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:

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  Chevy & Yugo mated and the result ? The Spark - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By sillyemail1982 - January 31 - 8:43 am

  What a hunk of JUNK !! Bought this fine quality GM product 7 months ago, brand new. Out of the 7 months ? It was at the dealer for 2 months total. 7 month old car with a MASSIVE OIL LEAK from the valve covers, 3 recalls, rear latch breakage and bad tire pressure sensors no one could figure out how to clear the code. Chevy has re-invented the Vega got the "quality" from Yugo & created the Spark. Road noise is horrible !! Fit and finish is a JOKE !! The door chime causes loss of hearing. Its a plastic hot mess. And the black paint is an upgrade ? Junk all the way. Traded it in yesterday on a far more reliable method of transportation. That car should of been recalled & forgotten about.

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  I love my Spark! - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By steveinsac - January 20 - 4:48 pm

  I bought my 2013 Chevy Spark in the summer of 2012. And from day 1 I have been in love with it! Its so much fun to drive! And parking it is awesome! I can park where most average size cars cant. I have over 32,000 miles on it. My only minor complaint is that it doesnt have the pick up and go. So, merging into traffic can sometimes be an adventure. But, everything else, the sweet stereo system, the a/c, the entire interior, the truck space....all are perfect.

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  Great Styling, but thats it. - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By treehugger42 - December 29 - 10:26 am

  I purchased this car December 2012 because my 1997 SUV was a gas guzzling beast. While I love the much improved gas mileage, I often miss my SUV and regret my purchase. I think the mpg could be better though. I drive on the highway 6 days a week and average 31 mpg. The styling is awesome. Mine is bright green, and I love how the color is incorporated inside as well.No CD player though, which sucks. I live in NW PA, and we get a lot of snow. If the road is not plowed, I slide all over. If its more than a couple inches, I am stuck. I cant get up hills, it shakes violently over 70mph, i hit my head and im only 59",had 4 recalls so far,and has lost $7,000 in value already. Want to trade in!

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  Quirky, but loveable - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By tishpit1 - December 6 - 8:15 am

  Have a 2014 Spark LT1 with nearly 18,000 miles on her (I drive a lot). This car has it +s and -s, thats for sure. PROS: The driving position is comfortable for me and I have a horrible back, so its hard finding a car that doesnt cause me pain. This one is kinda fun to drive and handles very well for an econo-car. Roomy cargo area with nearly-flat folding rear seat. Dash is nice and touch-screen radio also works well. MPG is avg. 38+ in mixed driving in Florida (level, but lots of a/c). Recommend dealer installed fog lights for night/bad weather driving. CONS: had bad hesitation problem and lurching at very slow speeds but "cured" by using 89 octane gas. A/c is poor - weak fan.

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  Honeymoon is ending already? - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By tishpit1 - September 30 - 4:16 pm

  After looking for a high mileage, low cost car that has a real backseat or can fit 3 dogs with seat folded down, Spark was the best choice. Test drive was impressive. But, the honeymoon is over at 14,000 miles. 2 recalls being done (a/c that is very anemic and PVC), the car hesitates at times so bad, you press the accelerator and it just sits there...scary! (CVT) It lurches, especially at slow, parking lot speeds. "Quirky" at first, now its annoying and more pronounced. Sound system is crappy, though touch screen is nice. Various int. noises come and go. Build quality for the long haul appears very questionable.

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  The Spark Review - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By sparkman34221 - August 24 - 8:09 am

  I purchased my 2013 Spark in March of 2013. The main issue is the a/c. After 4 trips to the Dealership, and several component replacements, they finally replaced all the a/c components. The a/c is now working better than when I purchased the car. I was informed by the service manager that apparently some of the a/c components were manufactured with defects. So if you are having the a/c issue, and are under the factory warranty,INSIST, I repeat INSIST they replace the entire a/c system and you should be okay. If your dealer wont do it, go to another dealer. On the acceleration issue, there is a recall that just came out where they clean the throttle body and replace the PCV valve.

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  It cannot get out of its own way. - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By archmage69 - August 4 - 9:11 pm

  The A/C is less effective than having the windows down. Good luck getting up any hills, this vehicle has no torque. After getting up any hills the vehicle smells like rotten eggs to pay you back for pushing it too hard, which the dealership will blame on the gas. It will rev up and accelerate without the gas being depressed. At least the keys stay in the ignition while it does this. Somtimes it will not start, maybe its an issue with the onstar. Did I mention the A/C sucks.

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  I love my Spark! - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By janine67219 - June 23 - 5:58 pm

  I just bought my 2014 Spark at Davis-Moore. I love this car! It is small but spacious. My tall grandchildren fit comfortably. The little storage area holds more than it appears it would. Going from a 95 Mercury to this is like day and night on gas. Its the cutest little ladybug on the road. Would recommend.

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  Blown Motor - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By got1onme - March 21 - 12:47 pm

  I test drove a 2014 Spark at my local dealership, I noticed the "check engine" light was on when the salesman and I returned to the dealership. I like the cars build so I purchased another Spark, one with more up grades on it, It had only 11 miles on it. I bought the car and after just 3 1/2 weeks, the "Check Engine" light came on in my new Spark while on my way home from work white smoke poured out from under the bottom of the car. I am very disappointed because I was so proud of my little car. I am in a rental waiting on GM to send a new motor

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  Spark - 2014 Chevrolet Spark
  By msgt_sasse - March 4 - 1:23 pm

  Nice basic car no frills