Sadface: Aveo bombs in Consumer Reports 2011 owner satisfaction survey

[MetroMPG]

C.R. asked U.S. owners of 2009-2012 model vehicles if they liked their cars enough that they would buy another one. Only 37% of Aveo owners said "you betcha!"

Insert sadface here.

The exact question asked was:

“Considering all factors (price, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had it to do all over again?”

Top ratings:

• 93% - Chevrolet Volt
• 91% - Dodge Challenger
• 91% - Porsche 911

Bottom ratings:

• 47% - Chevrolet Colorado
• 43% - Toyota Matrix AWD version
• 37% - Chevrolet Aveo

Source: Owner Satisfaction | Best Cars | Trucks | SUVs - Consumer Reports

[NYChevoo]

I dont know if this has any bearing on anything or not but could it be that the older versions like the 1st generation were less problematic than the newer versions? I mean I read posts all the time here in the forums of 1st gen owners, like myself, saying how the car keeps plugging along and that it has been fairly low in maintenance and very high in satisfaction. Once in a while you see a first gen owner who was completely unhappy usually resulting from broken timing belts. I'm just taking a stab in the dark here.

[Tardis]

In some ways the survey is a moot point since they are not selling the Aveo anymore, it is now the Sonic. Maybe that is why GM changed names. How is the feeling on this forum, would you buy the Aveo again?

[thehunterooo]

I would if I were buying another small, cheap car, but I am not so I guess not.

[petrified.rabbit]

I dont know if this has any bearing on anything or not but could it be that the older versions like the 1st generation were less problematic than the newer versions? I mean I read posts all the time here in the forums of 1st gen owners, like myself, saying how the car keeps plugging along and that it has been fairly low in maintenance and very high in satisfaction. Once in a while you see a first gen owner who was completely unhappy usually resulting from broken timing belts. I'm just taking a stab in the dark here.

almost every thread about a broken timing belt is still the first gen (or early new style sedan) and not the new ecotec engine.
the aveo in fact is the same car underneath, and imho it has a "better" engine, at least for maintenance. So it should get higher reviews. I still question who they survey. I have not seen one member of this forum whether the like or hate the car post that they received a questionnaire, And i know that consumer reports has somewhat incomparable (pricewise) cars as class choices. I would also predict that with the aveo being an "Entry level" vehicle, most wouldnt buy it for that reason alone.

[jayman]

i think the aveo is the only car i would buy again, mine has just been so reliable.

[Sidewinder]

I would...ish. I've been enjoying my little guy so far but I would like to see it have more power if I was to buy it again. I don't mean the sonic either, I want the weight of this car with a more powerful drivetrain.

[NYChevoo]

I have to say that mine has been extremely low maintenance and I really havent put that much into it other than oil changes, brakes and tires. Oh also a timing belt, water pump, tensioner and idler pulleys and that wasnt until much later in the cars life. I would buy another one down the road. I mean my next commuter is probably not going to be an Aveo because I really want to step a class level but if I were staying right where I am then most definitely! Oh and my wife loves her 07 hatchback!

[northguest47]

One important thing to consider is the attitude of the owner when it comes to preventative maintenance, which I bet that 37% relies in. Its so easy to trash steering, suspension, and motor if you do no maintenance which really means not taking it to the shop regularly because it is always a big expense (mechanics and weekend mechanics aside). This hatch has been great.. I would buy another new or second hand, and recommend it to people but few listen. For some reason people think they need more than what this car does deliver. Its fun to drive if you wind it up, its easy to park, its easy to wash, its cheap on insurance and gas. An inexpensive car that the average person can customize. Works for me!

[MetroMPG]

I think the survey was about "new" cars. But you have a good point.

I'm driving an old Firefly (Geo Metro for the Americans!). Even though they're surprisingly well engineered (Suzuki), they were, at the time, the cheapest car you could buy.

So it's probably not a stretch to say that as a group these cars probably weren't as well maintained as the average car. You have to be careful with used "cheap" cars, for sure.

And people who buy cheap cars and don't maintain them properly might be more inclined to complain about them later.