2005 CHEVROLET AVEO
JUST HOW MANY STUDENTS CAN FIT INSIDE?

The EPA, the DOT and the MVMA (Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association) measure many dimensions and log countless specifications, but "crammed students" isn't one of them. The world must wait for some fraternity-led antics to determine the maximum number of people that fit in Chevrolet Aveo's spacious interior.

Enlisting volunteers shouldn't be difficult because Aveo is a surprisingly roomy, refined entry-level car that delivers little extras that make a big difference. Aveo also is the only light car to receive the government’s highest safety rating for frontal crash performance – five stars for both driver and front passenger.

Model lineup

The subcompact Aveo was introduced in the fall of 2003 as a 2004 model. The line includes a four-door sedan and a stylish five-door. Each seats five adults and is available in three trim levels: the Special Value Model, LS and LT.

While Aveo's size makes it perfect for crowded city environments, its room and highway manners make it a great choice for road trips. For each model, power comes from a GM-designed E-TEC II 1.6L four-cylinder that develops 103 horsepower (97 kw).

Standard features for all models include a tilt steering column, AM/FM stereo, six-way adjustable driver seat, rear-window defroster, remote fuel door and a practical 60/40 split-bench rear seat that folds for more cargo room. While some of these items are becoming "expected" features even for entry-level vehicles, Aveo adds extras that help it stand out, such as a storage pocket on the back of the front passenger seat and a lighted glove box.

New for 2005

Because the Aveo debuted as a 2004 model, hardware changes for 2005 are incremental. In a move that makes the Aveo line more consistent with other Chevrolet brands, the model lineup was revised in the U.S. from Special Value Model/Base/LS to Special Value Model/LS/LT. New equipment also was added to the line, including bolt-on wheel covers with a new design and and a redesigned rear spoiler for the five-door.

Quality design and manufacturing

From the drawing boards of Giorgetto Giugiaro's renowned Italdesign studios in Turin, Italy, the five-door’s striking design is an achievement in highly efficient packaging. Distinctive cues, such as the division's signature brand bar and gold bowtie, clearly mark the Aveo as true Chevrolet.

Both body styles are manufactured at the world-class Bupyong, South Korea facility.

Surprising room

The Aveo carries five passengers comfortably and has the roomiest interior in the segment. Its high roof and theater-type raised seating offer good visibility for all. 

In addition to class-leading passenger room, Aveo offers clever storage features in the front console, a passenger seat back pocket, and accessory hooks at the top of each front headrest for suspending shopping bags. The rear seat of the four-door folds flat for more cargo room and allows pass-through from the trunk. The five-door offers the only rear seat in the segment that folds flat and flips forward, for a segment-leading 42 cubic feet (1,190L) of cargo area.

The instrument panel includes a tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge and lighting dimmer control. The IP also has a center storage tray, lighter, extra 12-volt outlet, digital quartz clock and lighted glove box. Materials and textures offer a distinctively non-entry-level feel.

Expected amenities -- and then some

On top of all that comes standard on the Aveo Special Value Model, the LS adds air conditioning with cabin-air filtration and floor mats, plus available options such as an automatic transmission and a CD player with MP3 playback capability.

The LT model adds the following standard equipment: AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback capability, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, body-colored outside heated rearview mirrors (passenger side power), premium seat fabric and 14-inch alloy wheels. Special options for the LT include a premium six-speaker audio system, power sunroof and a high-security engine immobilizer.

Powerful, efficient, nimble

Aveo hits the road with a refined, responsive powertrain and chassis that will help redefine the perception of entry-level cars. This Chevrolet features the proven E-TEC II 1.6L dual overhead cam, 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine. It delivers 103 horsepower (77 kw)and 107 lb.-ft. of torque (145 Nm) – one of the highest ratings in the subcompact class. The engine's deep-skirted block provides a strong base for long-term durability, while a single accessory drive belt and a durable rubber timing belt help reduce the need for routine maintenance.

The E-TEC II's variable-geometry intake system uses a longer runner length to deliver optimum airflow at low throttle settings. This increases torque by approximately 10 percent at lower rpm. Once engine rpm reaches 4600 and above, a valve within the intake system opens to shorten the air intake path, so that there is no sacrifice of high-rpm performance when the engine requires higher airflow.

Fuel economy is estimated at 27 mpg in city driving, 35 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, and 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the automatic.

A lightweight, smooth shifting, high-efficiency five-speed manual transmission is standard. A four-speed automatic is optional. The automatic features a “hold control” button. Selecting “hold control” turns the four-speed automatic into a three-speed manual, with the driver changing gears by moving through the gated shifter. The “hold control” mode also enables the driver to better control wheel spin at low speeds on slippery surfaces by manually selecting a higher gear.

Aveo’s 97.6-inch wheelbase (2480 mm)is among the longest in the class, and it contributes to the car's smooth ride and stability. Its suspension was extensively tested and tuned by North American engineers. Aveo is equipped with rack-and-pinion steering that acts on a fully independent MacPherson front suspension. The rear suspension is a semi-independent torsion beam.

Tight and quiet

A high-quality driving experience comes from a strong vehicle body that is well insulated. Aveo's unibody uses high-strength steel in more than 46 percent of its structural components. Build quality is clear in the fit of the exterior body panels, which have consistently trim 3-mm gaps – a benchmark normally associated with more expensive vehicles. 

Extensive sound insulation helps minimize wind, road and engine noise. Even the exhaust system is tuned to reduce noise, with the front muffler targeting high-frequency noises and the rear muffler abating lower frequencies.

To ensure survival in the tough, varied climates of North America, Aveo is built to meet heavy-duty anti-corrosion specifications. Liberal use of fully galvanized steel in body panels and highly corrosion-resistant metals for fasteners and brackets will help Aveos retain their quality appearance for years to come.

Safety on the road

The Aveo’s unibody forms a protective safety cage around the passenger compartment. The front structure is designed to distribute crash energy along multiple load paths, helping to direct energy away from the passenger compartment.

Aveo’s standard dual diagonal brake system includes large ventilated front discs and self-adjusting rear drum brakes. Rear brakes have a wide lining for increased service life. A four-channel, four-sensor ABS system with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) is available as an option.

Single-stage frontal air bags, safety belt pretensioners and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors for the front seats are all standard. The rear seat features shoulder belts in all three seating positions.  The standardized child safety seat system, Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH), provides two lower anchors and a top tether anchor to be used to secure a child seat to the vehicle seat structure. These anchorages are designed to make it easier to properly install compatible child safety seats. Other standard child-safety features include rear child security door locks and an emergency trunk latch release handle inside the trunk of the sedan.