Overview & Reviews

For a long time, buying a subcompact car from a domestic automaker was either completely impossible or an unfortunate circumstance. Now, however, homegrown models are at the segment's forefront both in terms of sales and overall quality. The Chevrolet Sonic is one such example of local talent, a very well-rounded subcompact that stands as one of the top choices in its segment.

The Chevy Sonic represents a quantum leap forward from the Aveo it replaced. High points include sharp styling, nimble handling, a composed ride, generous interior space, ample feature content and quick acceleration. The optional turbocharged four-cylinder, in particular, is a standout in this class. Perhaps most importantly, the Sonic feels like a more premium, substantial car from behind the wheel than its modest price and dimensions would suggest. Buyers would be wise to check it out.

Current Chevrolet Sonic
The Chevrolet Sonic is available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback. Even the base LS trim level comes with air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, OnStar and an auxiliary audio jack. Moving up through the LT and LTZ trims adds more comfort and convenience features such as leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, heated seats, an iPod interface and Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system that includes a touchscreen, Bluetooth audio and additional smartphone-compatible services. There's also the sporty RS trim (hatchback only) that features four-wheel disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels and leather/faux-suede upholstery.

Every Sonic except for the RS comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that makes 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Standard on the RS and optional for the LT and LTZ trims is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It also produces 138 hp, but more importantly, 148 lb-ft of torque. So equipped, the Sonic feels significantly quicker than other subcompact cars. Manual transmissions are standard (five-speed with the 1.8-liter, six-speed with the turbo), and a six-speed automatic is optional for both. Fuel economy is actually better with the turbo engine.

In reviews, we've been very impressed with the Chevrolet Sonic. It offers engaging handling that doesn't come at the expense of a comfortable ride, and the controls operate with a consistency of effort that you rarely see in cars in this price range. As long as you're OK shifting your own gears, the punchy and efficient turbocharged engine is definitely worth the extra dough. In total, the Sonic drives like a bigger, more composed car than you would expect.

Inside, materials quality is merely acceptable. The motorcycle-style gauge cluster is gimmicky, but the analog tachometer and digital speedometer are large and legible -- hard to argue with form plus function. In terms of space, the Chevy Sonic provides ample head- and shoulder room for front passengers -- even for those taller than 6 feet, which is rare for subcompacts. The second row is also quite spacious provided one of those 6-footers isn't driving. Cargo capacity with the hatchback is average for the class, but the sedan's trunk space is quite generous.

Used Chevrolet Sonic Models
The Chevrolet Sonic was an all-new model for 2012. Although the current Sonic offers a few more available perks, such as the sporty RS trim level and the MyLink infotainment system, these Sonics are otherwise similar to today's car.

User Reviews:

• 

  2012 Sonic LT - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By D. Meeks - January 5 - 10:09 am

  Bought it. Love it!

• 

  LOVE MY SONIC - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Judy hammond - November 13 - 11:00 am

  Im retired, and this is almost the best fun Ive ever had, driving. I had a 78 Mustang Cobra in my younger years, so thats hard to beat. But I LOVE my 2012 Sonic! The only thing I wish is that it has cruise control, and all the ports for cell phone and other things the newer cars have. My fault. I didnt realize they came with that stuff, and I forgot to check out the cruise control feature, because I was having so much fun when I test drove it. Its a hatchback and I toted an 8 x 2 x 1" board home with me for an entertainment system I built. Just about as good as a little truck, which is what I was looking for. Love all the little storage features it includes. Cant say enough good about my Sonic, which Ive had for about three months. Whoever designed it had women in mind! Ive already taken it on three long trips. Ohio to NC twice, and Ohio to Syracuse NY once. I went 70 mph with no problems, and its a whole lot of fun to drive. In a few years, if Im still on this planet, Ill be looking to get a newer Sonic with cruise!

• 

  LT Hatchback (1.8L auto): All-around Solid - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Mr. Geb - October 18 - 6:58 pm

  Value is always going to be determined by the price you can get any given car at, but this is a solid vehicle Im happy to have ended up in. I bought used one year old with low mileage. Professional reviews overstate the Sonics "cons." Most notably, the inferior fuel economy among subcompact cars... but its also heavier than other subcompacts and its economy is right in line with that. Great choice if youre someone like me who only needs a small commuter vehicle with occasional light cargo but cant stand the idea of driving a 2400-lb midget, such as the Nissan Versa or Chevys own Spark, where a stiff gust of wind feels like it can blow you clean off the road. The Sonic feels like a compact car on the road, but still parks like a subcompact and has a fuel economy right in between. The cargo space is a bit horizontally-challenged but enough to hold a few bags of groceries, while theres a surplus of vertical space for tall/stacking objects and you can flatten the back seats if you need more room. Acceleration is fine at lower speeds, at higher speeds its a bit sluggish but enough most people shouldnt care unless theyre drag racing. (As if anybody races a stock vehicle.) Interior is adequate for an economy vehicle without feeling too cheap: Comfortable cloth seating, lots of hard plastics but its thick and sturdy, headliner has the typical economy "egg carton" feel but is surfaced with a soft dimpled cloth. Theres but a few other minor gripes I have which are mostly just not in line with my preference, or non-issues that take some getting used to, as would be the case when starting to drive any new vehicle. The only legitimate complaints for me are the low-beam headlights feel angled a bit too low, might be an issue if youre navigating unknown territory, and the rear view is fairly poor which is just a product of the small vehicle size and hatchback. I could go for power-folding mirrors too as a feature, over manual folding ones. No major complaints. The stock tires are supposedly horrible in snow too, so budgeting to replace them might be a good idea up north. (I wasnt about to personally put them to the test.) It accelerates smoothly, handling is responsive, seating is comfortable and surprisingly spacious for a subcompact, general interior construction feels solid. The instrument cluster is compact and all digital, save the analog tachyometer (RPM meter), but gives you all necessary information and then some. Safety ratings are top-notch. Great car from what I can tell. All thats left is to see what long-term issues pop up in the next three, five, ten years. I cant see the future.

• 

  I still love my 2014 Sonic after 10 months - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Aric Varney - October 16 - 10:35 pm

  OK I purchased my Sonic Dec 27,2014 new purchase price out the door with tax tags everything included $12,988 yes I was blowed away at this price I found the car online didnt even even have go in to dealer until I had sign the papers I didnt even test drive the car at this price, I signed and drived and still happy with my Purchase 10 months and 17,600 miles later, oh yeah GM throwed in $3,010 ending year clearance rebate get it at that price, Im very impressed thank you Chevy.

• 

  Excellent small car for the $$ - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By MBC - September 3 - 8:45 am

  Although it is a Turbo, it is not neck jerkingly fast off the line, however it is more than adequate for a vehicle this size. The Sonic has minimal turbo lag and is a fun car to drive, with excellent road composure for a vehicle of this size, and excellent handling . Coming from a life of VW Golfs/GTIs, we now own 2 Sonics, a 2014 & a 2015, and couldnt be happier. These cars have proven very reliable, built very good and solid, with excellent interior comfort. We have not had one issue, change the oil and go! As far as looks, that is subjective, but we get a lot of compliments,people are shocked at how nice they are, and they dont feel like a cheap vehicle. We test drove the following before purchasing our 2nd Sonic, they were all 2015 models, Toyota Corolla- ok on the outside, bland/unappealing inside, very slow and awful CVT. Mini Cooper Countryman- good looking, blast to drive, unfortunately bad reliability history and $10K more than a Sonic made us pass on that, VW Golf, great car in/out but not as good a deal as the Sonic and didnt feel "better" enough to justify a big difference in price, to get all the options on s Sonic RS, Hyundai Elantra GT-Hmmm, not a bad car but seemed bland and basic for the price, not very good MPGs with the 173hp engine.

• 

  Amazing!! - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Victoria Hudgins - July 21 - 7:00 pm

  They are really amazing!

• 

  I love this car, 100,000k review 2012 Sonic LT 1.4L Turbo - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By jfus - June 28 - 10:58 pm

  I bought the 2012 Sonic LT 1.4L Turbo automatic. Bought brand new. Ive been doing city driving/long distance trips (300+ miles) on freeways/rural roads. I drove in cool/warm/hot desert weather. Acceleration, steering, braking is great. Interior is comfy and roomy. Only issue I had was with cooling system. During first 5K miles, hoses started to leak. Later on at 38k miles~ water pump started to leak, and was replaced. At 75k miles~ radiator needed to be replaced (due to hole). At 98k miles engine overheated due to water pump leaking and thermostat issue Water pump replaced again, therm. also. All repair issues were covered through 100k warranty (except for radiator, warranty ends at 60k).

• 

  sporty fun car - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By kathrynelam - April 17 - 6:17 pm

  Very well put together subcompact sedan. Great gas mileage, handles well- some say "jerky" I say responsive. Sporty fun to drive car.

• 

  2014 1.4L Turbo 1LT - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By tim87114 - October 9 - 7:13 pm

  When I started looking for a commuter car, the sonic wasnt even on my radar. I read the mileage posts and the reviews. Well I happened onto this sonic at a dealer who somehow happened to have 2 of the only turbo 6 speed cars in the state. Yes, 1LT is the model, sedan 1.4L turbo with a 6spd. When I took it out on the freeway and hit 52mpg. I knew the turbo was the car to have. I commute 120 miles round trip each day. Solid 44.3mpg with premium gas at 80mph with A/C on. 52mpg at 50mph and A/C on. The 44.3mpg is normal in this car. 38-41 around town in stop and go traffic. Also I have over 10K on my car since july.

• 

  Best bang for buck! - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By mbro77 - September 30 - 9:53 am

  This car offers a lot for the $. We shopped around for months. Looked at/considered 1. Ford Fiesta-not impressed by performance, very cramped interior, nice front end, but ugly in back, price not that great. 2. VW Golf- nice car over all but felt very bland/cheap on inside and was a bit bland to drive, and more expensive than our Sonic, but with less features. 3. Toyota Corolla- great new design, very bland and not many features for the price, not spacious interior.4. Hyundai Accent 5-door- we really liked this car, but it seemed very soft and conservative in comparison to Sonic. 5. Nissan Versa- its advertised as the "cheapest" car in America, the arent lying. It feels/looks