Overview & Reviews

There was a time when enticing Americans with any kind of subcompact car -- much less an urban runabout with a footprint at the starting end of the Environmental Protection Agency's definition of "subcompact" -- was a hopeless task for Detroit's automakers. People in a nation of big spaces, big roads, big parking lots and cheap gasoline just weren't interested. But times change, as the arrival of the Chevrolet Spark certainly shows.

Based on a Korean-developed model that once would have been considered simply too small for American drivers, the Chevy Spark makes plenty of sense today for post-recession households and young buyers lucky enough to land that first real job. Chevrolet's entry-level hatchback is stingy with fuel, and its city-friendly dimensions are in tune with our increasingly urban-centric times. Moreover, although it weighs barely more than a ton and is one of the least expensive new cars available, the Spark has the "real car" driving characteristics and feature content that inexpensive economy cars of the past almost universally lacked.

Current Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark comes only as a four-door hatchback with front-wheel drive. It's sold in just three trim levels -- LS, 1LT and 2LT -- with almost no stand-alone options (save for an automatic transmission). The base Spark LS provides niceties such as air-conditioning, power windows, a tilt steering wheel, four-speaker audio and a height-adjustable driver seat, as well as safety features that include stability control and knee airbags for front-seat occupants.

Going to the midlevel 1LT brings enticing items like cruise control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a six-speaker audio system and a 7-inch touchscreen interface with Chevy's MyLink smartphone integration. The top 2LT trim adds exterior and interior cosmetic upgrades plus leather-like upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats.

As the starting point of the Chevrolet lineup, the Spark has the brand's smallest engine, a 1.2-liter four-cylinder that generates 84 horsepower and 83 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, with a continuously variable automatic (CVT) available as an option. Fuel economy approaches 40 mpg on the highway with either transmission, an impressive rating that a few rivals nonetheless exceed.

In reviews of the Chevrolet Spark, we've lauded its appealingly modern design and straightforward controls. Motorcycle-inspired gauges, a conceptual hand-me-down from the larger Sonic, give the Spark an extra injection of style inside. The available 7-inch MyLink touchscreen is a surprisingly high-tech touch for this segment, giving smartphone users all the connectivity they could ask for. Seat comfort is adequate in front, though rear passengers may complain unless they're subcompact themselves.

On the road, the Spark's modest engine output is apparent, but acceleration is generally sufficient to keep up with traffic. Drivers who want a bit more punch are advised to check out a used turbocharged Sonic. In terms of handling, the Spark's minimal weight, short wheelbase and light-touch power steering make for a nimble partner in the cut-and-thrust of city and suburban traffic. Even better, its suspension can soak up a fair amount of abuse before the ride gets jarring or noisy. Braking is confident, too.

Used Chevrolet Spark Models
The current, first-generation Chevrolet Spark debuted for the 2013 model year with a different optional transmission: a four-speed conventional automatic. We found this transmission to be fixated on fuel economy and thus reluctant to downshift unless we floored it. The manual Spark still managed to be a bit more fuel-efficient. In performance testing, the automatic needed about 1.5 more seconds to reach 60 mph, so even with the pedal to the metal, it gave up considerable ground. The CVT replaced it for 2014.

User Reviews:

• 

  DO NOT BUY...GM doesnt stand behind this car - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By Joyce - October 16 - 2:19 am

  The motor goes out at 50,000 miles... engine misfires...dropped cylinders...magically the dealership mechanic cannot find anything wrong (but I know my car...) the only good thing I can say is that it gets good gas milage. The quality of the seats are terrible...this is a terrible car. Not dependable. Should have just bit the bullet and got a Cruze. But now I dont think I will ever buy another GM product as General Motors does not stand behind their product. I dont want to be stranded on the side of the road with my child. I need something reliable. I would rather fill a gas tank up every 2 to 3 days and be in a reliable vehicle than only fill up once a week and he broken down.

• 

  Animalplants - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By luna44@peoplepc.com - October 4 - 7:04 pm

  I bought a 2013 Chevy Spark LS when they first came out. I loved it! Then a recall on the ignition switch, then it was the fuel pump and now this year the air conditioner went out and burned all over my motor. I never heard a recall on that but reading some of the other reviews it should have been. I still Love my car but now It seems so noisy on the road and it sounds like I am driving a tin can. If I hit a speed bump it feels like to me that the front end tires start to shake and the car seems to try to recover..I have the Techno Pink. Hopeful, all the re-calls I had was a good thing and they will make a better car.

• 

  Steering - 2015 Chevrolet Spark
  By Lana - October 4 - 9:28 am

  I bought my 2015 Chevy Spark in April. Last night the steering locked up and I couldnt get the key to turn. A friend helped me get the steering wheel loose. If it happens again Im returning the car to get a different model. Im disappointed. I like the car otherwise even if it doesnt have any get up and go which needs to be improved in newer Sparks.

• 

  This SPARK will fire up your daily commute! - 2015 Chevrolet Spark
  By Joe Korpi - September 13 - 12:23 am

  I just bought a 2015 Chevy Spark LT after spending a week car shopping for a new commuter car. My criteria: small car (that my 6 2" frame will FIT into), 30 - 40 mpg, affordable, fun creature comforts. I found this LT version at the end of a LONG day of car shopping after passing on a couple of Fiat 500s, a Prius, and an uninspiring stripped-down 2014 Spark base model with a manual transmission. The 2015 Spark LT with automatic transmission really answered all the concerns that were raised with previous Spark models: better acceleration (still a tad anemic, but it IS a small engine), more comfort, and a better sound system. This is a lot of fun to drive, and my teenage son was really impressed with sound system (and the way I could use my iPhone for music AND Bluetooth dialing through the sound system). Now, everyone in the family wants to go for a ride in "Dads FANCY new car"...

• 

  Boogy Car - 2015 Chevrolet Spark
  By Brenda Lawrence - August 27 - 11:53 am

  Compare the other cars to this one inside and you will find that this little car has BIG room inside. I am tall and this car fit me with room to grow. No more crouching my shoulders and head to drive.. On the express way it Boogys , fast, with tight control . This car is Super fun to drive. I recommend this car to all the people who want to be free from the MOM VAN ERA...BORING.!!!! lIVE A LITTLE, OR LIVE A LOT..THE CHOICE IS YOURS.

• 

  Lemonade Spark sparks - 2015 Chevrolet Spark
  By Rich - August 19 - 7:39 am

  Live in the city work in the city, great car for parking in TIGHT spots. Handles great around town and once up to highway speeds holds its own pretty well. Once you get behind the wheel you feel like the car is larger than it actually is which is great for interstate highway driving. Good car for a couple, small family, but without folding the seats not much luggage space. Plenty of room behind the seats for groceries though. A couple of cons though. 1 - Wish it had more power, but it will keep up with traffic in most situations. 2 - Doesnt have a telescopic wheel, that would be nice. 3 - Rear seats arent hard to fold, just complicated at first but you get used to it quickly. So far so good.

• 

  Puttin Along - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By LoriKM - August 5 - 6:30 am

  Bought new with about 400 miles on engine. Mine is the base, manual, get me where I want/need to go model. No, pick up isnt very good, and it does have that nasty blind spot, BUT it IS reliable (recalls were for MINOR items on mine) and I get an OVERALL 42 mpg (I drive highway, city AND mountain areas). It handles curves like a BOSS and the instrumentation is VERY convenient. My mechanic stated that itd be EASY to fix any engine problem as its laid out well, and the parts wont be expensive to replace should I have need to. This was another pro. The space inside for a 52" to 58" under 200lb person will be SPACIOUS. If youre over that height and weight, it may not be AS comfortable for you as a driver. I found it amusing that my model doesnt have power door locks, BUT has power windows, auxillary plug for mp3s and such (discovered by daughter) and lock for the trunk! The ONLY things Id get different on this car is add cruise control as I do a LOT of hwy driving and get the color Techno Pink as I have the Lemonade color and its fine, just prefer the other color more. Oh, and as for the a/c, no, it doesnt cool off THAT well in EXTREME heat, but for what I do and where I go, I can get by with it.

• 

  Sparky is a great little car! - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By Greg Acker - July 8 - 6:50 pm

  Very comfy for a small car, doesnt feel tiny on the inside. Acceleration is a little slow but cruises happily at 75+. Getting almost 40 mpg overall. I like the my link system, works with my phone and the navigation app. Id recommend getting an LT1 over the LS, I looked at both and the extra features are worth it. Im commuting 32 miles each way and Im very pleased so far. Front seats are very good for a cheap car. The back seat has a surprising amount of room but the folding seats are pretty hard. Overall a very good value for the price. You should be happy as long as you realize this isnt a Cadillac when you get it.

• 

  good mpg but that is about it - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By shinobi75 - June 29 - 12:13 am

  the spark is an ok car if your just looking for something cheap that will get you from point a to b. chevy should of put in a turbocharger because it does not have much power, the a/c doesnt very well on a very hot day, and it has no cd player just a radio and usb. it has had a few recalls and the value of this car has gone down alot, paid around 16k and now its worth about half of that trade in.

• 

  Zippy Go Cart - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By kimburlee - May 11 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had the car for a few months and put almost three thousand miles on it. I tried the automatic but man, was it lousy. Floorin it and nothin. The manual though, fun stuff. I feel like a kid again with my go cart. Its no frills like my go cart but it has AC (not the best but I dont live in Phoenix so whatevs). The sound system aint that great but I dont care. I got it super cheap and brand new. I love zippin around town in it. Recently I drove it into the mountains and it was fun! I can imagine the automatic would have sucked up there though. I thoroughly enjoy the interior cloth or whatever it is. Best of all, 38.5 MPG in town.