The 2011 Chevy Aveo is offered in two body styles: a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback known as the Aveo5. Both styles are available in three trims: the base LS, the mid-range LT1 and well-equipped LT2.

Just as in 2010, the 2011 Aveo comes with a 1.6L Ecotec DOHC 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, which helps it make 108 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox, while an optional 4-speed automatic transmission is available on the LT trims. The automatic transmission features a hold-control mode to hold a higher gear and to aid traction on slippery roads. All trims are front wheel drive.

All Aveos utilize a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil beams and a stabilizer bar and a compound-link independent suspension with torsion beam and gas-charged shocks in the rear.

On the base LS trim, standard features include a tilt steering wheel, rear defogger, air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo with auxiliary input. The LT1 trim comes standard front and rear floor mats, cabin filtration, heated outside mirrors, and a 6-speaker CD/MP3 sound system. The LT2 gets cruise control, alarm, keyless entry, power doors and windows, power heated mirrors, fog lamps and performance tires.

Available options on all trims include anti-lock brakes, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel controls, an anti-theft system, woodgrain interior trim, trip computer, aluminum wheels, vinyl seats, sunroof and wireless cell phone integration.

Standard safety features include front driver and passenger airbags with dual-stage deployment, and seat-mounted side airbags for front row occupants. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard. One year of GM's OnStar Safe and Sound plan is standard all Aveos, and new this year is turn-by-turn navigation via GM's Directions and Connections plan, which is free for six months.
Pending a complete redesign scheduled for 2012, the Aveo returns for 2011 with few changes. Notable among them are a new introductory OnStar package that includes six months of GM's Directions and Connections plan with turn-by-turn navigation. Cosmic Silver is now offered in place of Silver Ice Metallic, and cabin air filtration has been added to the LT models.
Low price of entry; strong fuel economy; top scores front and side crash tests
Assembled by General Motors-Daewoo in Korea, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo appeals to drivers on a budget. MSRP starts at under $12,000, which makes it one of the lowest-priced passenger cars available in the U.S. By utilizing 'tall car' design aesthetics, both the hatchback and sedan are roomy inside and feature a comfortable ride relative to other small cars. Mileage for 2011 is estimated at 27 city and 34 highway.