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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  Excellent in town car - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By dm3 - April 10 - 11:56 pm

  Responsive well built car but gets blown around on highway and handles bumps poorly. Engine and transmission work well to zip in and out of city traffic. Brakes very good as well. Interior well laid out with many nice touches. Electronics panel is very comprehensive and reasonably easy to use although the MyLink link to iPhone is very unreliable.

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  Great Little Car! - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By golfgti4789 - January 14 - 5:44 pm

  Comming from a Dodge Ram, I bought this vehicle due to a new job with a long commute. I bought the manual so I can suck out all the power I could. Thinking I would regret going down to a car that is 4 inches shorter than a mini, the car is a little gem! It easily beats the mpg estimate of 32/38, Im getting 40 mpg per tank without really trying! Easy to park, comfortable enough, fits 4 adults in a pinch. Not terribly fast but gets the job done. "Sparks" a lot of interest of people asking what it is. MyLink with bluetooth integration works amazing! Overall a great car, and much better then expected.

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  The best car weve ever owned! - 2013 Chevrolet Spark
  By witnessofjesus - August 27 - 2:08 am

  Weve had our 2013 Chevy Spark for about three weeks now and its the best car ever! We love using the Chevy MyLink Infotainment system that allows us to stream audio via our Smartphone using Pandora and Stitch applications, with more applications to follow in the near future.

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  Brimstone - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
  By Colton - December 12 - 1:33 am

  I named my little Brimstone car Yoshi. Yoshi is a really nice little car, when I bought him I was just needing something with A/C. But I got a lot more with my little Spark! It has a lot of features for being an entry level car, like Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. And it also has an impressive Stereo system! Yoshi is VERY slow, and pretty average to drive, but MPGs are killer (especially since you have the MPG monitor next to the speedo, you can know where your cars sweet spot is). My fiance drives a 2012 Scion iQ and its much quicker, and a lot more fun to drive. But nonetheless Yoshi is a great little car. In the 2 weeks I owned him, Ive put 300 miles on him.

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  SPARK-A GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
  By Don Eustace - December 30 - 5:54 am

  Four stars. Great gas mileage at 35 miles per gallon highway. Good value for the money.

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  A superb machine all round! - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Don Atkinson - September 16 - 7:32 pm

  Engineering.com has a video out asking if the 2016 Chevrolet Spark is the best car in the world. I would vote YES. It just does so many things effortlessly!

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  Great value for world class quality - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
  By Robert - August 13 - 6:50 pm

  I rented one in 2015 and thought if i ever buy a car in its class it would be a Spark. Fast forward to 2017 I bought a loaded Shark (less simulated leather and sunroof), black on black and the quality reminded me of my 2001 Mercedes Compressor for interior design and overall quality. It was sticker priced at 17.5K and bought it at 15.5k approximately. By the time I drove it home it had surpassed my expectations and everyone who sees and drives in it falls in love. And with 38/40 MPG highway what is not to love. Why it even came pinstriped in light grey! On a 1 to 10 scale I give the Chevy Spark a 10. GM is truly back !

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  My First New CAR!!! OMG SO AWESOME - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Mr. Spark Fan - April 17 - 3:14 pm

  Hello Internet. I am not as old (experienced and worldly) as the 52 year old reviewer but let me tell you the Spark is great and I agree with everything he said. So from the outside it looks like a cute vibrator with 4 wheels but this thing is a dope. Please note this is not an American car, it has the Chevy badge but realistically this is mostly design elements from off shore. This is a good thing as they have been doing compact hatches longer; I just had 5 people in this car and a bunch of climbing gear and it wasnt that bad. I wouldnt go smaller than this car, F smart cars and the like. This is the perfect form factor; I repeat Borg level perfection. It fits anywhere, it isnt even that much longer than a smart car. It fits in my work cubicle (unverified). You can sleep in the back with the seats down (verified). Some Stuff You Should Know (2016 LS CVT Specific): 1 You CAN get it for around 10-11K. I paid 10,800.00 for a CVT. Ive seen 10K for a CVT and 9k for a stick, I paid more since i wanted Red (WORTH IT). 2 Four speakers means 4 speakers, two front tweeters and 2 front door speakers. NO BACK SPEAKERS. It still sounds good yo. 3. I have no idea what people are talking about when they complain about power. It goes plenty fast. 98 horsepower can easily pull 2000 pounds; Does 72 MPH at 2.1K RPM with 5 passengers and full gear load. Not as Fast as my old 5 series. Thats ok. 4. The small size is great when you are ripping around construction and stuff in cities. Awesome making lanes of its own. I fit between a bus and the curb one time to bang a right *EPIC. 5. Some guys review said he flipped it and walked away; so listen to me and the others on there. Get ONE>

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  2016 Spark compared to a 2014 Spark - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Happy daughter! - March 24 - 4:24 am

  My daughter and I tried out a new 2014 Chevy Spark two years ago. We thought it was OK, but needed a big makeover and a lot of refinement. This year, we drove a new 2016 Spark, what a wonderful little car. I thought because she was a new driver, she should have something that was very safe! It has a great warranty, and easy to drive around town with great gas mileage. This car has safety features not found on most $30,000 cars. Parking assist, lane departure assist, frontal crash avoidance, ten airbags, including knee airbags, back-up camera and more. Fantastic ! 2LT model with all the extras. She paid $14,000 for a new car! It was absolutely worth it. She loves the car. She is single, and there is more than enough room in the car for extra people if need be. The gas mileage cant be beat! The insurance is low too. We could tell this was a great little car, quaility, quaility all the way, compared to the 2014 Spark. With all the options she has, a bigger car would cost at least twice as much or more. She has had it a week, and wants to drive everywhere. At one time she wanted a much bigger car for safety, but they dont have all those safety features on most bigger cars. A bigger vehicle would cost almost $20,000 used, and wouldnt have all the safety features, plus it would have 30,000 miles or more. For the price, she couldnt beat buying a "NEW" car.....and not having someones used troubles!

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  Awesome New Spark! - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By ryan1233 - September 26 - 1:47 pm

  The new 2016 Chevy Spark is an awesome car for the money. You must test drive one if you are in the market for an affordable car. While driving, it feels like a much larger car than it actually is. I love the seating position, as well, sitting up nice and high and easy to see out. I purchased the 2016 Spark to replace a 2014 that I also liked very well, but the 2016 redesign is leaps and bounds better in quality and value. The Spark has great fit and finish on the interior and the powertrain works very seamlessly. I have the CVT transmission, and it works better than any Nissan CVT I have ever driven. It has imitated shift points to feel sportier when you drive more aggressively. Engine noise is low compared to other small cars I have driven. I am AVERAGING over 42 mpg for the life of the car, so far, and I do drive in the city regularly not just highway! I have never spent this little on a new car and been so very pleased. The 2016 Spark was an awesome purchase for my needs! I plan to keep this car for a long time.