For 2011, the Chevy Aveo5 gets a standard cabin air filter and a free six months of OnStar's Directions and Connections plan.
On paper, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 looks as if it could be a front runner in the subcompact economy car segment. Cheap price? High fuel economy? Respectable handling.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 is available as either a sedan or a four-door hatchback, dubbed the Aveo5. The Aveo5 hatchback in 2LT form also comes with a rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance
The official EPA mileage estimates for the Aveo are respectable for this class, with a manual-equipped example achieving 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. An Aveo with the automatic transmission drops to 25/34/28 mpg.
Safety
Front-seat side airbags are standard on all trim levels, but side curtain airbags (a feature that is increasingly common on subcompacts) aren't available. Stability control isn't offered.
In government crash tests, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 sedan earned a top five-star rating for the driver and four stars for the passenger in frontal impacts. IIHS side-impact testing resulted in the second-lowest "Marginal" score.
Both the sedan and 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 hatchback feature a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that allows for the transport of longer items.
Driving Impressions
Contrary to our customary recommendation to choose a manual transmission in this segment, the Aveo's automatic seems to be the better choice.