Chevrolet Orlando road tests and consumer car reviews

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.

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.

Stability when driving, smooth ride.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I love it.

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.

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.

Excellent car. One of the most comfortable to drive i have ever owned. Good turn of speed and reasonable mpg. Cruises easily on motorways (e.g. a superb drive to and from Edinburgh). Bags of room for passengers and cargo. Great value for money.

An excellent car. I look for practicality and value in my cars and this has them. It has great carrying capacity and is loaded with useful extras and storage areas and has proved very reliable. Bought it new nearly 5 years ago and no regrets. Only outlays have been two tyres, wiper blades and washer pump, about £250 all together. Not bad over five years. One small criticism - the horn sounds like a gnat breaking wind.

I bought my Tacuma with only 9 miles on the clock. In the two years I have had it the problems have been: 1) Cylinder head removed and new valves fitted at 31k 2) 40k - replacement anti-roll bar link arms replaced (when new the rear seats were rusty underneath the upholstery). It had been in a showroom for 12 months. Please contact me if you wish terryjohn1948@yahoo.co.uk.

The front suspension has been replaced twice on both front, the back twice on one side and once on other. The clock replaced. The electic window module replaced. The clutch makes a noise when pulling away in 1st gear. The engine isn’t smooth. 25,000 miles. This has got to be the worst car I have ever had. Chevrolet engineered parts are pure rubbish and not fit for purpose. Never again an American car.

Brilliant car. However, had an accident recently. Was intending to change gear and put foot on brake pedal by mistake. Police officer advised that pedals were close together in this make of vehicle due to the fact that it is a small car and there is not much room underneath the drivers cab. Never happened to me in my previous 2002 Matiz but am now very cautious when changing gear or braking, making sure I have my left foot on the correct pedal!!!

My Cruze is just two months old. It is a comfortable car and performance is perfectly adequate. The hard plastic surfaces scratch far too easily, in particular on the threshold, "B" pillar where the seat belt buckle zips back, and also the ignition key surround. This problem was inherited from Daewoo and is a pity they didn’t change the plastic composition. Loud suspension thumps over everything but the smoothest roads, but there is no shock felt in the cabin. Other than that it is a very good ride and handling is superb. The problem with DPF’s is not limited to one manufacturer and Chevrolet certainly are not imune to this. My own car has been in and out of the workshop 3 or four times to do with DPF faults. Last Monday a sensor was replaced on the DPF but by Friday, and less that 200Km later, the warning light came on again which made another motorway run in low gear necessary. The DPF technology as it stands today is rubbish. No manufacturer has sorted out the regeneration process efficiently enough and as a result fuel consumption can be more than a petrol engine. The latest fill-up this morning calculates my Cruze at 26MPG when according to the manufacturer average should be over 40MPG.

I have had loads of new cars including Mercs, this car is the best value I have had for the money, the Mercedes cars lost more in year one than this estate cost, real good value, purchased from the car people.

Before I bought it I considered lots of similar cars, Santa Fé, Sorento, Mitsubishi Outlander, I even tried a top level Touareg, and MB ... I ended up with the conclusion that the Chevy was the most balanced one. Mine is the 7 seater, 4x4 150Hp version, it has an automatic gearbox with manual override, and beige leather seats and wood like applications on doors and dashboard. The problem most guys have with the precision of the gearbox in my case doesn’t apply, because of the automatic transmission, it’s a bonus... I’m very pleased with it. Of course it has its pros and cons, for instance running with a cold engine is not very enjoyable, lack of power and very noisy, but after a few miles it’s smooth like any other. Of course if it had a diesel 2.5 L 6 cylinders or so engine with a few more Hp it probably would be more agile, but like I said it’s a balanced product. If there was one thing that they could have that they lack it is a GPS integrated system, and the posibility of a USB entrance on the audio system. Also they could have designed a bi-sided independent A/C, and more outlets of the A/C on the rear 3rd row, because the windows have a tendency to experience condensation. In general it’s a very good vehicle, well built and "honest". If I had to choose again I would buy it again! Congratulations to Chevy!

Awful! Cheap plastic - felt safer in a Sinclair C5! Ridiculously noisy at anything over 40 mph - cannot keep up with dual carriage way traffic. I cannot wait to give it back. Nil points - rather buy a bicycle. Street credibility of a week old kebab - only good point is that my teenage son will not stop laughing at me.

I bought the car after looking at the Freelander, couldn’t get the price down. I managed to get our 7 seater for 13,000 new and we all still love it, my wife, 2 kids and our chocolate lab have loads of room. It handles well, I’ve had it off road to go salmon fishing and it was no problem. I’ve had 40 mpg out the car on long runs and we’ve had it on holiday. For the price it really is some buy. We had 2 new Vauxhall Zafirias before this one, this has more torque, better seats at the back and I can use the car for light off road work. Kids love it, real value for money. Engine noise little high in town but fine on the motorway.

Not a bad City Hopper. Ideal for driving around in the city or town to get your shopping in. Its roomy inside and four adults can easily and comfortable sit and have even leg room, however the roof height should be a bit higher due to if one is on the tall side has to bend their neck slightly. This car is good value for money in regards to mileage coverage and parts. Would be also suitable for a first time driver due to low insurance class. All in all a nice nippy car to own.

For motoring in some syle at very sensible money that won’t bring your bank manager out in a sweat - and at the same time offering a level of opulence that would bring a smile to the ghost of Elvis - this compact sedan provides more than you might expect, for less than you might anticipate. Cruze prices start at £11,495. The 2.0litre 125PS diesel LS tested here costs £14,9950.). At first sight to the British motorist, this sleek, dark and purposeful car has the air of a man of mystery. It looks purposeful - but to what end? It holds secrets impossible to pigeonhole. What sort of man or woman might one expect to find behind the wheel? Is it a force for good or a harbinger of hard times? I’m pleased to tell you that like the famous chocolate with the wrapper off - all is magic within. Coming from General Motor’s former Daewoo plant in Korea, but soon to be produced in Ohio for the American market, it’s a quantum step forward in quality terms from previous Daewoo models. While the world is full of hatchbacks, Chevy are giving us a Focus sized ’sedan’ (four door saloon car if you’re a ’proper’ chap) based on the new GM floor-plan, upon which the new Astra is also built. While the cabin does not exude the opulence of luxury class cars, it reassures with a pleasing level of ergonomically and aesthetically tailored design - allowing driver and passenger alike, a comfortable reassuring ambience that enforces no extremes and yet incorporates an element of ’flair’ to lift it above the mundane. In a phrase, the cabin imposes dignity - but dignity with a touch of dash. There’s a chrome high-tech feel to the business like appendages in the LS, second from top spec. model tested, while the upholstery and surrounds are sober suited, styled for comfort, easy on the eye and - one has to say - easy on the pocket too. Eschewing the more obvious retro references favoured by lovers of Americana, it none the less embodies through style cues, a notion of ’Transatlantic’ taste: witness the bold Chevy logo on the front grille. Drive away and the clutch engages positively with the torquey (300Nm at just 2000 rpm) engine feeling ready to go from the off. Controls are readily, immediately, unequivocally and assuredly to hand. Drive half a mile along the road and despite the short acquaintance you feel you already ’know’ the car. It’s a motorcar that you feel sure won’t let you down and most certainly will never engender a frown. You know from the support that the seats give to your back that the designers knew exactly what they were doing - and the same sense of confidence attaches itself to the dynamics of the car in motion. The merest hint of torque steer serves only to establish a feeling of contact with the terrain. Drive boldly and performance from the 2.0litre,125PS diesel (you can have a 150PS diesel if you choose the LT variant) is - despite what has been muttered elsewhere and by those who should know better - more than adequate,with an achievable top speed of over 120 mph. Economy too is jolly good, with 45mpg easily achievable overall. Pussyfoot about and you would, no doubt, get around 60mpg on a decent run. Never do the mechanicals feel under stress and you’re always in for a smooth and quiet ride.(one of the benefits of a saloon over a hatchback). Handling is good too, with rapid travel never disturbing the Chevy’s equilibrium. Want to stop? Braking is as easy as thinking. Acceleration is amply sufficient: lively enough for a car half the size - brisk enough to elicit an ’Oh Dear!’ From the vicar - but slam the anchors on and all is sacred and holy once more. Was that a flash of silver? A cloud of dust? Well no, actually - but this car certainly has a ’Yipee yi yey!’ quality to it. And nothing could be finer than a trip to Carolina in a Chevy of this pedigree. In case you haven’t guessed, I like this car because it’s different. Not only that, but because it’s different in a good way. It has the hallmark of originality so lamentably lacking in the current new car market. It ticks all the boxes, but manages to box clever and makes the driver feel part of quite a special machine. It’s a car for the sensible individual who likes a dash of individuality - but not at the expense of good solid sense and taste. There’s nothing here to frighten your granny and yet there’s plenty to appease the young at heart. At the price it surely has to be a bargain. As the man said ’Why pay more?’ You can if you must, but for me, all’s OK with the cars in the Chevy corral. With this model pitched most competitively at a challenging market sector, I have to say that Chevrolet have definitely won their spurs. I’d love to see prospective purchasers galloping down to the showroom. We’ve come a long way from the covered wagon and it’s good to see that happy trails are here to stay.

I am a disabled person and have had several vehicles but the Lacetti station wagon has been the best I have had. It is comfortable and drives very well, I like the automatic box which unlike some cars you can hardly feel any gear change. The specs on this car are as good as the astra, focus and many more cars with electric windows all round air con, central locking lots of extra storage compartments. The boot is very roomy and is a good level from the ground which is ideal for lifting my wheelchair in and out of it as is the split seating for longer larger items, 12v power socket in boot, a very good 1.8 engine. The only draw back is the mpg which depending on the way you drive can give around 28-32 mpg but this is the only minus I can give and would definitely recomend this car. I will have another unless something of the cost give as much value - Andrew Seddon from Lancashire

This vehicle does what it says on the tin. Firstly the ’cons’. The diesel engine is a bit agricultural for a modern day vehicle. At idle and around town you are aware that is an oil burner, but once underway it quietens down significantly making it a peaceful tourer. The gearbox is rather notchy making baulked gear changes very possible until you get used to its foibles. The intermittent wiper speed selector is fiddly and the front/rear fog light switch is not very intuitive. The good poins. The diesel engine has good pull between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm and can get you around slower traffic without to many frey hairs. Interior space is very good with seats 6 and 7 being full size (but a bit restricted on leg length). The on demand 4 wheel drive works without fuss and during a recent snowy spell the vehicle never lost its grip at all, even on standard road tyres. The hill descent control is just magic. Fuel consumption has been around 32 mpg on bendy country lanes and in town. On a motorway run at the legal speed limit it is nearer 40 mpg. Steering and ride are a bit ’American’, non-precise steering, but this is not meant to be a sports car is it? You can see its American design even if was built for the European market and assembled in Korea. The USA version is called the Saturn Vue and has the obligatory gas guzzling engine. This vehicle is worth every pound of its price.

I’ve just ordered mine and am looking forward to part exchanging my 2006 Mondeo for it. Yes, depreciation is undoubtedly high but at this low starting price it’s still fantastic value. I’ve had a lengthy test drive and while fast corners are handled a bit less elegantly than in a Mondeo, it is quieter, more comfortable, has masses more kit and is a whole lot more distinctive in the car park. Lose your prejudice and try one!

Well it seems it’s been said before but this car is a good run around, however, get it on the motorway above 60 mph and it gets a little hairy. Brilliant for about town and great on the old purse to run but not something I’d buy if I did a lot of long distance journeys. I don’t so it suits my needs well.