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Photo of a Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet Aveo

America's 138 hp turbo Sonic: suspension tuned by Corvette Racing engineer John Buttermore.1

Researched November 2, 2026 from 25 sources

Also called

  • AfeoA dismissive name used by Aveo detractors.2

At a glance

0100200
68–138 hpPower
0100200
172–177 km/hTop speed
0150300
115–210 N·mTorque

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.11112

Engine
Gasoline I4s: 1.2–1.8 L; T300: 1.4 turbo/1.3 diesel; 310C: 1.5 L1
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive1
Gearbox
T200: 5MT/4AT; T300: 5–6MT/6AT; 310C: 6MT/CVT14
Built at
Kalos: Bupyeong, S. Korea; Sonic: Orion Assembly, USA; 310C: SGMW Liuzhou, China1410

The story

Chevrolet filled its U.S. small-car gap in 2004 with Daewoo's Kalos. Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign shaped the original, a sedan-and-hatchback family sold in 120 countries under seven brands.34

2002: Kalos replaces the Lanos20022010: RS preview, Paris production debut20102011: Orion starts building the Sonic20112013: RS adds shorter gears and rear discs20132017: Two airbags, zero adult stars again20172018: Mexico's Aveo is a Chinese-built Sail20182020: October 20: the U.S. Sonic bows out20202023: Chevrolet and Wuling add a hatchback2023 Geo / Chevrolet Metro: 1989–2001Geo / Chevrolet MetroDaewoo Lanos (T100 / T150): 1997–2020T100 / T150Chevrolet Aveo / Daewoo Kalos (T200 / T250): 2002–2023T200 / T250Chevrolet Aveo / Sonic (T300): 2011–2020T300Chevrolet Aveo (Sail-based): 2017–2023Chevrolet Aveo (third generation) (310C): 2023–present310C 19901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones13491516
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1989–2001Geo / Chevrolet Metro
1997–2020Daewoo Lanos (T100 / T150)
2002–2023Chevrolet Aveo / Daewoo Kalos (T200 / T250)
2011–2020Chevrolet Aveo / Sonic (T300)
2017–2023Chevrolet Aveo (Sail-based)
2023–presentChevrolet Aveo (third generation) (310C)
2002Kalos replaces the Lanos
2010RS preview, Paris production debut
2011Orion starts building the Sonic
2013RS adds shorter gears and rear discs
2017Two airbags, zero adult stars again
2018Mexico's Aveo is a Chinese-built Sail
2020October 20: the U.S. Sonic bows out
2023Chevrolet and Wuling add a hatchback
  1. 2002

    Kalos replaces the Lanos

    Daewoo launched the Kalos to replace the Lanos. Italdesign's shape grew from the Kalos Dream concept first shown in Paris in 2000.1

  2. 2010

    RS preview, Paris production debut

    After RS show-car appearances in Detroit and Geneva, the second-generation Aveo debuted in Paris on GM's Gamma II platform.15

  3. 2011

    Orion starts building the Sonic

    U.S. Sonic production began on August 2. Its water-based three-wet paint process used 50% less energy per car and eliminated the primer bake oven.1

  4. 2013

    RS adds shorter gears and rear discs

    The 2013 Sonic RS hatch had 138 hp, shorter gearing, firmer springs and a 0.39-inch ride-height drop; rear disc brakes were exclusive to the RS.6

  5. 2017

    Two airbags, zero adult stars again

    Latin NCAP's 2017 Aveo had two frontal airbags but an unstable structure. It repeated the airbag-free 2015 car's zero adult stars under newer protocols.7

  6. 2018

    Mexico's Aveo is a Chinese-built Sail

    Mexico's budget Aveo used China's Sail beneath the Sonic; its name distanced it from the older airbag-free Sail's zero-star Latin NCAP test.18

  7. 2020

    October 20: the U.S. Sonic bows out

    The U.S. Sonic ended as GM planned to convert Orion Assembly to EV production and sales declined.1

  8. 2023

    Chevrolet and Wuling add a hatchback

    For model year 2024, Chevrolet and Wuling developed Mexico's new Aveo with local input. Hatchback sales began in April 2023; the sedan followed in June.19

Every generation

  • Geo / Chevrolet Metro
    Geo / Chevrolet Metro1989–2001
  • Daewoo Lanos
    T100 / T1501997–2020
  • Chevrolet Aveo / Daewoo Kalos
    T200 / T2502002–2023
  • Chevrolet Aveo / Sonic
    T3002011–2020
  • Chevrolet Aveo (Sail-based)
    Chevrolet Aveo (Sail-based)2017–2023
  • Chevrolet Aveo (third generation)
    310C2023–present

Power over the years

From 103 hp to 138 hp in 8 years.

050100150 20052010201520202025 hp 2004 · 103 hp · U.S. Aveo 1.62009 · 107 hp · U.S. Aveo/Aveo5 engine update2011 · 68 hp · T300 1.2 gasoline2011 · 74 hp · T300 1.3 diesel2011 · 94 hp · T300 1.3 diesel, higher output2011 · 99 hp · T300 1.4 gasoline2011 · 114 hp · T300 1.6 gasoline2012 · 138 hp · U.S. Sonic 1.82012 · 138 hp · U.S. Sonic 1.4 turbo2014 · 128 hp · Korean Aveo RS 1.4 turbo (130 PS)2018 · 107 hp · Mexico Aveo/Sail 1.52024 · 98 hp · Mexico Aveo 1.5 138 hp U.S. Sonic 1.8 103 hp U.S. Aveo 1.6
1381013
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2004103U.S. Aveo 1.6
2009107U.S. Aveo/Aveo5 engine update
201168T300 1.2 gasoline
201174T300 1.3 diesel
201194T300 1.3 diesel, higher output
201199T300 1.4 gasoline
2011114T300 1.6 gasoline
2012138U.S. Sonic 1.8
2012138U.S. Sonic 1.4 turbo
2014128Korean Aveo RS 1.4 turbo (130 PS)
2018107Mexico Aveo/Sail 1.5
202498Mexico Aveo 1.5

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Aveo SVM / Base / LS (U.S.)

    Standard

    Aveo SVM / Base / LS (U.S.)

    2004

    103 hp
  • Sonic 1.8 / 1.4 Turbo (U.S.)

    Standard

    Sonic 1.8 / 1.4 Turbo (U.S.)

    2012

    138 hp

  • Standard

    Sonic LS / LT / LTZ (Thailand)

    2012

  • Sonic LT / Premier hatchback (U.S.)

    Standard

    Sonic LT / Premier hatchback (U.S.)

    2017

  • Standard

    Aveo LS / LT / LTZ (Mexico, Sail-based)

    2018

    107 hp

  • Standard

    Aveo hatchback / sedan (Mexico)

    2024

    98 hp

  • Performance

    Aveo RS (Korea)

    2014

    128 hp

  • Limited

    Aveo GTi Limited (Colombia)

    2007

How to spot one

Look for

  • T200: separate amber indicator strips below the headlights on North American-style cars.1
  • T200 five-door: a lower-body crease dips by the rear door; the rear quarter window has an angled base.4
  • Early T300: exposed twin headlights flank Chevrolet's two-part grille.15
  • Early T300 hatch: rear handles hide in black C-pillars above a rising waistline.110
  • 2024 Mexican hatchback: square LED taillights.19

Year by year

  1. 2005 (U.S.)

    Black roof-pillar trim became standard; SVM and LS received restyled wheel covers.14

  2. 2007 (U.S.)

    The T250 sedan makeover brought new bodywork and cabin trim; the unchanged hatch was renamed Aveo5.114

  3. 2011 (T300 launch)

    T300 introduced a bike-style instrument pod: an analog tachometer beside a digital speedometer.15

  4. 2017 (U.S.)

    A restyled nose and LED taillights marked the refresh; LTZ became Premier and hatchbacks gained RS appearance trim.1

  5. 2024 (Mexico)

    The five-door hatch joins the sedan, with square LED taillights, LED daytime lights and projector halogen headlights.19

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Aveo
    Aveo
    Photo of a Daewoo Kalos / Gentra
    Daewoo Kalos / Gentra

    Daewoo Kalos / Gentra

    First-generation relatives; Gentra X hatchbacks use a bumper without Chevrolet's split grille. Check the nameplate too.1

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Aveo
    Aveo
    Photo of a Pontiac G3/Wave, Suzuki Swift+, Holden Barina
    Pontiac G3/Wave, Suzuki Swift+, Holden Barina

    Pontiac G3/Wave, Suzuki Swift+, Holden Barina

    Shared first-generation Aveo shapes; facelifted hatches use the Gentra X bumper without Chevrolet's split grille.1

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Aveo
    Aveo
    Photo of a ZAZ Vida / Ravon Nexia R3 / Chevrolet Nexia
    ZAZ Vida / Ravon Nexia R3 / Chevrolet Nexia

    ZAZ Vida / Ravon Nexia R3 / Chevrolet Nexia

    Vida is a licensed Aveo copy; the T250-based Ravon Nexia R3 became Chevrolet Nexia after 2020. Read the nameplate.1

Against its rivals

  • Kia Rio (2012)

    Aveo vs Kia Rio (2012)

    Observed economy

    Aveo30.6 mpg
    Kia Rio (2012)30.8 mpg
    17
  • Honda Fit (2012)

    Aveo vs Honda Fit (2012)

    Observed economy

    Aveo30.6 mpg
    Honda Fit (2012)31 mpg
    17
  • Toyota Yaris (2012)

    Aveo vs Toyota Yaris (2012)

    Power

    Aveo138 hp
    Toyota Yaris (2012)106 hp
    17
  • Hyundai Accent (2012)

    Aveo vs Hyundai Accent (2012)

    Observed economy

    Aveo30.6 mpg
    Hyundai Accent (2012)32.4 mpg
    17

Prices

Value today $3.2K–$11.2K14

Price when newValue today
$0$5K$10K$15K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $3,200–$11,200 2004 · $9,995 · US base, Special Value; incl. dest.2007 · $14,015 · US base, Aveo LT2007 · $14,975 · US as tested, Aveo LT 2004 · $9,995 · US base with destination, 2004 model year
111214
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2004Launch price$9,995US base with destination, 2004 model year
2004Price when new$9,995US base, Special Value; incl. dest.
2007Price when new$14,015US base, Aveo LT
2007Price when new$14,975US as tested, Aveo LT
2026Value today$3,200–$11,200

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “A 27.21 m jump in reverse”
    • “Fourth after missing two rounds”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 25 sources
  1. Chevrolet Aveo - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Chevrolet Aveo GTi de Nicolás, a prueba: volviendo a las raíces (+VIDEO) elcarrocolombiano.com
  3. Chevrolet Aveo Used Car Buyer’s Guide | Autoweb autoweb.com
  4. Daewoo Kalos - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. 지엠대우가 디자인하고 개발한 ‘쉐보레 아베오’, 파리모터쇼 데뷔 blog.gm-korea.co.kr
  6. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS drive review: Think of it as a warm hatch autoweek.com
  7. News | Latin NCAP latinncap.com
  8. Chevrolet Aveo 2018: Precios, información y características motorpasion.com.mx
  9. Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback 2024, prueba: Lanzamiento, precios y video motorpasion.com.mx
  10. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Turbo First Drive - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  11. 2007 Chevrolet Aveo LT Short Take Road Test caranddriver.com
  12. Chevrolet Aveo LS caranddriver.com
  13. 쉐보레, 퍼포먼스 신모델 아베오RS와 카마로RS 출시! blog.gm-korea.co.kr
  14. 2004-11 Chevrolet Aveo | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  15. Geo Metro - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  16. Daewoo Lanos - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  17. Economy Five-Door Hatchbacks - Kia Rio, Suzuki SX4, Chevrolet Sonic, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mazda2 - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  18. No SS in Cards for Chevy Sonic | WardsAuto wardsauto.com
  19. Wilson Borgnino picks up fourth after late start – TouringCarTimes touringcartimes.com
  20. OK Go y su vídeo de "Needing/Getting", o cómo hacer música con un coche diariomotor.com
  21. Chevrolet brengt promotiegame Aveo Racing HD uit iculture.nl
  22. Up Close with GM’s Transformers 4 Rides – News – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  23. Video: Rob Dyrdek sets reverse car jump record | Guinness World Records guinnessworldrecords.com
  24. What's Wrong with the Chevrolet Aveo? chevroletproblems.com
  25. Automóvil Chevrolet Aveo 2016 sold at auction on 29th May | Morton Subastas live.mortonsubastas.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • elcarrocolombiano.com
  • autoweb.com
  • blog.gm-korea.co.kr
  • autoweek.com
  • latinncap.com
  • motorpasion.com.mx
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • wardsauto.com
  • touringcartimes.com
  • diariomotor.com
  • iculture.nl

Photo credits

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