DecodedCars2008 Chevrolet Aveo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /Ls/Lt, 5 4dr Hatch FWD /Ls
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 152.8–169.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,348–2,531 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2008 subcompact car (21.1 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo is a subcompact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 170 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,531 lb (4dr Sedan FWD /Ls/Lt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 34 highway), 28% better than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Aveo — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Aveo →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Ls/Lt | 169.7 in | 67.3 in | 59.4 in | 97.6 in | 56.7 / 56.3 in | 2,531 lb | 63/37 |
| 5 4dr Hatch FWD /Ls | 152.8 in | 65.7 in | 59.1 in | 97.6 in | 57.1 / 55.9 in | 2,348 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveo 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 27 | +28% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Aveo | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 27 | +23% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Aveo 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +23% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Aveo | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +19% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Aveo (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · May 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V261000 · 218,000 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles equipped with daytime running lights (DRL). In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the center console in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.
- Risk
- If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a revised DRL module, inspect the wiring connector for heat damage, and clean the DRL circuit grounds. Owners were sent interim notices on August 14, 2014. The recall began on February 6, 2015. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14236.
Not every 2008 Chevrolet Aveo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Chevrolet Aveo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 35 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Exterior Lighting — 20 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Aveo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Aveo years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →