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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  It didnt SPARK a fire - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Diana - May 8 - 1:08 am

  I rented a 2016 Chevrolet Spark and enjoyed the spaciousness of the small car interior. While driving the car was rear-ended on a highway. Both front seats broke causing the bulk of the injuries. The seat-belts stayed in tact and we were glad to have them. Seat backs broke allowing myself and my passenger to be injured by the seats. Additionally, the seats came apart from the frame. If you choose this car, please choose a bright color to help other drivers to see your little car. If you choose this car, you are trading safety for cost; is that a good trade for you? It was not a good trade for me, even as a rental car. Seats were not available in the rating criteria. The safety section of the rating criteria does not provide for broken seats.

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  It does what it does VERY well - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
  By BobEmb - March 29 - 4:19 pm

  Ive owned the car over 7 months and love it. I was looking for a good mid-sized used car but kept checking on the new little cars. I found the deal on this for under $9000 and had to go for it. I especially liked the technology package, that will connect to my smart phone using all its functionality over the display. My only concern, after doing my research, was whether I would fit into it as I am 63 and over 300 lbs. With the seat all the way back, I was good. In particular, I found I had all the knee room I would need. I could take this on a long trip with no real trouble. The back seat is absolutely useless to me because I do not transport children and an adult would NEVER fit in. I removed the back seat cushions, folded the seat back down and have what I call a two seater wagon. Ive done a lot of transporting cargo and been surprised what it will carry. Performance is not sporty by any means, but it is always competent. Acceleration is adequate and never lacking, steering is what you would expect from a small car, transmission and clutch are fine, and the suspension handles what the road throws at it. I drive 4 miles to work and every couple of weeks go on weekend excursions, and have gotten 36.7 MPG over the past 5 months. The paint, fit, and finish is wonderful, and the styling is very nice. All these things I love about the car, but be aware of what it does NOT do. It does NOT have power seats, windows or mirrors, so get into the habit of cranking windows again. It does NOT have cruise control. It does not have remote control for the door locks but it does lock the doors automatically when driving and it will not allow you to unlock the car while the car is running - kind of odd. The hatch only opens with the key, no remote switch. With the back seat down, the floor is not flat but is low in the middle. These negatives are insignificant considering all the positives of the car. A note on the geopolitics of the car -- it is made in South Korea by what used to be Daewoo. I never expected to by a GM car after the bailout by taxpayers and Im still not happy about supporting GM, but this car REALLY gets it done for me so I put politics behind me.

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  Star-Spangled Spark - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Christian LeBlanc - February 26 - 10:45 pm

  I had been shopping for an automatic Spark for my daughter since November, decided to wait and see what the 2016 models and pricing were. Browsed online every other day or so, got serious in February because my $1000 GMCard bonus would end on 2/29/16. Friday morning (2/12/16) around 10am I found a base 2016 LS CVT on sale about 100 miles away. Called the dealer, after a few back & forth calls had the final price. Got a check from the bank, insurance sorted out, and arrived at the dealer about 5pm, back on the road by 6pm. Wow, have small cars come a long way since my 1984 Honda CRX! I was way surprised by the base Spark LSs touchscreen, Bluetooth, rear backup camera, standard A/C, rear wiper & defrost etc. At the same time my daughter was more interested in the tech stuff than the power locks, power side mirrors, power windows, nicer materials, and cruise that this car does not have. A good trade-off. We both found the backseat to be cozy but acceptable. I was quite comfortable driving home for 2 hours, although I missed having cruise. But its not going to be my car, and the daughter doesnt like to use cruise anyway. I was satisfied with the 98hp of the new 1.4L, and find the CVT to be completely unobtrusive and smooth. The car was weirdly quiet even at 60+ mph for being so petite and upright. And 2,000rpm at 60 mph? I would have expected 3,000. Its light and nimble, fun to drive; but I wont be seeing how fast it stops, corners or accelerates. I have my own car for that kind of tossing. I did not drive a 2015, so cant compare the two. In the 3 days she has had the car (1 highway, 2 in town) its averaged 36.6mpg, so the 41mpg EPA hwy is probably realistic. Sales data: 14,635.00 MSRP 342.00 Tax & tags -3,735.00 Dealer discount -1,292.24 GM card earnings -1,000.00 GM card bonus earnings --------------------------------------------------- $8949.76 total price

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  LOVE MY NEW SPARK!! BEST CAR I HAVE EVRY OWNED!! - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Reed - January 11 - 8:01 am

  I live in Los Angeles and wanted a car that could zip thru traffic and get into tight parking spaces. This car delivers big time. This is probably the first car Ive owned where I actually have fun and look forward to driving. Its also great on gas mileage - I average about 33 in LA and 43 on the highway. The Chevy MyLink is the most advanced touchscreen tech systems I have ever experienced. Handling is swift and agile. I also got an amazing deal on the car.

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  Worlds cheapest sports car? - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
  By B. Borgerson - September 18 - 1:56 am

  World’s cheapest sports car? Car and Driver made this car an “Editors’ Choice” in its category. Consumer Reports is not quite so thrilled. Easy to see why. This little puppy is fun to drive, with agile handling and – at least when only the driver on board – plenty of zip to thoroughly enjoy a smooth and winding country road. Down sides? On a bumpy road you will get jostled, there’s precious little back seat and cargo room, and the interior on my base LS version is heavy on hard plastic. Plan on seat pads for long trips. But I can hardly quibble when I snagged an automatic for $10,500, replete with up-to-date electronics, ten airbags, tire pressure monitoring, Bluetooth and ONStar – but no cruise and no power on anything in the doors. Still, I haven’t paid that little for a brand new automatic since 1989. And well built? It’s so tightly fitted that, windows all up, you have to give the door a firm little slam to overcome the air compression.

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  Best value for a single person - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By David - May 22 - 7:51 pm

  The most economical automobile I could find. -- Dealer was very accommodating -- gave me top dollar for my beat-up trade-in and ate the MV fees. Car is easy to maneuver & to park, holds the road well in the rain. Small size helps avoid accidents -- when I swerved to avoid a deer I missed the guard rail by an inch; would have scraped it in a wider car. Rear storage is small, but perfect for grocery bags -- they cant fall over. Cruise control and blue tooth are very convenient features. Front passenger seat is quite comfortable. Rear not so much, but I rarely if ever have more than one passenger. Fuel economy less than advertised, but still decent. MUCH less expensive than competitors Yaris, Fit, Mini & Fiat.

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  Good Little Car - Real Cheap - 2017 Chevrolet Spark
  By Johnny - June 20 - 12:15 am

  Given the immense supply in North American dealerships these cars should be a steal. After one year of ownership Ive had zero problems reliability-wise. The front seats are good and can fit two big dudes no problem provided you stagger the seatbacks a little. Android Auto is fantastic. The CVT isnt. If you can drive manual or want to learn this would be a great car to do so, especially with the hill holder feature - the CVT is angry, doesnt like to rev, and will leave you motionless from a stop on steep hills unless you throw it into L. Dont be afraid to use the L mode on hills, up or down. Otherwise this car is very easy to park, good on gas, and painless to drive in traffic. Its actually kind of fun to throw into curves too. Just know that if you have tall people in the front seats no one is going to be sitting behind them. Also: the stock Kumho tires my car arrived with were bad in the snow, definitely get snow tires if youll be dealing with serious winters.

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  Spark 2 LT: the luxury "cheap" Chevy - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By T R Packard - April 6 - 7:40 pm

  The 2017 is the same as the 2016 that I own. I think this is a great car: fun to drive, great interior styling, reliability, bumper-to-bumper 100% 36,000 mile/36 month warranty that includes oil changes and tires, generous safety features, head of the class technology/connectivity, very good gas mileage, solid road feel, surprisingly quiet and stable on the freeway, a dream parking/driving down narrow streets of Los Angeles, nimble/sprightly handling, and more fun to drive than the Fiat 500. A super value that I like even more now than when I first bought it 12 months ago.

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  Best Little car in the world - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By t varga - August 18 - 7:52 am

  I love love love this little car. I got this car for gas mileage because I have to drive an hour to get any where and I needed to pay cash for it. Well worth the price. It might not have electric windows but the drivers door locks and unlocks itself, It has automatic headlights, Ive never touched them . The sound of the stereo system is great for only having 4 small speakers I can make the windows vibrate. This is the first time ive had hands free calling. I fit very comfortable in the car but im short my husband being 6 ft does drive it and his only complaint is getting out because it sits low to the ground. And for anybody worrying about power thats just nuts, I zip around and up and down these hills in wv without a single problem,(you may call them mountains). And im getting way better fuel mileage than expected the best yet is 46.2 miles to the gallon, that was averaging 62 miles an hour. You will not be disappointed with this car. I think the people who are complaining are the ones that dont realize this is a small car not a large suv. I bought the green one its fun, sporty, and zippy I love this car.

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  Dont do it. - 2016 Chevrolet Spark
  By Nicole - January 31 - 11:53 am

  Right... Check out the spark forum. Own a 2015 spark bought brand spanking new with 30 miles on it, tranny has gone out, been in the shop 8 times after I take it back in for tranny issues, no AC, electrical gremlins... Really loved it when the traction control came on, on a clear day on perfect road conditions causing almost a wreck. Really loved it that Chevy tried to charge me to have someone pick up my mom when my tranny went out 4 months into owning this car, because apparently having a passenger in the car and driving more than 12 miles away from home isnt normal. I have a stack of papers of repairs and yet Chevy has done nothing but caused me stress. This last breakdown, dealership had car for 2 weeks, providing no loaner and left me stranded in another state. I cant pay my bills this month because I had a 2 week expense for being stranded and Chevy didnt want to hear about it at all. Ive had caseworkers on my case who make appointments but dont keep them, dont call back. Last time I called when I was stranded the lady laughed at me on the phone, and when I demanded for a manager she took her time hoping I would hang up, I didnt hang up and I heard everything she said to the manager and I said ummmm.... Still here