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:
Showing 51 through 60 of 80.00-
a dome light would sure be nice!!! - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
By susan nordstrom - September 16 - 8:51 pmI love the car because of its economy..........the only thing I miss is a dome/interior light....I bought the most stripped down model with a manual shift....love the tiny size, I am 6 tall and weigh 190 pounds and love the economy.
-
Chevy Spark - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
By Kim Peran - July 21 - 5:28 amLove my new car. It is pretty comfortable for such a little car. I am 511 and still have plenty of head room. There is plenty of storage space in the back and I am getting great gas mileage.
-
happy camper - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
By ed z - June 25 - 7:10 amIm retired 72 car is perfect for me i have plenty visibility driver passenger leg and head room great on gas milage handles and responses well 3yr bumper to bumper 2 free oil changes roadside assistance 5 yrs
-
Sure beats walking!! - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
By James Siesfeld - May 23 - 11:51 pmIf you have ever had to walk any distance because you had no other choice than walking, you will understand the value of the Spark. The Spark fills an important spot in todays transportation needs for economical and environmentally friendly means of getting around where mass transit lets us down. Go Spark!
-
Redneck buys Spark to drive til daughter turns 16 - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
By J Scott Flowers - May 22 - 4:12 pmTruly impressed so far. Have only put 2500 miles on it. Its by far the neatest car Ive ever owned. Not saying a whole lot there. The last new car I bought was a 94 Olds Achieva. That was sporty back in those days. Id say the Spark is funner to drive. Since then Ive owned old pickup trucks and used cars, so the Spark is high tech to me. I drive once a month a 500 mile round trip and around town besides that. It seems to have a slight lull in accelaration as if pressing the gas takes a wee too long before it starts going. Ive gotten used to it, and its really not a problem. Acceleration is remarkably quick, and I have no problem on the interstate keeping up. Love the cruise control and use it in places Ive never used cruise control before because its so convenient. Get up to speed limit and move my thumb on the steering wheel, and let it go. Defogger and rear wiper are neat. My daughter thinks thats cool. Backup camera is cool, but beware that objects appear further away than they really are. Still use the mirrors to be sure. Visibility is great. Wifi is the cats meow, and checking the cars location or unlocking it with my phone is awesome. So far, so good. I can afford it, and feel I have one of the nicest cars on the road, in spite of it looking like a puddle jumper.
-
I LOVE CLYDE - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
By Lexndres - April 7 - 3:02 amYes i have named my beloved Spark. Reminds me of a ghost from Pac-Man. Anyway I do love my car. Zippy little thing, great gas mileage. First car i have not regret buying. Only a couple of minor things I would suggest changing, moving the gas flap opener thingy back a couple of inches, a gasket around the gearshift (I have lost several credit cards down that little gap and they are gone forever) and the most important thing, an adjustable sunvisor. This is so small and doesnt move so it makes blocking the sun an real issue. BUT other than that I LOVE THIS CAR!
-
The Greatest Little Car - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
By John weeks - January 1 - 1:03 amI used to own the 2013 Spark and that one isnt that good mainly because of the weak engine and suspension. The new 2016 model has the 1.4 size engine which is the same reliable engine in my cruze. The only complaint I can say is I wish they made this in a turbo with some tight suspension as I would buy that in a second as I know it would be way zippier and fun. I got the 5 speed model which has crank up windows and no auto door locks which I prefer anyways. Its still a little slow to get going but once on the freeway its pretty responsive. My model was on sale for like 9K which is unbelievable for what you get when you consider the back up camera, bluetooth, apple car play although I have an android. All i can say is this car is underpriced compared to others for what you get. It may even be worth double the price.
-
dangerous on the road - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
By Ivannia - March 26 - 3:46 amMy brother bought my mom a brand new Spark. He thought she is old and needs security, well that is not what she has. This car keeps turning off on her on the highway, on the roads just any place. She has taken the car to the dealer and the dealer does not seem to find out the problem and gives it right back. I do not recomend rhis car at all.
-
Great price : Great car - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
By Roger - August 10 - 6:43 pmThis is the perfect city car.
-
Would recommend this car to everyone I know! - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
By Unknown - December 19 - 2:48 pmI bought my 2016 Chevy Spark brand new, 2 months ago, already has over 4,000 miles on it. If you are like me and drive everywhere, I would recommend this car to you. It costs me 16$ AT MOST to fill my tank, getting 42 MPG on average. I am a college student, working full time and this car is perfect for the situation I am in. Getting a brand new car at 12,000 is great. You are getting more than what you paid for. Only down side, roll down windows, no power locks and no cruise control. Youd think a car with such an enhanced electronic sound system would have these things. But hey, who can complain with a car getting 42MPG costing 16 to fill.
