brand of vehicle -- every manufacturer is capable of producing a lemon or two.

Replies to this message:
• canuck785 (Sep 12, 2006 9:01 am)
  • rhonda10 (Sep 13, 2006 7:19 am)
    • canuck785 (Sep 13, 2006 11:08 am) and 4 more...
  • kritta16 (Feb 08, 2007 9:50 am)
• akveevo (May 13, 2007 5:38 am)

Replying to: rhonda10 (Sep 11, 2006 1:04 pm)

Replies to this message:
• rhonda10 (Sep 13, 2006 7:19 am)
  • canuck785 (Sep 13, 2006 11:08 am)
    • rhonda10 (Sep 13, 2006 1:48 pm) and 3 more...
• kritta16 (Feb 08, 2007 9:50 am)

Replying to: canuck785 (Sep 12, 2006 9:01 am)

Thank you.
 
I actually went to a Toyota dealership and looked at the only Yaris hatchback that I could find. Although I loved the concept and design, unfortunately my needs were 4 doors as opposed to 2, as well as rear seats that would fold completely flat. I show dogs and need to have a flat solid surface for dog crates. Had the Yaris offered those two features, I would have probably bought one.
 
Prior to purchasing my Aveo I actually did two different test drives to ensure that: (1) it had enough get up and go on the freeway; (2) strong air conditioning; (3) comfort; (4) and last but not least enough room with the rear sets folded to hold all my dog stuff. Overall, I was very impressed with the design and huge amount of room for cargo. Go to a dealership and have them fold the seats up for you and you will be amazed. Someone submitted a picture on this site of a mountain bike in the back of an Aveo.
 
I also was considering the Suzuki Aero, but unfortunately could not find one at any of the dealerships to look at, which were also far and few in between. I forgot to mention in my earlier writing that my husband owned a Suzuki Samuri early in our marriage and although the little car had no guts, it was absolutely the best with regards to maintenance and reliability. My sister also owned the same car, which she loved until it was totalled by an ambulance hitting her -- go figure.
 
With regards to warranty, although it is nice that a manufacturer offers such a long one, remember that you can always purchase separately an extended one from the dealership. Although the Chevy dealership offered me one initially to 75,000 at a cost of $800.00, they could not beat my credit union whose warranty is to a 100,000 for $600.00. Because I currently have and had used the one from my credit union on our Silverado truck, I did hesitate to purchase another.
 
The bottom line is to go with the car that fits your needs and taste. For me that was the Aveo. Good luck!!!!!!

Replies to this message:
• canuck785 (Sep 13, 2006 11:08 am)
  • rhonda10 (Sep 13, 2006 1:48 pm)
    • canuck785 (Sep 14, 2006 10:34 am) and 2 more...

Replying to: rhonda10 (Sep 13, 2006 7:19 am)

thank you for your reply!
 
I have to admit, the yaris looks really cute! but like you, i'd prefer 4 doors, i also have 2 dogs, (big Labs-95 lbs--not sure they will fit in an aveo... )
i already drove one, and i really liked it. I also like the fact taht the seats flip flop, giving more room and a flat floor.
the aveo, IMO, offers a lot for the price and gets excellent gas mileage (important for me)and i love the color choice too!!
 
i did not think about the extended warranty...will look into it when purchase time comes, see if it is worth it.
 
I am in the same situation for the suzuki dealers, in fact most dealerships are at least 50+ miles away...except the Chevy ones, I have 3 to choose from in a 25 miles radius.
i live in a VERY rural area and having a dealership within a short drive is sure a plus.
 
I also check with my insurance company and the lowest cost was the Yaris at 54$/mth and the suzuki Reno was the most expensive one at 76$/mth...the aveo was 63$/mth.
 
when i started shopping for a car a few months ago, the pontiac vibe was my 1st choice but i wanted to see othere cars because the vibe was a little bit too expensive so entered the aveo!! even after comparing the scions, the yaris, the rio5 and the reno, i keep going back the aveo.
I will take a look at the new suzuki sx4 and see from there.

Replies to this message:
• rhonda10 (Sep 13, 2006 1:48 pm)
  • canuck785 (Sep 14, 2006 10:34 am)
    • rhonda10 (Sep 14, 2006 2:29 pm) and 1 more...

Replying to: canuck785 (Sep 13, 2006 11:08 am)

Replies to this message:
• canuck785 (Sep 14, 2006 10:34 am)
  • rhonda10 (Sep 14, 2006 2:29 pm)
    • canuck785 (Sep 15, 2006 10:48 am)

Replying to: rhonda10 (Sep 13, 2006 1:48 pm)

i agree with you, chevy did a very good job with the color choice, they are all pretty nice.
the aveo comes in 11 colors and that is the best choice in the category!
 that is something that bothers me with the scion...no colors really does it for me, same with the yaris and versa.
 I am really tempted with the spicy orange and the icelandic blue is nice too, not a gray or a blue but like in between. there is not really any color that would keep me from getting one but the yellow would be my least favorite...
 already had a yellow geo metro convertible in the past...
 someone in town(ok " the village"...LOL) owns the sporty red,( a deep darker shade of red) and it looks NICE! gives the aveo some kind of a classy feel to it.
 
we also own a chevy truck, an "ol chevy s-10( i think it is a 1990) with over 225.000 miles on it and it works perfectly! ok, it doesn't go very fast but it has been a very reliable truck.

Replies to this message:
• rhonda10 (Sep 14, 2006 2:29 pm)
  • canuck785 (Sep 15, 2006 10:48 am)

Replying to: canuck785 (Sep 14, 2006 10:34 am)

I love the darker red color. The problem in my area was that the only colors that the dealers seemed to have with the sunroof was the Maui Blue and Yellow. My husband did not like the yellow at all and you know the funny thing is that I am starting to see more and more yellow cars this year. Prior to seeing the Aveo in yellow I thought it was a hideous color. Kinda funny how your opinions change.
 
Wow, that is a great mileage testiment on the Chevy s-10. That was what my dad owned and had it not been for it being totalled in a freak accident, I bet my dad would still be driving it. My parents now have a Malibu, which has also been a great car.
 
Whatever color you decide to go with will be fine. Be sure and write back once you get your car.

Replies to this message:
• canuck785 (Sep 15, 2006 10:48 am)

Replying to: rhonda10 (Sep 14, 2006 2:29 pm)

Replies to this message:
• micweb (Jan 19, 2007 1:19 pm)