What’s in a name? Chevrolet is hoping there’s a lot since its changing the name of of its entry level Aveo to Sonic for the North American market.
The Aveo, introduced into the U.S. market about a decade ago, has received mixed reviews, with some automotive publications naming it the worst car on the road.
Consequently, the Aveo joined siblings Vega, Chevette and Prizm on Chevy’s under achieving list.
However, Chris Perry, vice president of U.S. marketing for Chevrolet, calls the Sonic “a new beginning for Chevrolet in the small car segment” that warrants a new name.
“The new car is roomy, stylish and fun to drive, and Sonic is a youthful, energetic name that helps convey what this vehicle is about,” Perry says.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Chevrolet will use the Sonic name in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. It will begin building the car next year at GM’s Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which recently underwent a $545-million renovation. The car, sold in more than 50 countries, will keep the Aveo nameplate in other global markets.
Article Last Updated: September 8, 2021.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
