Is the Chevrolet Aveo the best value car in America? It might
well be, the entry level model is priced at just under ten thousand
dollars, making this financially viable for many American
families.
2006 Chevrolet Aveo: America's Price Leader
The only thing American about the compact Aveo automobile is
it's Chevrolet name. Built in Korea [or in China] by GM Daewoo, the
Aveo is America's price champion coming in at just under ten
thousand dollars. That's right; you can still purchase a new car in
the USA for under ten thousand dollars excluding taxes, dealer
prep, and destination charges. Let's take a closer look at Chevy's
bargain basement people hauler.
Available as either a four door sedan or as a five door
hatchback, the Chevrolet Aveo fills an important niche in the Chevy
line up as an entry level econocar. Priced nearly five thousand
dollars less than Chevy's next most expensive model, the Cobalt,
the Aveo allows for Chevrolet to contend for a piece of the youth
market. The Aveo is expressly targeted to compete against similar
models from Scion, Kia, Hyundai, and Toyota.
So, exactly what do consumers get for their money, particularly
with a base model? For starters, the Aveo comes with tires, a
steering wheel, bumpers, and safety glass. Seriously, standard
equipment for the Aveo is a 1.6L I4 engine paired with a 5 speed
manny tranny. Air conditioning will cost you extra, but the base
equipment list does include an AM/FM radio, rear wiper, a cargo
cover, and side impact air bags for the driver and front seat
passenger. Option packages include better sound, air, an automatic
transmission, and a host of other accessories.
With a 97 inch wheelbase and a curb weight of nearly 2350
pounds, the Aveo certainly is a contender in the lightweight
category. Headroom of nearly 40 inches allows taller drivers easier
access, but one can only wonder if anyone would find the Aveo all
that comfortable to begin with based on the car's size and the
quality of the seating?
GM Daewoo [50.1% owned by General Motors] recently released a
new version of the Aveo [called the Gentra in Korea] that currently
is only available in Asia. The new Gentra/Aveo incorporates a
rounder exterior departing from the dated wedged shape of the
current Aveo. No official word as of this writing if and when the
new model will make its American debut.
While the Aveo is certain not to win many awards, it does
provide for consumers possessing limited means an affordable mode
of transportation. For Chevrolet, who was lacking a basic home
grown model, the Aveo brings in buyers who might have otherwise
bypassed Chevy dealers and headed directly to Scion or Kia for
their first car. Beyond that the Aveo is a truly forgettable car
and first time buyers may want to consider a good used car
instead.
About the Author
Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Race Pages
as well as an automotive fan. For the best Chevrolet parts, including BBK
headers, or for quality DC Sports headers, shop our store today!