The Good: Cheap, comfortable inside the city
The Bad: 1.5 engine not fuel efficient, low grade materials, lifeless steering
The Say: Offers a low price, but competitors are better buys.
Go For: 1.2L
Avoid: 1.5 LT
Price Range: P150,000-P350,000
Our Rating: **
Related Review: Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2008
2008-2009
Vehicle Overview
Apparently, this vehicle was an intended replacement to the Daewoo Lanos whose development was done prior to GM's takeover of the bankrupt Korean car maker and was the first to be released after the acquisition of the American car maker. The aim of this vehicle is simple: sell this vehicle at an affordable price but with generous amount of equipment. For the Philippine market, the hatchback was sold from 2003 until it was killed in 2009. Three years later, it was replaced by the Sonic.
Going inside the cabin will reveal two things: a not-so-spacious interior (although comfortable to be in) and a dashboard filled with hard plastic. Four passengers would fit fine though squeezing isn't that good plus trunk space isn't that big also.
Driving this car wouldn't inspire anything, it does the job decently without any drama. Occupants would be treated to a high seating position and an expansive outside visibility. The smallish 1.2 is more relaxed while the larger 1.5 is underpowered since you have to extract each gear to get you going. One thing to keep note for manual models is the location of the reverse gear, which is beside the first gear.
What Should I Get
Going for the hatchback gives you two variants throughout selling life. The sole variant was first released in August 2003 that gets an 83hp 1.5 engine and with initial equipment like power windows, power door locks (removed in July 2006), rear wiper, tachometer, CD player, alarm, and keyless entry. Updates occurred which added several equipment involved airbags in July 2006 and the return of power passenger side mirrors also in that same month (it was ditched in November 2005). Some units wore alloy wheels or steel wheels, depending on the year. A March 2008 update had an engine update and now carries dual airbags, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, rear wiper, all power features, CD player with MP3 and auxiliary jack, alarm, and keyless entry. Added in July 2006, the 70hp 1.2 model is basic at best since it rides on steel wheels, free of power amenities except steering, no rear wiper, no security features and a basic audio system with CD and MP3 function. If you are hell bent on this car, the 1.2 is we pick but you could do better.
How Much Would It Cost Me
Yes, it is cheap to buy especially that low resale values attract potential buyers. The good news end here as this vehicle has limited parts availability and high fuel consumption compared to rivals. Yup, maintenance costs are also on the upper scale when compared to the Japanese and Korean competition. Check out for the alternator and the transmission, weak points of this vehicle.
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