2011 Chevrolet Aveo Reviews, Pricing & Specs

For those of you excited about the release of the Chevy Aveo RS, which debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, get ready for disappointment....

For those of you excited about the release of the Chevy Aveo RS, which debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, get ready for disappointment. No word has yet been seen regarding the release of the production version of that stunning concept, and despite being badged a 2011, the Aveo showing up in dealerships will look identical to the 2010 version. There has been conjecture of a late-2011 introduction for the revamped Aveo, but right now it’s looking like a wait until 2012.

There are still some changes to be seen in the Aveo in 2011 regardless, limited though they may be. The Cosmic Silver exterior color has been supplanted by Silver Ice Metallic, a change most will fail to notice, and the LT trim now gains cabin air filtration. A welcome addition is an upgraded introductory OnStar package that now includes six months of the Directions and Connections plan with its Turn-by-Turn Navigation, in addition to the full year of the Safe and Sound plan that was already included.

Otherwise, it’s the same Aveo, whose 1.6-liter inline four received an extremely modest (negligible?) power and economy increase in 2010 – 2 hp and 1 hwy mpg for the sloppy five-speed manual. Those increases placed the Aveo’s power output at 108 snarling horses, and economy at 27/35 mpg for the five-speed manual and 25/34 for the four-speed automatic. Sadly, while the manual provides a more responsive and efficient driving experience, its lack of precision is enough to make most opt for the automatic, and wisely. The 1.6-liter engine performs predictably, but isn’t a complete dog, offering passable power for everything but passing.

The Aveo comes in four-door sedan and hatchback configurations, the latter being designated the Aveo5. Both are available in LS and LT trims, with a 2LT package offered that adds cruise control, satellite radio, power windows, and heated power mirrors. Fully decked or stripped bare, the Aveo can best be described as “competent.” There are no major flaws in either design or execution, but nothing to make it stand out, either. The ride is neither overly comfortable nor tremendously jarring, the suspension is neither taut nor too loose, and the design and detail again plow right down the center of the road. This is all supposed to change with the release of the redesigned Aveo, which is aimed at replicating a more European vision of the subcompact that doesn’t need to cut corners in order to be dubbed an economy car. With that in mind, best to let the Aveo sit for another year. Trust me, it’ll keep.