DecodedCars2009 Chevrolet Aveo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 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)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 154.3–169.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,531–2,546 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2009 subcompact car (21.6 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 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 30 MPG combined (27 city / 34 highway), 39% better than the 2009 subcompact car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2009
- Best combined MPG up from 27 to 30
- Lightest version 183 lb heavier
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 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 | 61/39 |
| 5 4dr Hatch FWD /Ls | 154.3 in | 66.1 in | 59.4 in | 97.6 in | 57.1 / 56.3 in | 2,546 lb | 62/38 |
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 | 27 / 34 / 30 | +39% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Aveo | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +35% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Aveo 5 | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +30% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Aveo | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +26% | $2,400 | 317 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Chevrolet Aveo (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Jul 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V460000 · 1,968 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the valves inside the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, affecting the closing motion of the valves.
- Risk
- If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge, in any vehicle that did not have its module replaced under a previous customer satisfaction campaign. The recall began in late September 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac). GM's number for this recall is 14505.
Not every 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Chevrolet Aveo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 77,087 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 2009 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 →