2008 Chevrolet Aveo Review

Aveo5 Special Value Model ($10,235) hatchback comes with cloth seats; power steering; tilt steering wheel; four-speaker AM/FM stereo with an auxiliary input jack; a height-adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support; tachometer; rear wiper, washer and defogger; 60/40 split folding rear seat; and 14-inch steel wheels. Air conditioning is not included, although it can be installed by the dealer. Automatic transmission is not available, nor are power windows, locks, or mirrors. In fact the only factory option at this level is an engine-block heater ($75).

Aveo5 LS ($12,020) adds air conditioning and a greatly expanded option list that includes automatic transmission ($925); a six-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player ($325); steering-wheel audio controls ($75): cruise control ($250); fog lights ($110); a package consisting of cruise control, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and a security system ($425); a rear spoiler ($225); 15-inch aluminum wheels ($475); and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof ($725).

Aveo LS ($12,170) sedan is equipped similarly to the LS version of the hatchback, and offers a similar list of options.

Aveo LT ($13,920) upgrades to deluxe cloth upholstery and adds heated power mirrors, power locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, CD/MP3 player, security system, and 15-inch aluminum wheels. Perforated Leatherette is optional ($250).

Safety features include dual-stage frontal and seat-mounted side air bags for the front seats, along with front-seat seat-belt pretensioners, which take slack out of the belt in a crash. New for 2008 is a tire-pressure monitor. Anti-lock brakes ($400) are optional for LS and LT; we strongly recommend getting them because they can help the driver maintain control in an emergency braking situation.