Chevrolet road test reports and car reviews

Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 LT 2010

I Bought my Aveo from a dealer in the Midlands who had a £3000 discount new. It’s now done 17,000 miles. First the Brake resevoir leaked then a sensor light came on both rectified under warranty. I had the 2nd service done, but I knew there was something wrong with the front brakes. When I went to collect the car the receptionist told me the front discs had warped, so I said that’s fine, under warranty? He said no! I said you must be joking and came home and wrote an email To Chevrolet. They told me to contact the dealer, which I did send the email to. About a day later the garage rang to say that the disc brakes would be fitted under warranty. So that’s 3 things in 2 years, whicI is more than all the new cars I have had (Daewoo and Chevrolet) put together. I think this is an unlucky car as I have had a new tyres, new windscreen and two people have hit the car in the car park when it was parked. Previous Chevrolets/Daewoo were very good. I can’t help think that Chevrolet are pricing thmselves out of the market. It’s not a bad car, just right for my motoring needs, at least it’s got ABS and air con. I don’t think I will buy another one.

Chevrolet Matiz 2008

I’m not an happy person with this car. I have had my car for a year now and it has been in the garge 3 times. First with the gear box and cluch which I had to buy new, the second time with the arial leaking rain in to the cabin and on to my cd player. It has now failed its MoT on braking so it had to have all new brakes put in and yet it’s still not working. I have not had a car now for 5 weeks. I phoned Chevrolet and they were no help. If anyone is thinking of buying one of these cars I would tell them not to. I bought this car to celebrate all my hard work in passing my exams, but now I having nothing to show for that.

Responses to this review

Type and model number M200 Matiz.The recall concerns 2007-2009 model year vehicles. The affected vehicles fall in the VINs range from: KL1KA484J7C199291 to KL1KF484J9C645837. Danger Injuries An incorrect type of brake fluid may have been installed during production. This fluid may cause internal corrosion of the ABS module. As a result, the vehicles affected may experience reduced brake performance and/or a spongy, low brake pedal operation due to a sticking valve within the ABS module, which could lead to a road accident. Measures Voluntary corrective action taken by the manufacturer. Reporting country - Amanda Mcnamara from England

Chevrolet Tacuma SE 2005

Well I have had my 1.6 sx for about 5 months, it’s a 55 reg with 41k on the clock that I got for under 2k which is a real steal I think! The only people I have seen complain abouth these cars are motability users - perhaps they are spoilt? I have had no problems at all, which is more than I can say about my previous VAG group SEAT Leon! They dont ride fantastic, they are a little thirsty, but if you need a comfy cheap reliable motor you cannot beat them. The kids love it and I must say I am a little fond of it now too. I think if you buy one you wouldn’t regret it, unless you are a snob or like driving like an idiot, as they are no sports car, but if you can get over the badge I personally think you can’t go wrong!

Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 lt Auto 2011

A practical car size wise, but very heavy on petrol. It is also limited on headroom in the back rows; if you’re over 5’10" parcel shelf is way too low so anything taller than a bottel of pop is on show. A heavy depreciation also, with no warning at all the gearbox will expload at about 11500miles and cylinder head at about 8000 miles. The car was scapped at 7 months old and 11500 miles so if I was you I’d go for German or Japanese, I’d even go French if I had to make a choice. Stay away from these cars and JCT600 Chevrolet and Vauxhall dealers, who are not intereste after you sign that dotted line.

Chevrolet Tacuma 2005

Bought my Tacuma at an auction for £900 with a mileage of 32000 and thought it was real value for money. I have since had the head gasket changed, but apart from that it’s a good car, although the road tax is quite high at about £265 for a year.

Chevrolet Aveo LS 2008

I bought this Chevrolet Aveo 1.2 last October 2011. The air con and clock packed up so I took it back within a month of warranty. They said the clock had been cleaned up, but I would need a new one if it went again. 7 months later it keeps going on and off; they should have replaced it. Same with the air con, which when I had taken it back within the warranty they said just needed filling up, but now it’s packed up again. Also the clutch doesn’t feel right when I pull off in first gear, the door squeaks even though I have oiled it and when I go over a bump the suspension creeks. I would not buy one again and am changing it in few days.

Chevrolet Cruze 2010

Stability when driving, smooth ride.

Chevrolet Captiva 2010

My 2010 Chevrolet captiva had slight-crashing in 2nd and 3rd gears. I took to Pentagon Sheffield who reconditioned it under the warranty, but it is now worse than when i took it in. I was told by Pentagon that’s how they are and if I wasn’t happy to go back to whom I bought it from. Avoid manual chevrolet captiva’s.

Chevrolet Lacetti Station Wagon 2008

Well what can I say? I considered long and hard before buying this car, but after seeing what else I could get for the same money I decided to dispel my preconceptions of Chevrolet and give it a chance. So far I consider it good value for money. It has lots of equipment and space for the driver and passengers, with a good load area space and various storage compartments. It feels well made and solid. I think this car suffers from badge snoberry. I have had Fords and Vauxhalls, and it feels easily as good as those in build quality and dare I say as good as some Japanese cars (of which I’ve owned a few), but at a fraction of the price. It isn’t a a rocket by any means, but the 1.8 engine and auto box is smooth and relaxed . This is not a car for the younger generation, but for the middle aged, young family types I think it offers very good value for the money. Mine was an eX-motability car so came with a FSH and 25K miles on an 58 plate. The dealer was happy to put a 12 month MOT on it with a 6 month warranty and I paid just over 3k for it. For that money you’re looking at a Ford/Vauxhall and other cars with say 65k+ miles and on 2002/04 plate. My only criticism is it’s a bit thirsty on fuel, if you put your foot down it delivers 28/32 mpg, but if like me you drive a car and not race it round like you’re at the Nurbergring you’ll get a bit more. In summery: This car won’t be for everyone that’s obvious, but if you’re on a budget and you want a bit more for your money, please go and at least see and drive one before making your mind up. You could be pleasantly surprised.

Chevrolet Tacuma 2.0 CDX Auto 2007

For the price this is a great car. A quiet runner that can shift when needed. It’s very stable on motorways and very spacious.

Chevrolet Tacuma 2.0l cdx 2004

This is a great car, but yes it does have it’s bad points, the road tax being one as it’s very high, which is a little annoying. It can also drink a lot of petrol. However, the good points do out weigh anything bad about it. I have the 2.0l cdx 04, which was cheap to buy; I got mine for £1600 with 40k on the clock. It has good visibilty, perfect boot space, perfect leg room and a lot of storage for the kids things. I love this car and would say it is well worth the money.

Chevrolet Tacuma 2 litre cdx auto 2007

This car cannot tow and it struggled with a family of four, so much so it bottomed out! It has no power and drinks petrol; I know of 3 litre cars that drink less petrol than this one and the inside just falls apart around you. Avoid it at all costs.

Responses to this review

Well I bought a 56 plate 1 of these 2 months ago and so far so good, was very cautious at first as I’d never heard of them, I had my Renault Scenic (top of the range) for 5 years then wrote it off, needed a car high up to drive as I have severe back problems and needed 1 asap, so took the gamble with this mpv, and much to my surprise, it is as good as the Scenic, but better visability, and quieter than the Scenic too - Nigel Milburn from England

Chevrolet Captiva 2008

I bought this second hand with 40,000 on the clock and I can confirm, as with all other reviews, that this is a great car. Mine was bought from a main dealer and it came with a few minor issues (rear tail gate was leaking), but the dealer was fantastic and had it fixed in no time and with no hassle. As far as driving goes it’s really comfortable and the engine pulls really well. Yes there is a tiny bit of diesel grumble first thing in the morning, but it goes away quickly. The seven seat option has been really useful for me and as far as fuel goes it’s pretty good for a vehicle of it’s size and weight. The interior is just right, not too busy or bland and pretty well made (my kids haven’t damaged it yet). All in all a great car and a great ownership experience. And yes, I will buy another no problem.

Chevrolet Lacetti Station Wagon SX 1,6 Petrol 2005

This is an excellent car for the money. Bought it in spring 2006 with 15000 km on the odometer, now it has done 100 000 km. I have follow the scheduled service plan. Besides that the only work needed was to fix the brakes, only normal wear though, no rust at all and the interior shows no signs of wear after six years, that’s great. It has everything I look for in a car, comfort, roomy, easy to handle in everyday life. Both me and my family love this car.

Chevrolet Epica 2008

I’ve had this car as a taxi for three years and now I’m selling it cause it’s finally paid for. Comfy enough but an average of 32mpg is no good and it usually needs dealership parts, as in £300 for a cv joint. Glad to see the back of it.

Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 2009

I have had my aveo for about 3 months now, so far so good for a basic cheap car. I find it good for long journeys especially on the motorway. It is slighty underpowered through the gears being a steady accelaration but it gets there. Could do with a bit more room in the back for longer adults. The rear seat folds right into the back of the front ones giving plenty of boot space. Overall I am pleased with the car for my needs.

Chevrolet Cruze 2011

The car is amazing. I usually drive a TRD Fj Cruiser and switching to this vehicle was wonderful. Had great handling and while you listened to the turbo you feel like you’re 16 again. I would recommend this car to many clearly because of its 42mpg interstate performance. Great car, Chevy, I hope you guys make more like this.

Chevrolet Aveo 1.2 ls 2009

I have owned my Aveo for 10 days and hate it. I bought it feeling that no car could be this awful but the Aveo has to be the most uncomfortable car I have ever had the misfortune to drive. After 360 miles in the driving seat I could hardly walk and my back was in an agonising spasm which has taken 7 days to recover. I drive a variety of vehicles and can normally make myself comfortable in them all but the Aveo just does not have the basics right and this makes a poor driving position worse. The padding at the top of the driving seat digs painfully into my upper back although there is no issue with metal or similar sticking through the design/execution is poor. Below the shoulder padding is a hollow leaving the lower back and base of the spine unsupported. Resulting in the searing pain for some body types. I really cannot comment on the long term costs of ownership as I aim to dispose of the Aveo in very short order at large cost to my personal savings. IF you are tempted to buy an AVEO make sure you drive it for at least an hour, you owe it to your personal comfort and health.

Chevrolet Captiva ltz 2.0 auto 2010

It’s the second captiva for me.The first was the 2.0 lt auto, and the only problem I had was from the ESC coming on whilst travelling. This caused the engine revs to slow as the cars computer thought the car was in a skid, but this was sorted out. The new version I have is the ltz auto. I am very pleased with this and the only "fault" I have is the alarm system light on the dash (next to the clock) doesn’t come on when the system is activated, but hopefully the dealers will sort this out for me. Otherwise like I said, very pleased with this new model.

Responses to this review

Hi, did you ever get your alarm light sorted? I have the same problem with my Captiva 2010 - Daiv Devin from England

Did you ever get the light indicator next to the clock to come on when the alarm is activated? I have the same problem - Mike Cummins from Rhondda Cynon Taff

Eventually dealer replaced the time clock in centre of dash. The clock incorporated the Alarm LED. Although they kept saying that on 2010 models "the alarm light was never intended to show visually", BUT after arguing my point that when I took delivery of the NEW vehicle, it was working, they changed it - Russell Jones from Caerphilly

Chevrolet Tacuma 2007

This is a good drive and not over pricey in the MPG range. I love the fact you can basically climb into it without hurting your back. The only problem I find with my CDX is that it seems to pull in high winds unless I have a problem I don’t know about. There’s plenty of room inside, love the fact you can use it as manual as well. My only objection regarding this vehicle is the fact that even though it is only a 2.0 automatic it costs me about £234 every six months for tax. Why is this I wonder?. I personally think the Goverment are taking the mickey as it is grossly over priced, after all it is only a 2.0 well actually 1999cc..

Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 se + 2007

Love my little Matiz. Had her from new and she’s been great for me, cheap to run and so good to drive, I will miss her when I upgrade to a Chevrolet Spark in about a year.

Chevrolet Aveo Cruze 2011

I wouldn’t own a Chevy Aveo Cruze if I won one for free. I would immediately sell it. It’s a beautiful car, but how could the designers not notice that there are major blind spots? I do not like to not rely on my rear and side view mirrors but actually TURN MY HEAD and look out to the side to see if there is a car coming up on me. Forget it with the Cruze. You can’t see anything due to the metal divider between the doors. Very dangerous. I know I would side swipe someone for sure.

Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 se 2009

Had delivery on it at 8.30am today,done over 70 miles and fuel gauge has not moved, STILL ON quarter of a tank. Bit bumpy around town, open road bit hairy, but for £99 per month lease 5 stars. If I get more employees i’ll get loads of these. Brilliant value for money.

Chevrolet Matiz 2009

I’ve had one of these before, fantasic on fuel though, I do freeroll a lot down hills, (a habit I’ve got used to I’m afraid). It’s coming tomorrow on a 3 year contract hire. I’m a self employed telecoms agent so I only drive locally, Credit record is appaling thanks to Experian messing up my file (lots of false info) so being self employed I thought for tax reasons I’d get a hire vehicle, cheap and cheerful. As my dad said years ago "Son, a third class ride is better than a first class walk" that’s how I base these cars, better than walking, tax next to zero.

Chevrolet Kalos 5 door hatchback 2008

I have had the car for 3 years now and it has just undergone the first MOT. I find the car economical to drive and comfortable with good heating and effective air conditioning. The road handling can be a little sloppy at times and the acceleration is not very good, but the car reaches motorway cruising speeds and holds the speed well, except on the steepest of inclines. Could not have got a better vehicle at the price.

Chevrolet Avalanche 2002

I love it.

Chevrolet Matiz 1.0SE 2010

This is my second Matiz, the first was an auto but my new one is a manual 1 litre. Great car, loads of room inside, very reliable , just one niggle which is not a fault just the way they are, when changing gear the revs go slighlty up before dropping. I will get used to living with this, but for just over £4k with 1000 miles on it was a bargain not to be missed and with air con now that’s a plus.

Chevrolet Matiz 2009

I bought my car 01.07.2009 after 2 weeks I found the problem with sticky gearbox. Twice in service still unsolved as service can’t find the fault. Service package with new car is not recommended by me.