2007 Aveo - First Impressions

asim · 08-20-2006, 01:03 AM

2007 Aveo - First Impressions
An asim Commentary.

I dropped by one of my local Chevy dealerships earlier today with my older brother to get the car visor fixed on his Malibu. Anyhow we were looking around on the lot and saw some new Flex-Fuel Impalas among others. Then I saw a brand new 2007 Aveo near the service center, sitting there in a gleaming red color.

Exterior Impressions

All I can say is WOW. Pictures do not do justice to this car. For being a car that starts at about $12,000, this car is elegant, and doesn't scream out cheap. Something that is fairly new to GM. The jewel like head and taillamps look like they belong on a car at least 3 times the price if not more. The chrome accents on the car are tastefully done, not too much is applied. Body colored mirrors and door handles make the car look more expensive than it is. Even the $34,000 Tahoe doesn't even have that. The overall design of the exterior is pleasent to the eye, something that can't be said on some of it's competitors. The fit and finish of this vehicle is great with tolerances of less than a millimeter all thoughout the outside of the car. Also the Aveo looks a lot bigger than it actually is.

Interior

I know that this picture is bad quality, I print screened it from a GM video. Stupid GM can't even take pictures of this color interior. The vehicle that I saw had Cashmere colored seats and an Ebony dashboard. The seats being Cashmere made a light and airy interior that was very pleasent to the eye as well as being in. The car had wood in it, of course fake but it looked good with the chrome interior door handle grabs. There was a lot of attention to detail in the interior making it look very fancy and upscale. This is a big departure from the crude interior of the old Aveo, and also a huge step ahead of the boring design and colors of the Versa, Fit, and Yaris.

The interior had quality solid plastics, but maybe a bit hard around the window switches and things. This shouldn't be a big deal for a car competing in this market though. Everything had a quality feeling to it though. The great fit and finish continued inside the car too with gaps that couldn't even be measured. The trunk was HUGE, probably the size of the Cobalt or a small mid-size car. With the 60/40 split folding bench seat there was a nice even surface to store even larger items.

What really will win buyers over

This car's biggest asset is its plentiful amount of features. The Aveo comes with steering wheel audio controls, cruise controls, MP3 CD player, tilting headrests (which even much more expensive luxury vehicles don't even have), front seat height adjustment, remote keyless entry, and just so much more. I talked to the owner of the new Aveo, and he said he shopped around and looked at the Yaris and the Versa. Now this guy doesn't seem to be a domestic type person, but he still bought an Aveo. He commented on how the Yaris is no where as elegant as the Aveo and it's lack of standard features. He liked the glowing of the gauges at night and also the silver trim that lined them. He also said that he really liked the Versa, but it was about $16,000, 3 grand more than the Aveo. He DID complain about the rather small engine (1.6 Liter, compared to the Versa's 1.8L 122hp engine) and how it only produced 103 horsepower. This will probably be the one and only downfall of the Aveo besides fuel economy.

Final Thoughts

The Aveo is a very refined and elegant car that deserves a serious look from subcompact and import buyers. The car's plentiful amount of standard and available features should impress anyone when looking at the price and size of the car.

DuSpinnst · 08-20-2006, 01:10 AM

It's only downfall is MPG, something the import people will harp over until the end of time. As if the only thing that matters is MPG. It's important, in this segment, but far from being a dealbreaker for some people. (people without a lot of money like luxury features too).

Strapping.Young.Lad · 08-20-2006, 01:11 AM

Ooh, Im Glad that The New Aveo is really nice.
I checked it out at the Auto Show last year and Loved it!

asim · 08-20-2006, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

It's only downfall is MPG, something the import people will harp over until the end of time. As if the only thing that matters is MPG. It's important, in this segment, but far from being a dealbreaker for some people. (people without a lot of money like luxury features too).

I agree. MPG isn't everything, it still gets fairly decent milage, although the engine seems to be underpowered. If I was to be in this segment, I don't want a high miles per gallon car that is crude and has absolutely no features at all.

mystikranger · 08-20-2006, 01:16 AM

Very nice, asim. The Aveo, to me, seems like the reasonable choice for the subcompact sedan segment. Abundant features, acceptable styling, value priced. Good job GM.

TahoeMikeZ71 · 08-20-2006, 01:17 AM

On Thursday I checked out a laser blue '07 Aveo Sedan. It really looks good on the exterior for being a subcompact car.

genjy · 08-20-2006, 02:24 AM

Good review and good choice of the word "elegant." The Aveo does indeed look more elegant than the Fit and the Yaris. I think the Aveo sort of looks like a mini-Buick sedan and the Fit sort of looks like a mini-Civic hatchback. I can't imagine the Aveo with aftermarket wheels and tuner parts; the same way I can't imagine a Fit with wood trims and chrome.

asim · 08-20-2006, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genjy

Good review and good choice of the word "elegant." The Aveo does indeed look more elegant than the Fit and the Yaris. I think the Aveo sort of looks like a mini-Buick sedan and the Fit sort of looks like a mini-Civic hatchback. I can't imagine the Aveo with aftermarket wheels and tuner parts; the same way I can't imagine a Fit with wood trims and chrome.

I agree the Aveo is simply elegant. You're right, having a ricer 2007 Aveo is just as weird as a nice looking Fit. LOL

genjy · 08-20-2006, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asim

I agree the Aveo is simply elegant. You're right, having a ricer 2007 Aveo is just as weird as a nice looking Fit. LOL

Let's see if elegance sell in the subcompact class... but personally I will take sportiness over Buickness.

Xenon · 08-20-2006, 03:00 AM

Its not a bad car, the engine is its only downfall. Would the 1.8 ECOTEC would do a better job ?

Ramair-WS6 · 08-20-2006, 08:32 AM

Once again this car proves that GM needs a 1.6 or 1.8L version of the Gen II Ecotec. Not to mention if it had DI thrown on it the Aveo would probably be the most technologically advanced car in its class. Now I know GM is strapped for cash but they have got to expand the Gen II Ecotec range and include DI as standard on every model.

mjd1001 · 08-20-2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

It's only downfall is MPG, something the import people will harp over until the end of time. As if the only thing that matters is MPG. It's important, in this segment, but far from being a dealbreaker for some people. (people without a lot of money like luxury features too).

Agreed. If the 4 speed automatic is only getting 34mpg highway, I'd expect it to have a little more power than the competition to justify the lower fuel economy.

If you are going to keep the Horsepower in the same region as the competition, then it needs better mileage.

mbukukanyau · 08-20-2006, 11:24 AM

Aveo will sell, MPG did not stop the older Aveo from selling

Buick61 · 08-20-2006, 12:18 PM

...so you didn't drive it...the best looking car in the world could drive like an enebriated manatee on a Segway.

And forgive me for being the hyperbole police, but the headlights and taillights do NOT look like they belong on a $36,000 car. To wit, I've attached a photo of a $36,000 car's headlights:

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

Aveo will sell, MPG did not stop the older Aveo from selling

Enterprise had a big part of that.

**nsap** · 08-20-2006, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buick61

Enterprise had a big part of that.

Enterprise seems attached to DCX right now. I went by two locations yesterday and both had nothing but DCX products. One did have a Cobalt though.

08-20-2006, 01:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
asim Firebird Concept (the turbine one) Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 11,271	2007 Aveo - First Impressions 2007 Aveo - First Impressions An asim Commentary. I dropped by one of my local Chevy dealerships earlier today with my older brother to get the car visor fixed on his Malibu. Anyhow we were looking around on the lot and saw some new Flex-Fuel Impalas among others. Then I saw a brand new 2007 Aveo near the service center, sitting there in a gleaming red color. Exterior Impressions All I can say is WOW. Pictures do not do justice to this car. For being a car that starts at about $12,000, this car is elegant, and doesn't scream out cheap. Something that is fairly new to GM. The jewel like head and taillamps look like they belong on a car at least 3 times the price if not more. The chrome accents on the car are tastefully done, not too much is applied. Body colored mirrors and door handles make the car look more expensive than it is. Even the $34,000 Tahoe doesn't even have that. The overall design of the exterior is pleasent to the eye, something that can't be said on some of it's competitors. The fit and finish of this vehicle is great with tolerances of less than a millimeter all thoughout the outside of the car. Also the Aveo looks a lot bigger than it actually is. Interior I know that this picture is bad quality, I print screened it from a GM video. Stupid GM can't even take pictures of this color interior. The vehicle that I saw had Cashmere colored seats and an Ebony dashboard. The seats being Cashmere made a light and airy interior that was very pleasent to the eye as well as being in. The car had wood in it, of course fake but it looked good with the chrome interior door handle grabs. There was a lot of attention to detail in the interior making it look very fancy and upscale. This is a big departure from the crude interior of the old Aveo, and also a huge step ahead of the boring design and colors of the Versa, Fit, and Yaris. The interior had quality solid plastics, but maybe a bit hard around the window switches and things. This shouldn't be a big deal for a car competing in this market though. Everything had a quality feeling to it though. The great fit and finish continued inside the car too with gaps that couldn't even be measured. The trunk was HUGE, probably the size of the Cobalt or a small mid-size car. With the 60/40 split folding bench seat there was a nice even surface to store even larger items. What really will win buyers over This car's biggest asset is its plentiful amount of features. The Aveo comes with steering wheel audio controls, cruise controls, MP3 CD player, tilting headrests (which even much more expensive luxury vehicles don't even have), front seat height adjustment, remote keyless entry, and just so much more. I talked to the owner of the new Aveo, and he said he shopped around and looked at the Yaris and the Versa. Now this guy doesn't seem to be a domestic type person, but he still bought an Aveo. He commented on how the Yaris is no where as elegant as the Aveo and it's lack of standard features. He liked the glowing of the gauges at night and also the silver trim that lined them. He also said that he really liked the Versa, but it was about $16,000, 3 grand more than the Aveo. He DID complain about the rather small engine (1.6 Liter, compared to the Versa's 1.8L 122hp engine) and how it only produced 103 horsepower. This will probably be the one and only downfall of the Aveo besides fuel economy. Final Thoughts The Aveo is a very refined and elegant car that deserves a serious look from subcompact and import buyers. The car's plentiful amount of standard and available features should impress anyone when looking at the price and size of the car. __________________ I'll make a new sig. Later. Last edited by asim : 08-20-2006 at 01:23 AM.

08-20-2006, 01:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
DuSpinnst Starship Enterpise Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 17,211	Re: 2007 Aveo - First Impressions It's only downfall is MPG, something the import people will harp over until the end of time. As if the only thing that matters is MPG. It's important, in this segment, but far from being a dealbreaker for some people. (people without a lot of money like luxury features too). __________________ The moderation here gets an F for FAILURE.

08-20-2006, 01:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Strapping.Young.Lad 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Canada Drives: 1982 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4x4 Diesel W/ 4" Lift kit Posts: 6,893	Re: 2007 Aveo - First Impressions Ooh, Im Glad that The New Aveo is really nice. I checked it out at the Auto Show last year and Loved it! __________________ 1982 GMC Sierra 2500 4x4, 6.2L Detroit Diesel. Dana 44 Front end, GM 14B Semi Floater Rear, Lifted 4", 33" BFG Mud Terrains It Eats Tundras, Titans and Ridgelines for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Formerly Known As: FordRules

08-20-2006, 01:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
mystikranger 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Waco, TX Drives: 2007 Chevy HHR LT Posts: 1,933	Re: 2007 Aveo - First Impressions Very nice, asim. The Aveo, to me, seems like the reasonable choice for the subcompact sedan segment. Abundant features, acceptable styling, value priced. Good job GM. __________________ Current Ride: 2007 Chevy HHR LT Future Ride: 2010 Camaro SS

08-20-2006, 01:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
TahoeMikeZ71 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 5,419	Re: 2007 Aveo - First Impressions On Thursday I checked out a laser blue '07 Aveo Sedan. It really looks good on the exterior for being a subcompact car. __________________

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08-20-2006, 02:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
genjy 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 5,139	Re: 2007 Aveo - First Impressions Good review and good choice of the word "elegant." The Aveo does indeed look more elegant than the Fit and the Yaris. I think the Aveo sort of looks like a mini-Buick sedan and the Fit sort of looks like a mini-Civic hatchback. I can't imagine the Aveo with aftermarket wheels and tuner parts; the same way I can't imagine a Fit with wood trims and chrome. __________________ 2008 5-cylinder turbo hatchback w/ 6sp manual 2006 4-cylinder minivan w/ 5sp manual Animal Crossing Wii 1805-5749-4471 mooz of DK MTN PM me your info and I will add you!

08-20-2006, 03:00 AM	#10 (permalink)
Xenon 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,859	Re: 2007 Aveo - First Impressions Its not a bad car, the engine is its only downfall. Would the 1.8 ECOTEC would do a better job ?

08-20-2006, 08:32 AM	#11 (permalink)
Ramair-WS6 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 991	Re: 2007 Aveo - First Impressions Once again this car proves that GM needs a 1.6 or 1.8L version of the Gen II Ecotec. Not to mention if it had DI thrown on it the Aveo would probably be the most technologically advanced car in its class. Now I know GM is strapped for cash but they have got to expand the Gen II Ecotec range and include DI as standard on every model. __________________ 2007 GMC Canyon SLE2 2007 Freightliner Columbia 14 L Detroit Diesel 515Hp/1650Ft-Lbs of Tq

08-20-2006, 11:24 AM	#13 (permalink)
mbukukanyau 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: In front of my computer Drives: 2006 HHR 2002 Corolla-Before I saw the light Posts: 8,058	Re: 2007 Aveo - First Impressions Aveo will sell, MPG did not stop the older Aveo from selling __________________ Before Understanding comes Faith "Legislatures represent people, not acres or trees"-Earl Warren

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