2009 Chevrolet Aveo in Essex, MD - $7,495

The entry-level Chevrolet Aveo sedan features crisp, sculpted lines with a wide, confident stance. Reaching beyond the important affordability factor, the new Aveo delivers great looks, a safe, smooth driving experience and boasts upscale features normally seen in more expensive cars. For 2010 the Aveo sedan receives a new Wintergreen Metallic exterior color.

Available in LS and LT trim levels, the Aveo sedan is powered by a Gen 3 Ecotec 1.6L four-cylinder engine which receives a slight increase in horsepower this year. The standard five-speed manual gearbox has been outfitted with lower numeric fourth and fifth gear ratios designed to increase fuel economy by reducing engine rpm at higher speeds. An Aisin four-speed automatic with Hold Control Mode is an available option.

Although the Aveo is the entry-point for the Chevrolet line-up, don't let its low price fool you into thinking this car is stripped. Standard features for the base model includes: air conditioning with cabin filtration, power steering, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, AM/FM stereo radio with an auxiliary input device for iPods, intermittent windshield wipers, 60/40 split folding rear seat, rear window defogger, driver's seat with fold-down armrest, manual driver's seat height adjuster, manual driver's seat lumbar support adjuster and floor mats.

Upmarket Aveo models add heated power-adjusting outside rearview mirrors, cruise control, power windows, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player and six-speaker sound system.

Suspension hardware for the Aveo sedan consists of a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer; the rear control setup includes an independent torsion beam axle mount compound link-type suspension with gas-charged shocks.

Inside the cabin, Chevrolet engineers created a refined interior with a modern twist. Aveo's "tall car" design and generous dimensions offer ample space. Rear seat passengers are treated to above average legroom. An enhanced combination of sound-dampening technologies and improved exterior aerodynamics produces a quiet and comfortable ride, even at highway speeds. Even the stainless steel exhaust system is tuned to reduce interior noise.

Precision in fit and finish details add to the small sedan's upscale look and feel. Striking features that include a two-tone color scheme, rich instrumentation and attractive accents combined into three different interior design packages add to Aveo's desirability.

Chevrolet has packed a lot of value into the base Aveo sedan starting with full analog instrumentation, a driver's seat armrest, manual lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, manual driver's seat cushion height adjustment, two powerpoints, a 60/40 split folding rear seat back, AM/FM stereo radio, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, tilt wheel, front/rear floor mats and floor mounted remote releases for the trunk lid and fuel filler door.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 97.6; overall length: 169.7; width: 67.3; height: 59.3

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder – 108 hp at 6,400 rpm and 104 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm

Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 27 city/35 hwy. (manual); 25 city/34 hwy. (automatic)

Cargo capacity: 12.4 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, battery run-down protection, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitors, door beam side impact protection, and OnStar communications system. Optional safety equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes, engine immobilizer, theft deterrent system, and remote keyless entry.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo sedan starts from $11,965 for the Ls and $14,100 for the LT. Destination charges add $720.