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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  I like my Sonic, BUT... - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Richard - September 29 - 11:31 am

  I like my Sonic. I think it handles and drives well for a small car, ESPECIALLY from an American automaker. However, I have a major problem. The pedals are so close together that my foot gets stuck underneath the brake while on the gas, and I hit the brake sometimes trying to hit the gas. I should have taken heed when I noticed the tight fit when I bought it. However, I was wearing normal width shoes and they were not comfortable. Wide shoes are impossible. I am going to end up in an accident, and I cant do anything about it because the car also depreciates like toilet paper.

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  5dr Sonic Turbo Automatic - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By John - August 12 - 7:31 pm

  I did not pick this car - though I got it brand new - very grateful. But want to save potential buyers from getting duped. This turbo engine is very dangerous to drive - terrible lag. And car will not move when temperature is high. Seems to be worst at 100 degrees or above- but noticeable by 95. Do NOT buy a turbo of you live in a desert climate! Besides danger- it gets 16 mpg city and less than 30 hwy when it is hot! Dealer refuses to address issue or stand behind this car. Has been doing this since new. High temps means dangerous car with horrible gas mileage. I believe it is a design flaw. Also I have had a water pump and broken AC already . Car has 30k from commute and Ive only used premium oil and taken meticulous care of it. Transmission is now going nuts and the entire car rattles like a 67 Buick. Again hwy miles and never abused. I wanted to like this car and give Chevrolet a chance...but after two years I can say Id never buy another Chevrolet. Back to German, or Japanese:Korean if economy. Sonic is very safe and comfortable , spacious and quiet cabin, and has lots of features...but unfortunately the quality just isnt there. I doubt this vehicle will be running to 100 k miles. (Even with most all miles be freeway.) in addition trade in value is already 8 grand on this premium level car( a comparable Honda Fit would be worth much much more. Very high depreciation on sonic as they have become rental cars across the United States I guess) Bottom line is if you DO buy a sonic do not buy the turbo. Yes its more fun to drive because of torque but is annoyingly slow off the line always - and dangerously slow when engine temp is affected by summer weather. I wouldnt recommend anyone buy a Sonic. 16 MPG in town and the dealer says car is fine? Speaks volumes of Chevrolet product.

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  2014 LTZ 1.4l turbo hatchback - 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
  By Garrett - July 13 - 1:27 pm

  This car has been good for me in that it is sporty, roomy, and has the power you would expect. The only issue I have is that it is so full of hard plastic even for the highest trim behind the RS, that it seems like a joke. Everything rattles and it gets to be very annoying. I have had this car for about 2 months and being this new, I am considering getting a different car. Come on Chevy, enough with the [non-permissible content removed] interior of your cars and maybe we will regain your trust as something quality that is American made!

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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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  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.

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  I Wouldnt Buy One Again - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By jaxjack92 - October 25 - 2:24 pm

  For a small car the Sonics fuel economy is poor. The cars computer claims I attain 5.6 mpg than I actually get. (eg the computer tells me I am averaging 30mpg when manual calculations reflect 24.4mpg. Pretty darn poor considering I drive 60% hwy. The car is comfortable for the driver & front passenger but if either is 6 feet or more only children will be comfortable in the back. Shifting gears in the automatic transmission is VERY noticeable & I only have 5,000 mi on the car.

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  2013 Chevy Sonic RS review - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
  By viperaider - September 9 - 1:47 pm

  I spent several months looking into my next gas saver. Keep in mind GAS SAVER. This car won me over with features versus SAVING money. I settled with a brand new RS out the door for $18,900 after negotiating.

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  Phonics - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
  By musicmitch - February 1 - 2:01 am

  The suspension is poor. It does not soak up bumps well, or handle potholes well, producing a very uncomfortable ride. Unless you are living in an area with beautifully paved streets and you drive on them all the time - this probably wont matter. And also suspension is designed poorly - unstable. The car jolts left and right when hitting rough pavement, making me wonder what happens if youre on the expressway going fast and you run into this. I think the car is accident prone. The 1.8 engine is noisy, lacks passing power, and wind/road noise is excessive. The 1.4Turbo option quiets the engine noise somewhat and increases torque, but does nothing about the excessive road noise caused by poor insulation. This car is built a little but like the old suvs. Thin and high, rather than long and wide. The center of gravity is too high and too narrow instead of being low and wide. Test drive one yourself and see if im right. On the plus, its much better than the car it replaces - The Aveo. So if you liked that car, youll love this one. Me, ill skip it. Now also think about this: this same 1.8 engine is being used in the much heavier chevy cruz LS also. So do you think you should avoid that trim line? If you decide on the cruz, opt for a higher model with the 1.4 turbo, but its also much more expensive.

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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.

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  Horrible Car-Asking for a Refund - 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
  By cheyenneh - January 10 - 4:27 am

  My husband and I bought our 2012 Sonic Dec. 10th after weeks of car shopping. The car spun a bearing 15 days later (on Christmas Day) and was completely undriveable. Our local dealership, which has been very helpful throughout this whole ordeal, tried to get GM to replace the car. GM refused and told the dealership to just rebuild the defective engine. The dealership refused, and GM agreed to replace the engine-not the car, just the engine. The dealership installed the new engine, but the discovered while test driving it that the cam shaft sensor was bad in the new engine. It has been over 2 weeks, and there are still issues with the car. GM customer service is VERY unhelpful and dishonest.