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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  Subpar. - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By lvcas - November 24 - 8:00 pm

  The 201y Chevy Sonic is a good car. Its good on gas, relatively stylish, very dependable. However, it lacks the over luster of a sub-compact car. The transmission is a joke. Im sure it is set up for economy, but come on Chevy you can do better than that. The engine lacks power...majorly. The overall interior quality is poor. The seats are awkwardly placed and hard to adjust especially if youve never been in the car. The interior is covered in flimsy plastic and hardly any soft touch material. But the worst thing about the entire car is how loud it is. Every bit of road and wind noise enters the cabin. Even on smooth pavement, you would think that you are driving on gravel.

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  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.

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  Little Tank - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
  By toklatpa - October 5 - 11:33 am

  Im 66" tall and I cannot get over the amount of room in this car nor can my passengers. Generous Leg and headroom and I can drive for hours with no fatigue. (Im talking front seat, but I could really not care less about rear seat room, but few complaints there from passengers) Recently I hit a deer head on at 45 mph and the damage was minimal you have to look up close to see the damage, my insurance adjuster was amazed & stated that a Focus or other car in the same class would have needed towing. On this alone I will extol the virtues of this car. If you live in an area like Pennsylvania you are all too aware of Deer damage. The room and comfort of this car keeps me engaged with the road.

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  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

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  Things start falling appart - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By wilhitejm - September 8 - 8:36 am

  I drive about 120 miles per day and do get a little better gas mileage than my last car. The problem is the gas tank is so small I have to fuel up every other day, although the tank is smaller than my last car. My check engine light started coming on recently and I had the codes checked, indicating an oxygen sensor. I checked and the bold that holds the bracket and wiring for the oxygen sensor had fallen out and was gone leaving the oxygen sensor cable on the hot manifold. Cant find the bolt so I have it zip tied to a little loop on the engine. I have checked some forums and it is common on the Sonic and Cruz (same motor) The engine over temp light started coming on as well.

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  Limited Drive Time But Very Impressed - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By ihanson - September 4 - 9:51 am

  I purchased a 14 LT Turbo Hatch 6-spd manual (option not shown) 7" MyLink, fog lights, upgraded rims and rearview camera with the upgraded red crystal color for $16.4k before taxes. While waiting for that vehicle to be delivered, I have been driving an LT sedan with the 1.8 auto and have still been impressed. Im getting 40.4MPG according to the computer on my 46 mile round trip commute in warm temps. I even got to test out the airbags when a woman made an illegal turn in front of me and I hit her going 35 mph. Car performed great in the crash and the headlights were still even intact. I think its going to be a safe car - very strong steel frame. Im glad it was just a loaner!

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  Love my Sonic! - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
  By kellyanne67 - August 15 - 6:41 am

  The only thing that I do not like on this car would be the crappy tires that come from the factory. Even with traction control and just a tiny bit of snow there is no traction. I truly feel that better tires would make this car unstoppable. I have had a few issues with the bluetooth system and my phone. Some phones work better than others but I have not had my dealer check these issues yet. The car is easy to drive, gets around in traffic like a dream, and with the turbo, it can certainly keep up. Gas mileage is great. Im getting around 35mpg on the highway consistently. Ill say so far so good. Ive had the car almost a year and have around 15,500 miles on it.

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  33k on 2012 Sonic - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By gnonnemacher - August 9 - 8:37 pm

  Bought this car new. Stock tires are useless in MI winters, so 4 snows are used in winter. Still gets 30+ mpg with snows! Good equipment package on LT models. We just got back from a trip to the UP of Michigan. Got 38.5 mpg overall and its rated at 35 hwy. Im picky about my cars and this one has had minor damage and repairs (others fault) twice. Drives very well at highway speeds and has usable seating for four. Holds a good amount of cargo with rear seats folded down, even in the sedan. No mechanical problems or issues to date. My only complaint is that it is not very forgiving on rough roads and we have a lot of those around here.

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  Decent little car that I recommend, but I had some issues - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By donovan1983 - July 9 - 7:34 am

  I got the base LT hatchback with no cruise control or bluetooth and with the 5-speed manual. Its a fun little car to drive due to handling and braking, though I came to dislike the drivetrain a bit. I took a lot of longer trips in the car and it is great for that, both in comfort and in gas mileage. I recently traded it in, however, mostly due to a need to get something with an automatic transmission so I could share the car and to get something a little larger. I feel build quality could have been a little better, though many of my issues could have been due to having a first-year model. Despite my issues Id still recommend this car and think its a great value.

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  Warranty Issues - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
  By riverview3 - June 6 - 2:37 pm

  Excessive warranty issues. No heat issues couldnt be diagnosed until 3rd visit to dealer. Seating quality poor. Leather re stitched at dealer and seam reseated twice on rear seat. Mylink Bringo heated up Iphone enough via USB to cause phone damage.