Used 2004 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Faulty timing belt and shifter. Lemon!
Timing belt broke at 47K miles (well before the recommended 60K replacement). As a result, I had to spend $2,170 to replace the belt and cylinder head. Also, shifter sticks when pulling out of park. These are two VERY common problems. GM refuses to compensate me and I plan to organize a class action lawsuit and/or take GM to small claims court. The only reason this car is still on the market is because not enough consumers are complaining. If you have the same problems, please speak up!
A fanastic car!
My wife and I drive about 110 to 120 miles a day (during the week) so we purchased this vehicle hoping to get a fuel efficient mile buster. In all honesty we thought that it would be a 'throw-away' car that we would not care much about. We were wrong. This little rocket has been fastastic. Very reliable, great fuel economy, incredibly roomy, and a joy to drive. The majority of our miles are highway miles and it rides as smooth as any car I have ever driven. You would be very very surprised, I was!
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $750214 mi away
- LS 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,699365 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $1,999575 mi away
Not horrible, but not great
Lets just say that thankfully my dad knows his way around cars or this review could be much worse. I bought my 2004 Chevy Aveo in 2008 with 95,000 miles, itÂs now at 116,000 miles. In the 4.5 years that I have owned it, we have replaced the gas cap, the catalytic converter, one of the pulleys just broke and the serpentine belt came off. (thankfully it wasnÂt the timing belt) I had the timing belt replaced right after I bought it in 2008. All new tires, replaced rotors (causing the front end to shake when I hit the brakes, nothing major). New muffler in 2011. The transmission sticks when it gets too cold outside. (ItÂs been doing that for a few years now).
Good first car
Not many problems my extended warranty didn't cover, but almost no point in the extended, most repairs under $300. interior quality could be better, i don't like the cheap plastic siding. cheap parts brake (they are usually cheap on any car though-windshield wipers) caps on the wheels keep getting stolen, a/c went a few times, just a wiring issue. rear brakes locked after i went through a car wash (dust and dirt got in, got wet, cemented) drive car after washing to dry out the drums, clean drums to prevent. payed too much is my only real complaint bought 2 years ago it was 9,995 for the 2004. had one issue with clutch, safety button failed couldn't start car, easy fix $80.
TIMING BELT BROKE
Many reviews of this car featured a broken timing belt. I have the same story, but it happened on the highway. Thankfully I was in the slow lane -- had I been in the fast lane I would have been killed. Standing on the side of a busy highway waiting for AAA is scary enough. Needed a new belt and top part of the engine. Total repair $2500, but four visits to the repair shop later I decided to junk the car and got $2500 from a dealer using figures from autotrader.com. No harm, no foul and now I have a brand new Honda Fit and vow never, ever to buy a Chevrolet product again.
I love my Aveo LS Hatchback. - 2004
I have driven a 2004 Aveo LS for 6 yrs and have not had to replace any parts except a gas cap (19.50). Mileage is great, seating comfortable and can hook up a canine seat belt to the back or front seat belts apparatus. I plan to drive it 2-3 more years.
Good little Car
I bought this car in April used from my sister. It has 71,000 miles on it and have had no problems at all. I also drove this car from Chicago Illinois out to Seattle Washington and it did great! It is a small car but actually very roomy in the interior, I have had multiple people say that. My boyfriend who is 6'1 and 240 pounds said he was comfortable. I take very good care of my cars and am always up to date on car fluids, check ups, etc. Not caring properly for the car may be the reason why people have problems with it. Always check to make sure the car was well maintained when buying used.
2004 w/206,000mi - no joke!
Best small car I ever owned. Two long trips 1. WPB, FL for 3 mos; 2018 was 6,000m 3mo trip from MO-PA-CT-VT-ME-MA-SC-westcoast FL-GA-MO @ 5'2 sleep in back seat. This car was made for me - hubs is a big guy & he felt comfortable in fr & bk seats. Have had normal wear & tear maintenance, although hi a/c doesn't work though I do have cool air fan, not a prob for me. For a used veh purch'd w/99,100mi on the odometer this car has been the crown jewel of the Aveo line. She needs a crown! Wouldn't mind knowing if my car (still on road) has the highest miles on this model.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Aveo
We bought the 4 speed Automatic pulls great in the high hills and handles great not a cramped feeling and I am a big man 250lbs + highly recomended
Crap
I have had this car right from the beginning it has been nothing but trouble. I have had problems with the radio and heater I turn car off it stays on, they supposedly fixed it several times, also had timing belt problem, temperature casing split, I replaced, back wheel all had to be replaced, oil or something spraying out, transmission sticks, brake switch had to be replaced, twice this car is a nightmare, called Chevy main plant and they didn't want anything to do with my complaints. Let me tell you, I will never buy a Chevy again no wonder everyone is turning to ford or jeep and I have around 78k on my car so reading all this I guess the engine is due to go. GREAT
Don't BUY!!
I bought my 2004 Aveo back in '07, was a good car and great millage. That said, if the timing belt goes, or, in my case, the pulley, you're stuck. The timing belt is worthless in this vehicle, and if it goes, and you drive on that, just for a foot or two, you vales, engine, everything is destroyed! Do not buy this vehicle. It looks cute on the outside but is crap on the inside especially the engine!
It's still a blast...
The 2004 Aveo is an amazing little car. It has all the interior room you could ask for in this class car. It really will carry four normal adult humans in relative comfort. Instruments are well placed and easy to read. The interior layout is extremely well thought out. On the outside, it's small and nimble enough that you can zip through city traffic and find almost anyplace to park. On top of that, it handles the highway with amazingly refined manners. It is relatively quiet even at 75mph. It can move away from a stop light smartly and it gets to highway speed in a reasonable amount of time, but it does need some help in the passing department. With 103hp, it takes some planning to pass.
Never again buy gm product
My car broke timing belt at a light and i am now replacing the engine. When it runs again i will trade for almost anything. You have to replace timing belt every 30,000 miles. They should give money back and take care back. crazy.
Would not recomend this vehicle
In 2007 we bought a 2004 Chevy Aveo LS used with around 55000 miles. At 65000 miles the timing belt broke causing major damage to the valves, guides, and pistons. At that time it seemed the only place parts could be obtained or a different engine was thru a GM dealership. A different engine was cost prohibitive. After sitting a year and two months I started working on it this week. In the process of repair I wanted to install a new transmission input shaft seal(automatic). The local parts stores said it was a GM item. Upon contacting my GM dealer they said you have to buy the whole case to get the seal. Cost around $1000. Chevys wonder, owners nightmare.
GREAT LITTLE CAR
Just check out timing belt if over 60,000 miles.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Unreliable
Replaced all 4 door locks, fell inside door twice within 4 years. Seat belts recalled just added cheap plastic to keep from twisting. Part that retracts seat belt fails after a few uses. Safety not Chevrolet's concern. Factory failed to seal gasket. Radio quit after a few months wouldn't turn on, daytime running lights didn't work within first 12 months. Mpg in town I have a car now getting same gas mileage as my aveo. Not reliable at all toward the end had in shop 3 out of 4 days. Front wheel bearing went. This car was babied and fell apart at 40,000 miles. Better have deep pockets. Not an low maintenance car.
Very Good Compact!
I own two of these cars, an '07 sedan and a '04 five door. I have been very impressed with the handling and ride quality of the '04. With some adroit shifting I have been able to achieve 32 mpg city/highway. I have had no problem traveling up a good sized incline in 5th gear.(altough many reveiwers say this is not possible). Altough the shifting may not be as percise as some of its Japanese counterparts, I personely perfer the longer shifter stalk in the Aveo. Altogether a very good subcompact.
2004 Aveo are Junk
The 2004 Aevo are Junk the timing belt goes bad and you have to buy a new Engine or spend as much as you have in the car to replace it . The belt comes off while driving and there goe you valves and head.only 3500.00 to get it fixed oh what a deal GM has going with this one . I will tell everybody who reads this not to buy this car or any one like it with a timing belt made of rubber.
2004 Aveo LS Hatchback
The main reason I bought this vehicle was the cost, and bought my Aveo without ever test driving one. I didn't really except a lot, but was pleasantly surprised when I brought it home. The ride is very smooth for such a small car, and engine is peppy (just as advertised). There is room enough to fit 4 adults comfortably (as long as all 4 adults aren't over 6' tall). The interior is well designed and the exterior is stylish. Coupled with all the above - add in great gas milage and I don't think that you'll be able to find a better sub-compact vehicle for the money. The LS mode comes with just about every option except ABS.
Perfect car for couple or 3 people
Most of the car is fine. Generally pleased with the car. It rides good. Holds the road well. Carpet/ seat coverings look cheap but wearing o.k. Had to replace the back seat hinge where it folds to be flat. Routine wiper/ hubcap/heat/air/cond/.. All done with a smile at routine check ups. Recommend this car for a good cheap ride. All of grandkids love it...
Love my Aveo
I just bought it only have 1000 mile on it. Lots of room on the inside. Get lots of looks when I drive around town since it is a new design by GM a lot of people have never seen one. GM is not doing any adds on TV has lot of pick-up hold the road on a windy day all in all quite surprised it isn't Cavleir thank god
I love my Kor-Talian Aveo
I absolutely love my half Korean half Italian Aveo!! It drives and handles with such confidence. No cases of leg cramps or claustrophobia in this baby. You get so many extras with this car for the price, you cant beat it!!! You'll just have to check it out!
Thow away car
Purchased brand new, never drove it hard. Took it on trips, always maintained the vehicle. 70k hits and the crank shaft position sensor goes out and the car won't start. 73k hits, the timing belt broke and now I have to pay $2000 for a new engine. Right when I got it back the transmission went out. Out of control
aveo is the best car I've had
The Aveo was my first brand new car I'm very impressed with the gas mileage I've never seen a car that they say has a certain amount city/hwy and it be true
Great Car
I've only had my car for a month now, but it's great! Gas mileage is excellent, the ride is quiet, and the car is safe and confortable. It's even big enough to fit my snowboard in the back! Great price too!
The Aveo is the best bang for the buck!
This car is the most affordable and well equipted GM car out there. It has the reliability of the GM company but the new stylish design like the more "hip" foreign cars. Even without all of the upgrades the car is great...but the upgrades do inhance the appeal of the vehicle. Overall I would rank the Aveo as my first choice for a starter car with class.
17K Miles & 15 months. I love this car!
I've put over 17,000 miles on my 2004 Aveo so far. As others have mentioned it is extremely peppy and has a surprising amount of interior room. I'm currently driving my Aveo 120+ miles per day including interstate, secondary roads, and city driving. And I'm averaging greater than 31 mpg. I love the small turing radius and the extremely responsive steering. I've owned several new cars in my lifetime and this is the first one that I've not had any problems with after prolonged ownership and driving. The quality has been excellent and I really don't know how you could expect more from a $12,000 dollar vehicle.
excellent runabout
We bought car new. No problems in 76000. this is a much better car than it's reputation maybe problems are due to improper or lack of maintenance. .
I bought a lemon too
I bought it at 1yr old and 7000 miles. First the engine light goes on if gas cap not tight. Windshield wiper bolt stripped so I only had 1 wiper working. After 3 years and 30000, break lights do not work. All bulbs blew at once. It's an electrical problem. Dealership thought they fixed it. 1 week later same problem all bulbs blew. After 40,000 miles shocks are worn, car getting bouncy. The last straw, The car was hit and totaled. Thank goodness I was hit on passenger side, because if I had been on the passenger side I would be a goner. The window exploded, glass everywhere, I was cut. thank goodness for seatbelts. All cars should have side air bags standard.
Honest Value over Status
This would be a great first car, second car, or utility vehicle. Value, versatility and more than a little verve. Don't let the price tag fool you.
Fantastic little car!
Purchased my black hatchback about a month ago, and I still look forward to driving it! Handles beautifully, love the Euro styling, and it's suprisingly quick! I find myself going over the speed limit all the time! The great mileage doesn't hurt either!
MySummerYellow04Aveo
I've had mine for 2 days and i love it, i have a Summer Yellow 4door hatchback, i love everything. It is a very neat car. The sport shifter is very cool. The handeling and ride are very smooth. When i got mine it had 27 miles on it, now it has 222 miles on it. If you take care of it, it will last. The warrenties are good as well.
Korean Quality!
This car was awful. I've owned it less than six months and I've had to put an average of $400 per month to keep it on the road. In the time that I have owned it, three of the four wheel bearings have gone bad, the tranny went, the engine is going.
My lady bug AKA my chevy aveo 1.6L 4cyl
Bought my Chevy aveo with 32000 and i now have 45000. just recent i had a new timing belt put on because there know to brake at 4000 to 6000 miles. something else you need to keep a good eye on is the plastic thermostat. upgrade is i had aftermarket cruse control installed on my aveo. Good luck if y buy the chevy aveo I had just these 2 problems with my aveo but any car can have problems !! I,m planing to buy another one my next Car purchase.
I love my car!
I fell in love with the car the moment I saw it. After looking at the ticket price is was even more happy! After the test drive I knew this is my car! I got my car fully equiped for around $14,500 and i could not have picked a better car for myself! Roomy, comfortable, safe, easy to control and nice sound system! I do like the "chirp" on the anti theft system. It is a great first car!
new owner, replacing Geo Metro
more power then Geo, but not as good mileage
suprised car
comfort,coazy and very solid car but not to sport driving.
AVEO
Shifting from 1st to 2nd, the clutch is a bit sticky. Hard braking seems to pull the car left a bit.
Aveo Fan
I've had the Aveo for about a month now. I have owned 2 Ford Festivas and 1 Ford Aspire in my lifetime. The Aveo is by far the best car I have seen in this market. The overall design is great and the engine pickup is excellent(the Toyota Echo that I test drove was a dog). Steering and braking are very responsive. Call me crazy, but I traded in my PT Cruiser for this vehicle and I don't regret the decision one bit...I still have a sharp looking car, better gas milage and a lower car payment.
Good, but falling apart
This car is great on gas, and the engine is running very solid. The only problems I have experienced was that the radio decided not to work after 20,000 miles, which really displeases me about this car. It is the little things I can tell why this car is priced as is, you get what you pay for. I am not bashing the car...it is a reliable car, but the manufacturer could have put in a little more attention to detail.
My review
Although i bought it as a second car to get me around town i have noticed a wobbley ride while on the interstate. Other than that its a all around decent car that handles ok in any road condition.
i am happy so far
i only have about 900 miles so far,however i am happy with the performance,ride and gas millage.this car was purchased to save fuel,so far it is doing the job.i parked a 5.6L binz for this. at first i felt that i would be dissappointed with performance,not so,i hope the service and duriability will be as positive.because my past experiance with chevy service was extremely disapointing,but that was in 1970, i quit buying chevy after that time until now.so''heres hopeing...
Dissapointed Chevy Fan
Fuel Economy significantly lower than advertised. Air conditioning performance declines every season, dealer has noted noise but did not fix. Wore out tires prematurely. Has suspension clunks in front and rear which dealer has noted but never fixed.Now it has a grinding in the front which comes and goes but "could not be reproduced by dealer.Our new car is now more disappointing to drive than the 96 we sold when we bought the Aveo. I have always been a supporter and fan of Chevy. The Aveo and Doug Chevy have changed that. I will never buy a new Chevy again.
great little car
So far this vech is a great little ride
Surprisingly solid so far!
I recently purchased the Aveo and find it to be amazingly solid for an economy car! The ride is smooth on the street and the highway, and I feel safe in it. The Aveo is superior to the Kia Rio when it comes to its design, both inside and out. Kia may offer a longer warranty, but you won't feel like you're driving a reliable car at all. It's a zippy, sporty car and if the Honda Civic had a little sister, the Aveo would be it.
The best overall small car out there
The Aveo has been a terrifc car so far. I bought it brand new and in the past year it has not had one single problem. GM's rebates and GMAC's low interest finance rates made the car an overall bargain. Compared to the Scion XA and Hyundai Accent, the Aveo felt roomier, more stylish, had more thoughful touches and in the case of the Accent, better built. Chevy deserves credit for marketing this European-style hatch in America, where five-door hatches have been unpopular and dismissed as cheap throw-away cars. For such a tiny vehicle, the room is incredible. Theres plenty of headroom and footroom in the front, although its a bit tight in the back, but thats to be expected. A terrific car
Wouldn't recommend one to anyone
Timing belt broke 45,000 took out all but one valve. Coil pack went out 55,000. Right rear wheel bearing went out 59,000. Catalytic converter went out 60,000. Alarm system goes off on its own 63,000. Right rear wheel bearing went out second time disintegrating locking up rear wheel, no warning. 110,000 windshield leak above steering wheel, only when setting. Hood release cable snapped 112,000. Rear hatch latch stopped working 113,000. Gas mileage never better then 32mpg
low miles engine blow
No Major problems with this car till now. Just driving along and timing belt broke and blew engine. Quotes from 2800.00 to 3500.00 that's almost half the sticker price which 7750.00. I just paid the thing off not real happy. The more I read about this money pit the more I think I should just get another car
Surprisingly solid so far
Zippy, sleek, excellent no-frills get from point A to point B kind of car. It's a lot of fun to drive, for sure!
First and Last Chevy
First off, the car driven before this was an SL1 Saturn which they stopped making, so I'm comparing it with this. The Aveo is nothing more than a station wagon too short to be of use. It's uncomfortable, noisy, and feels like it's going to tip over around every turn. It has no lumbar suoort and to add to the discomfort you can't adjust the angle of the steering wheel. The insturments are very hard to see the way they have then at the bottom of what looks like cup holders. The actual cupholders are unsafe in that you have to move your beverage to use the ashtray while you drive. It's perhaps the most unsafe car on the road. You can't even adjust the delay on the intermittent wipers.