2009 Chevrolet Aveo LS

Chevrolet took steps in 2009 to provide further value with its ultra-economy car, the Aveo LS, with a 3-hp boost and one year of standard OnStar service. The outgoing 1.6 was replaced by an ECOTEC 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing, which accounts for the new engine's power increase while maintaining an impressive 27/34 mpg EPA estimate with the standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is available, but you’ll sacrifice 2 mpg around town for the convenience of not having to shift.

Front bucket seats with driver's-side height and lumbar adjustment come standard in cloth upholstery, with a split-folding rear. A tilt steering wheel provides further options for finding the perfect seating position, and a center console offers meager storage. While no CD player comes standard, an AM/FM radio with digital media player connection is a welcome replacement, since a DMP is much easier to lug around than a bunch of CDs anyway. A tachometer is not usually found at this level, and is another welcome feature. Variable-intermittent wipers and daytime running lights join a tire pressure monitor and an emergency inside trunk release on the list of pseudo-safety features, while dual front and front side airbags round out the essentials. The Aveo LS rides on 14-inch wheels with wheel covers.

By Michael Perkins