this has me thinking that his Aveo MAY Have been in a Rear End Collision, and its Jammed the Latch shut.
EDIT: A picture is worth 1000 words.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...pscafd62bb.jpg
the latch itself, with the Cables running from the Emergency Release Handle, and the Release Lever by the Driver's seat
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps28fc3f24.jpg
the back of the Key hole, showing the Actuation Rod.
The Dress Up Panel was removed for clarity (13 push pins hold it in place.)