[aveo2007]

I have a 2007 Aveo5 SVM and have no trouble getting into reverse. However, I have driven a standard shift since I was 16 and am now 53 years old.

Try this: Make sure the car is in neutral. With your fingers pull up on the collar on the shift stick. Pull the shift stick all the way to the left and then push it up. Do not try and force it! It takes almost no pressure to properly shift a manual transmission. If it doesn't seem to be going into reverse, once the stick is all the way to the left, push up a little bit and then try and make it go left again a little and then up again. Again, almost no pressure! Forcing a manual shifter is a great way to wear it out prematurely and/or break something.

If you know someone who has a lot of experience driving a standard shift, have them try it.

If you are still having problems, take it back to the dealer and explain the problem to them. Ask them to check it. It may be that the alignment on the shifter is somewhat out of whack.

Good Luck!