2009 Chevy Aveo Review
Price Estimate: $1,310 - $2,052





+53
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Low price, high fuel economy, ample headroom.
Cons
- Engine lacks power, hatchback's small luggage capacity.
What’s new
Chevrolet has revised the Aveo's four-cylinder engine for 2009. It now has variable valve timing, and fuel economy has improved as a result. The five-door Aveo hatchback gets a face-lift and refreshed interior design, and all models now have an auxiliary audio jack and OnStar (with a year of service) as standard. Upgraded trim levels also get satellite radio.
Edmunds says
The Chevrolet Aveo is still one of the most popular -- and least expensive -- subcompact cars in the U.S. And although this year's revised engine and updates to the hatchback make the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo even more competitive, consumers are still advised to shop carefully and look beyond the sticker price.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
40 listings
- 95,307 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Angel's Auto Sales (109 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Aux Audio Inputs
Close
Located in North Chesterfield, VA
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (27 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KL1TG66E79B354704
Stock: 38173210
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-04-2023- 119,704 miles
- 1 accident, 4 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Keystone Auto Group (145 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Aux Audio Inputs
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Berlin, NJ
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (27 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KL1TD56E49B614723
Stock: TR-1159
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
Not too many years ago, those who made fun of Chevrolet's subcompact cars seemed to greatly outnumber those who would ever consider driving one. But when Chevy turned to General Motors' South Korean subsidiary Daewoo a few years back to build the Aveo, the result was an affordable subcompact that offered greatly improved quality over the small cars of Chevy's past.
The Chevrolet Aveo receives some notable changes for the 2009 model year, with a revised, more fuel-efficient engine that comes standard on all trim levels, as well as an updated hatchback model that's been refreshed both inside and out. These improvements make the 2009 Chevy Aveo a worthy contender, but they don't necessarily make the car a standout in the segment.
Because price is important when it comes to shopping for a subcompact car, it also makes sense that fuel economy would play a major role when considering which one to buy. And although the 2009 Chevy Aveo gets better gas mileage than last year's models, it's still a tad less than what's provided by the redesigned Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris and even the Kia Rio. As for the all-around driving experience, the Aveo is similarly mid-pack. Overall, we think the Aveo offers decent quality at a competitive price, but you'll want to take a look at top models like the Fit before plunking down the dough for a new Aveo.
Performance & mpg
All Aveos come with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 107 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic, the latter of which is only available on the LT trim levels. For this year, the manual now includes a shift indicator light to help maximize fuel economy. The new engine helps fuel economy this year, and the automatic-equipped 2009 Chevrolet Aveo gets an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.
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. Antilock brakes are optional on the LT models, but only on those with the automatic transmission.
In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the Aveo sedan earned a five-star rating (the best possible) for its protection of the driver and four stars for the passenger in frontal impacts, and four stars for the driver side and three stars for the passenger side in side impacts. The hatchback did slightly better, garnering five stars for the passenger in the frontal-impact test and four stars for both sides in the rear-impact test. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash tests, the Aveo received a score of "Acceptable," or one spot from the top.
Driving
While the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is certainly no thrill ride, it provides respectable vehicle dynamics. The steering is direct and the suspension is well-tuned for day-to-day commuting. The 1.6-liter engine is adequate, but it's not particularly powerful. We normally recommend that buyers in this class opt for a manual transmission, but in the Aveo's case, the automatic is the better bet. The manual tranny's gear ratios are too wide, leaving the car underpowered on highway grades and ultimately compromising fuel economy.
Interior
The interior of the Aveo5 was redesigned this year, which finally puts it in step with the sedan (which got its overhaul two years ago). The hatchback now sports higher-quality materials, "woodgrain-appearance" or metallic trim, a driver armrest, additional storage and other advantages over the previous Aveo5, which had a very bargain-bin feel to it. Both the hatchback and the sedan have a 60/40-split-folding rear seat that creates extra space for cargo. But although the Aveo5 has a respectable 42 cubic feet when the rear seats are down, it offers significantly less cargo space than some competing hatchbacks with the rear seats in place.
2009 Chevrolet Aveo models
The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is available in sedan and four-door hatchback ("Aveo5") body styles, both of which seat five passengers. Each is available in three trim levels. On both body styles, the base LS trim comes standard with 14-inch wheels, intermittent windshield wipers, cloth upholstery, a four-speaker AM/FM stereo with auxiliary input jack and OnStar.
The 1LT trim level on both the sedan and hatchback adds air-conditioning and an upgraded six-speaker audio system with CD player. Optional on the 1LT are remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, cruise control and satellite radio. (Power sideview mirrors are not available.) The 2LT comes with the 1LT's optional equipment and adds 15-inch wheels, front foglamps, a trip computer, upgraded cloth upholstery, heated power sideview mirrors and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

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Compare 2009 Chevrolet Aveo trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#20 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Aveo from 2008-2022.$436/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.49x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).11.6%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Chevrolet Aveo Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(30%)
4(22%)
3(20%)
2(21%)
1(7%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Nice car, check it out.
5 out of 5 starsRoy, 08/28/2008
2009 Chevrolet Aveo 1LT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
I needed a 4dr hatchback with automatic. My car also has the optional power package with keyless entry. Narrowed my choices to the Aveo, and the 2008 Fit, both of which had some minor pluses over the other. The Aveo has CC, drivers seat height and lumbar adjustments, and an armrest. It also has daylight running lights, an alarm system, and free Onstar for one year. The front end has … been redesigned, and the interior has been upgraded. The engine has a few more horses with improved gas mileage. I have been averaging 30 MPG in mixed driving, and the engine turns 2800 RPM at 70 MPH. Generally quiet with some road noise. Very roomy, great visibility, nice handling, and good acceleration.
How much fun is this?
5 out of 5 starsNC Dad-UCLA Daughter, 10/05/2008
2009 Chevrolet Aveo 5 2LT 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
About a month ago, I purchased a 2009 Aveo5 2LT for my daughter. The only options not on the vehicle were leatherette seats and a sunroof. After driving small, medium, and large SUVs for several years, I had forgotten how much fun driving a small car really is. My daughter needed to get to grad school at UCLA and we drove across the country from North Carolina (2700 miles). Since I am 6 … feet 3 inches tall (with long legs) I was concerned, but I found it comfortable, quiet, and with good handling, even on the day we traveled 680 miles. I was very pleased with the overall 31 mpg we got on the trip, especially since the little thing was loaded. It cost just $318 in gas for the trip!
Happy with the purchase of my first new car
4 out of 5 starsT. Jacklin, 10/20/2015
2009 Chevrolet Aveo 5 LS 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this car new off the lot. Within a few months I noticed a screeching noise out on the open highway in a cross wind. Come to find out it was something to do with the design of the vehicle (not safety) and after a quick fix at the shop, the noise was gone. I wanted a bare bones car. Lets features, less to go wrong, less expense. This car is perfect for me. It can be parked … anywhere, not overly spunky but can whip it on the highway. The fuel mileage is great, only a few minor repairs (mostly from lack of use, not over use) like creaky doors, a rear hatch release that sticks, heater only works on blast (at least it works).
If you are looking for something to get you from point A to B without a lot of bells and whistles, this is your ride. It now has 78,000kms on her, just had the control arm replaced today, new water pump a couple weeks ago. These are things that are going to need replacing regardless, and I think after 6 years that is fair. Still has original brakes, clutch, wipers, numerous other things. I am more than happy with 'The Intimidator'. I would buy another one in a minute. It's GREAT in the snow! (Granted you know how to drive in it. I am Canadian. I have this skill)
Alot of car for a subcompact
5 out of 5 starsLaurie Harrington, 12/10/2016
2009 Chevrolet Aveo 2LT 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
The O2 sensor was bad when I bought it but after that was repaired it's been a great little car. I changed the timing belt at 88k. Use copper spark plugs. She hates platinum. Freeway travel at speeds above sixty are noisy.
2009 Aveo Highlights
Hatchback
Aveo5 LS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $11,965 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $125/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 7.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Aveo include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalMarginal
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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