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:

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  Great For College Student, Many Standard Features - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By ASA203 - August 30 - 1:34 am

  I own 2 Sonic LTs one a 2012 and the second a 2015. I bought both new and they are currently used by the students away at College. Its hard to find a car with these features for the price. Standard on the LT is PW, PL, Cruise, Alloy Wheels and Remote start. The 2015 has the option package that includes 16" wheels, fog lights, backup camera and touch screen infotainment display. The Sonic comfort and ride is better than the Corolla and Ford Fiesta. Plenty of room for 4 with luggage space in the Sedan. The other great feature is On-Stars free basic system for 5 years which allows for Remote Start and Locking/Unlocking the vehicle from your Smart Phone. My only complaint is the factory tires are really bad in the snow. I replaced the OEM tires with good all-season tires and traction is much better.

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  Sonic a great car for a college student - 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Sonic Boomer - June 2 - 5:34 am

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  Fun car. - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Bob - April 26 - 6:19 pm

  Get the 1.4 turbo.

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  Low cost fun! - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Ted T from Hollywood, MD - December 8 - 2:27 pm

  I bought this car out of necessity in October 2015 to replace my 2005 Ford Escape, which was in need of major repairs. My criteria was to find the least expensive Chevrolet I could by that was actually built in the United States. I have the base LS Sedan 5 speed, and my only factory option is a cargo net. Let me begin by saying I had no idea how much I would enjoy driving this car! It is by far my favorite of our family drivers, which include a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude, and my daughters 2011 Chevy Cruise. My Sonic Sedan sits family high, it has great sight lines, it is very easy to get into and out of, even for occasional front seat passengers well over 6 tall. The trunk is cavernous, and with both back seats folded down, you can carry a ridiculous amount of stuff in this car. The Sears are comfortable, and with four average size passengers, there is more than adequate room in the car. The real pleasure of this little car is in how nicely it drives. I have the base 1.8 liter engine, with a 5 speed. The transmission is very good, and goes easily and almost crisply into gear. The gear spacing (ratios) are perfect, with just the right amount of performance overlap from one gear to the next, and this car will go 75-80 mph all day, without you the driver feeling like you have been beat up in a small car. The suspension is interesting. The car has a nice compliant ride over any road surface, and the ride quality is surprisingly good. Youd be tempted think it was sprung too softly, and then you hit a curve, and you take that curve in complete control. Amazing for a car with a beam rear axle; but then again, I read that Chevrolet had the suspension team for the Corvette set the spring rates and shock damping for the rear suspension. My combined mpg is 34.5 mpg. All day long. If I reset the mpg display before a hwy trip I can get 40 mpg. Thats the truth, and may be due to manual transmission. So, thats all the stuff I like. - - What I dont like is the quirky LED instrument panel. The only analog gage is the tach; everything else is digital. My biggest complaint with it is that there is no temperature display, which is a pain in the winter time. Im not a fan of the instrument panel, and I think that Chevy has fixed that, and gone more analog in 2017. Also, the base "infotainment" system is pretty lame; front door and A pillar speakers only, nothing in back, and am-fm only. I have to use an aux cord with my iPhone. There is no USB port in the base car (LS). I use a 12 Vdc adapter to charge my phone in the car. The Bluetooth, however, does work great, and I use that feature all the time. The car is also a WiFi hot spot, which is pretty cool. I should also say that I have had absolutely ZERO problems with this car, from a maintenance or build quality perspective. I is very tight, and very quiet. -Surprisingly so. In summary, I like this car A LOT! I bought it as "BT" - basic transportation, but it has turned out to be way more than that. Finally, on a recent business trip, I had the chance to rent a 2014 Sonic LT sedan with 42,000 miles. That car had all the stuff I like about my car, but with power windows, an automatic transmission, and a decent factory sound system, and with 42K on the click it was still tight and quiet. These are great little cars, that live a lot bigger than they actually are.

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  Has been an excellent car for my local needs - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By David Coon - October 30 - 4:54 am

  I am selling because i no longer need two vehicles.

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  Zippy The Turbo Sonic from Anacortes WA. - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Yours Truly - July 18 - 1:15 pm

  I researched fun to drive hatch back cars for months. I HIGHLY considered a VW Golf or GTI. I thought for sure, I had to have a stick shift to have any joy. Then I read the reviews of The Sonic which mentioned it was fun to drive. They were not kidding. It is a blast! The cheaper trim interior was not for me. I bought a used LTZ. It has heated seats, remote start, blue tooth, and of course lots of air bags. This is a little thing, but the right arm rest, I really dig. You will notice the attractive motorcycle inspired lamps and touches. I dont feel like I am sitting too low, but still fell like I am getting a driving experience with the road. I do not generally accelerate fast and average 34.1 mg on normal roads, hills, and state high way. My only gripe is the touch screen my link. Yes, I listen to loud music and it sounds good, but I need an actual volume dial not some screen to touch. I want to turn up the dial (I am over 40 might have something to do with it)! I bought a used 2015 with less than 15000 miles and saved on bundle the depreciation. So every time I see that GTI go buy, I think about the money I am saving and the fun I am not missing out on.

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  Cruze - 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Craig - July 13 - 3:49 am

  Great car for the price

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  A Big Car in a Small Car Body - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Ryan - February 12 - 10:58 am

  After dumping a 2015 Honda Fit that proved to be unreliable and felt flimsy, the Sonic has been a breath of fresh air. We were able to get our 2015 in early 2016; a left over LT with the manual transmission for $12,500. It was a steal! Compared to the Honda, the Sonic feels like a big car wrapped in a small car body. The interior is extremely quiet at all speeds and theres minimal wind, road, or engine noise that comes into the cabin. The 1.8 liter isnt the fastest, but does fine getting up to speed, and hasnt ever felt slow. The 5-speeds well-spaced gears certainly help and the shifter slips into gears easily. The clutch is light and forgiving. The ride is on the firm side, but pays off with pretty good handling and steering feel. It doesnt match the Fiesta or Fit in that regard, but can still be a lot fun on a windy road I love the design, and prefer it over the newer, more generic 2017 Sonic. The exposed headlights, and circular theme within the tailights stand out from the crowd. The same goes inside. Many either love or hate the digital, motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster. I personally love it; its unique, quirky, easy to read, and being digital, makes staying at a certain speed a simple task. The rest of the interior is also user friendly and straightforward. Interior space upfront is generous and the footwell area has enough leg room for tall folks. The rear seat doesnt match the Fit, but is still better than most small cars. The trunk is pretty shallow with the seats up, but the hidden shelf below the load floor is clever, and there is loads of space if the seats are folded. The seats are very comfortable and make long trips tolerable. Reliability has been good, and in one year and 3,000 miles, the only issue has been the carpet in the drivers footwheel started to bunch up. It was replaced under warranty with no questions asked. Is it perfect? No. The rear pillars are thick and there is a significant blind spot. Some of the plastics inside are a little low-grade. But overall, its a fantastic car. Its a great value, built in America, has interesting style, and is a small car with few of the small car compromises. Its just an easy car to live with.

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  A good cheap car. Having the Hatchback is very gre - 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Mary Sanderson - July 10 - 5:58 am

  Compare prices with many dealers. They are all different.

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  A Sporty Battle Tank with Convenience &Luxury feel - 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Christopher Vizcarra - May 13 - 7:12 am

  I bought the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT 5-Door Auto Hatchback and added the Optional Convenience & Drivers Confidence Packages to match the goodies of the Premier. My other car that I was considering was the BMW Z4 Roadster. I had always thought you get what you pay for but this Chevrolet Sonic blew that misconception out of my mind. Highest Quality Tailored to Comfort & Convenience, For That Luxury Feel The Hatchback only comes in 2 trims the LT & Premier, They both have great standard features. There is a difference in both trims, the LT cabin and engine are amazingly quiet equal to the highest trim of a 70k+ luxury vehicle which is hard to believe. However the Premier has a more lowered suspension & as a result sacrifices the quiet sounding cabin just a bit. A Very Sporty Battle Tank I love sporty cars & have test driven from the supposedly sporty hideous Honda CRX to the Lexus, Audi, & BMWs. Now the company says the engine has 140 horsepower, I strongly feel it is more than that just by the torque and how amazingly responsive it is. Many companies will make their cars look sporty but fail to deliver when a prospective buyer test drives it. We both can agree that how the engine is built and tuned make a very big difference when it comes to a sports car. Both trims are very sporty that you easily bolt from a stop, and when applying the breaks, theyre very responsive and stop just as fast. If you want others to hear your sporty side, the automatics can also be driven in manual mode! Just shift the selector to M and press the button to upshift or downshift without the annoying clutch pedal which is even better! The engine goes from a kittens purr to a Lions Roar that can easily achieve the speed of a Cheetahs run. Ive seen a lot of cars that are sold to look sporty, but this one actually is built to run sporty. Safety Yes this is the smallest car to ever receive the highest 5 star rating across all tests from the Institute of Insurance in Highway Safety in the USA. A huge achievement when it comes to cars this size. I call it my mini Lambo because Its looks, feels, and actually is sporty. Youre always comfortable on short and long drives, pampered with features, and every part and detail has been amazingly stitched, built and solid. Theres a reason why the Chevrolet Sonic muscled its way into the sports car scene and was officially recognized. Many people have the misconception that small cars dont offer much; However Ive learned to never judge a book by its cover because even looks can be deceiving. There are many company reviewers who will base their ratings on what they expect not by what the car actually has to offer. I dont expect you to take my word for it, go out and test drive yourself with the exact options I have added and see for yourself.