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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  LOVE my Sonic! - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By lagrinceri - January 10 - 5:22 pm

  I bought my Sonic LT Hatch in April and Ive loved every minute of it. From its exterior design that stands out daily, to the comfortable interior with neat features (came with the bluetooth and conv package) I wouldnt change my mind for anything. I spent a year+ researching cars and I finally found a match with the Sonic. Coming from a 2005 Ford Focus manual, it was different getting used to the automatic transmission. Once you get past that hump, its a win-win for everyone.

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  Great Buy! - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By themrchen - December 20 - 11:42 am

  bought this car for my daughter, I was enjoying my new camaro and noticed what a sharp looking vehicle this was, she needed a new car and we got a good deal, about 14k. car gets over 35 mpg highway and 30 mpg in town mixed communting, never misses a beat. handling was funny when new, car came with 46 pounds of air in tires, tail would wag on hwy, reduced pressure and broke tires in and handling is perfect. what more could you ask from this 14k$ car? its fantastic

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  Love my Sonic! - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By krystalhoffman - December 9 - 10:41 pm

  I absolutely love my Chevy Sonic Hatchback. Its extremely fun to drive, has great MPG (35-40 for me), has great handling, and is comfortable. Its an inexpensive car that has some great features like Bluetooth and such. The main problems Ive had with this car are the tires. I have had 11 flat tires in 10 months. They seem to go flat for no reason, so Im hoping its just the stock tires on it. Ive also had a few other problems with parts breaking. I drive my car pretty hard though (being a teenager in Wyoming), so its not surprising. Luckily, my warranty covered nearly everything.

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  Hits the mark - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By knobbytire - December 2 - 2:55 pm

  I replaced a very troublesome Mazda 5 with a Sonic LTZ hatchback. Im averaging right around 40 MPG, and once was getting 52 MPG and my worst fuel economy on a tank was 33 MPG. It handles nicely, is efficient on interior space and fits really well into a small garage. its comfy enough that we packed the entire family in the car and made a 13 hour road trip. With 5000 miles on it, Ive had no problems, and it doesnt even have any rattles. The Bluetooth and hands free is great, though I wish you could control an iPhone from the steering wheel.

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  disappointed - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By waithair1219 - November 19 - 11:23 am

  i purchased a new 2012 chevy sonic 5 miles my car sways all over the place at highway speeds dealer will not help me and i am talking with gm. i wouldnt recommend this car to anyone .i am so upset over this i am not hte only one with this problem they are posted all over the internet .this car should be recalled. the dealer i purchased the car from will not adress my concerns at all . this is an unsafe vehicle

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  Great car - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
  By chall1011 - November 18 - 10:16 pm

  The best part is I can fit my convertible car seat, a infant car seat and still fit an adult in the back seat (traveled 150 miles like that today) The fuel seems good but im not sure, i went on a 2 hour drive today an back, an used almost 7 gallons of gas, i was pretty upset with that. Backing out of my drive way, whenever my tires go down the front of the car hits into the drive way, it does that on alot of peoples out where I live... not much i can do about it, but they are really low to the ground. Its a great car , but we will see as the time goes on. Oh and the throttle is horrible!

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  Great little car for the money - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By stoopid3 - October 5 - 12:20 pm

  Went from a 2007 Civic to the Sonic. Got a good deal on a 2LT ($16,500). Now at 5k miles on the Sonic. Handling is solid, though Ive ordered some new tires to get rid of that squishy ride that I attribute to the stock (soft) tires. Gas mileage is on par with the civic (~30 MPG mixed). If I had a lighter foot on the highway Im sure Id get the rated 35MPG and then some. Features set cant be beat in the price category. Only the Kia Rio (?) comes close. What Edmunds fails to stress is that dollar for dollar you get much more with the Sonic than any competing vehicle. No brainer.

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  Great little car - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By sonic4 - September 30 - 5:33 pm

  I read some of the neg. reviews and i had to post my experience. 2012 LT 1.4 Turbo 6-spd. manual , love the car gets 41.0 avg on highway good trunk space decent seats stereo is lacking a little power but thats just me. The only neg. i have is visibility to the sides and rear, headrests get in the way. currently have 4100 miles.Added fog lights to it and they fill in reg lights real well . Instrument cluster is good all info right in front where u need it , steering wheel controls very handy.would buy it again .Turbo & 6-spd. manual are key to this car.

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  Just got 2013 Sonic LTZ Hatchback Turbo Automatic - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
  By key1cc - September 30 - 10:19 am

  I only had it for one day but if yesterday is any indication, life just got waaaayyyy better. I went across state to by it to get the exact features I wanted so I had a nice 55 minute ride home to test her out. Driving at 67mph I hit the mpg reset key and it showed 40-42 mpg!! For me that is nice but the reason I purchased this car was not for the mpg or even for the looks because I like the look of the Kia Rio SX a little better. The reason I went with the sonic was that big fat grin that comes on my face when I get behind the wheel and press the gas pedal. This is the first turbo I have ever owned and boy is it fun to drive. I even woke up in the night just to take her out for a spin!

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  Poor fuel economy - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By newsonicowner - September 6 - 12:44 pm

  While Edmunds reviews of the 2012 Sonic sedan state an estimated 26 MPG for city driving, my experience is only 20 MPG with my new Sonic. Huge difference. I would have never purchased the vehicle had I known it would perform so poorly. I depended on Edmonds for accurate data as I shopped for a new car. I am extremely disapointed in both Edmunds and the Sonic.