Low cost fun!
Ted T from Hollywood, MD on 08/06/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 3
Value Rating: 5
I bought this car out of necessity in October 2015 to replace my 2005 Ford Escape, which was in need of major repairs. My criteria was to find the least expensive Chevrolet I could by that was actually built in the United States. I have the base LS Sedan 5 speed, and my only factory option is a cargo net. Let me begin by saying I had no idea how much I would enjoy driving this car! It is by far my favorite of our family drivers, which include a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude, and my daughter's 2011 Chevy Cruise. My Sonic Sedan sits family high, it has great sight lines, it is very easy to get into and out of, even for occasional front seat passengers well over 6' tall. The trunk is cavernous, and with both back seats folded down, you can carry a ridiculous amount of stuff in this car. The Sears are comfortable, and with four average size passengers, there is more than adequate room in the car. The real pleasure of this little car is in how nicely it drives. I have the base 1.8 liter engine, with a 5 speed. The transmission is very good, and goes easily and almost crisply into gear. The gear spacing (ratios) are perfect, with just the right amount of performance overlap from one gear to the next, and this car will go 75-80 mph all day, without you the driver feeling like you have been beat up in a small car. The suspension is interesting. The car has a nice compliant ride over any road surface, and the ride quality is surprisingly good. You'd be tempted think it was sprung too softly, and then you hit a curve, and you take that curve in complete control. Amazing for a car with a beam rear axle; but then again, I read that Chevrolet had the suspension team for the Corvette set the spring rates and shock damping for the rear suspension. My combined mpg is 34.5 mpg. All day long. If I reset the mpg display before a hwy trip I can get 40 mpg. That's the truth, and may be due to manual transmission. So, that's all the stuff I like. - - What I don't like is the quirky LED instrument panel. The only analog gage is the tach; everything else is digital. My biggest complaint with it is that there is no temperature display, which is a pain in the winter time. I'm not a fan of the instrument panel, and I think that Chevy has fixed that, and gone more analog in 2017. Also, the base "infotainment" system is pretty lame; front door and A pillar speakers only, nothing in back, and am-fm only. I have to use an aux cord with my iPhone. There is no USB port in the base car (LS). I use a 12 Vdc adapter to charge my phone in the car. The Bluetooth, however, does work great, and I use that feature all the time. The car is also a WiFi hot spot, which is pretty cool. I should also say that I have had absolutely ZERO problems with this car, from a maintenance or build quality perspective. I is very tight, and very quiet. -Surprisingly so. In summary, I like this car A LOT! I bought it as "BT" - basic transportation, but it has turned out to be way more than that. Finally, on a recent business trip, I had the chance to rent a 2014 Sonic LT sedan with 42,000 miles. That car had all the stuff I like about my car, but with power windows, an automatic transmission, and a decent factory sound system, and with 42K on the click it was still tight and quiet. These are great little cars, that live a lot bigger than they actually are.
LOVE IT! Would not choose twice.
logan on 07/05/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating: 4
It is a fun car to drive and it is very comfortable. Interior is much bigger than the exterior would lead you to believe. I love zipping in and out of traffic in it, but getting around in snow is next to impossible. It also has very little cargo room. I have never gotten the 38 MPG that the dealer said but I can live with that because she knows how to put the power down. would have been nice to have a CD player, other than that the stereo system is incredible for a dinky little "economy car" I love this car but my next choice will be something much bigger with a V8
Has been an excellent car for my local needs
David Coon on 06/23/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating:
Reliability Rating:
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I am selling because i no longer need two vehicles.
My Cheverolet sonic
L. Walker on 05/30/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating: 5
Zippy The Turbo Sonic from Anacortes WA.
Yours Truly on 05/29/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating:
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating:
Value Rating: 5
I researched fun to drive hatch back cars for months. I HIGHLY considered a VW Golf or GTI. I thought for sure, I had to have a stick shift to have any joy. Then I read the reviews of The Sonic which mentioned it was fun to drive. They were not kidding. It is a blast! The cheaper trim interior was not for me. I bought a used LTZ. It has heated seats, remote start, blue tooth, and of course lots of air bags. This is a little thing, but the right arm rest, I really dig. You will notice the attractive motorcycle inspired lamps and touches. I don't feel like I am sitting too low, but still fell like I am getting a driving experience with the road. I do not generally accelerate fast and average 34.1 mg on normal roads, hills, and state high way. My only gripe is the touch screen my link. Yes, I listen to loud music and it sounds good, but I need an actual volume dial not some screen to touch. I want to turn up the dial (I am over 40 might have something to do with it)! I bought a used 2015 with less than 15000 miles and saved on bundle the depreciation. So every time I see that GTI go buy, I think about the money I am saving and the fun I am not missing out on.
Chevrolet Sonic is a great car.
Lorraine Crews on 05/26/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating: 5
Better than expected.
Theburgh on 05/23/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 4
Safety Rating: 4
Technology Rating: 4
Value Rating: 5
I was looking for something affordable, well optioned, reasonably quick, spacious, and that can competently handle the rough and meandering mountain roads of southwestern Pennsylvania - all in a compact footprint. The Sonic delivers in spades!
After seriously contemplating a Ford Fiesta, I did some research, and tried the Sonic. It was not only more spacious than the Fiesta, but the interior space even beats the Focus, which competes in the next class up!
As for MPG's? I average 29 MPG combined. 22-24 in the city, with my daily commute including many steep inclines and heavy stop-and-go city traffic - and over 40 on more flat, highway oriented terrain. Any vehicle that can deliver over 20 mpg on my commute impresses me. (My last car, a 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, averaged a poor 16-18mpg for the same trip.)
The cons to the vehicle include: Harder than usual plastics (they do fit well and look nice). No full armrest (seriously, Chevy? Not even on the LTZ model?) Hushed, but still louder than preferred road noise. No padding where your elbows rest (again, Chevy, seriously? The car was $23,000 new...you can pad the door panel where elbows rest!!!) Base engine: awful! Sounds like a lawnmower. Buy the 1.4 Turbo! It beats the 1.8 engine in every way.
Overall, if you want something easy to park, that is fun to drive, delivers excellent MPG, and has lots of room for the size, you won't be disappointed with the Sonic!
Power, with quirks 2015 LTZ Hatch
Llia Olsen on 04/14/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 3
Performance Rating: 3
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 4
Safety Rating: 4
Technology Rating: 4
Value Rating: 4
I bought the car for the interior. The hatchback offered the space I wanted for cargo and the dash was nicely arranged and constructed. The car seats are comfortable and heated and cup holders are a fast food junkies dream. The car lacks in handling, it's tight but in a stiff new car suspension way, not in it's ability to corner. What I could safely coax out of say the Chevy Cobalt, I would be worried to perform in the Sonic LTZ. The LTZ has larger rims but narrower sidewall so you really feel the road. The auto really hurts off the line coupled with the turbo lag but it builds quick enough. Running on octane lower that 92/93 does make a difference. I feel deeply cheapened by the fact there are no temperature gauges for the oil/water as those would be crucial in getting a heads up on potential engine damage. For now I use a "Torque Pro" app reading from an OBD interface to keep an eye on coolant temps. The smell of coolant comes from the vents when you open the flow through the heater core. This on a 14000 mile car has me poised for an early repair.
Really surprised at how nice it road
emptynest on 03/21/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating: 5
Since owning the sonic I have had many people comment on how nice it rides. Even had one person say they want to get one. Very nice quiet smooth ride for its size. I bought this in 2016 but it was a 2015 sitting on the lot with a manual transmission, so I was able to get a terrific deal. 13k out the door for an LT sedan. Huge trunk which is important for me because my wife and I do a lot of road trip vacations. Back seat space is pretty small with front seats all the way back, but not a big concern for us cause the kids are grown and gone. I am 6'1" and the seat still has plenty of room to go back. I was also considering the fiesta sedan and this car won out due to the better safety scores AND it was made in AMERICA. Only complaint I have is I wish the mylink system allowed you to mirror google navigation onto the screen. You have to down load their app for navigation and it is a subpar app. Oh well, just use the phone to navigate. Terrific little car for the money.
Fun car.
Bob on 03/20/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating:
Get the 1.4 turbo.
NO REGRETS
Mark Wyss on 03/18/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating: 5
Never thought I'd own a Chevy. I bough a 2015 Sonic after buying a 2013 Buick Encore. I was so impressed by the Encore (never thought I'd own a GM product) that I got the Sonic as a second car because its the same engine and drivetrain. It's a small car, got the RS version with 6-speed manual tranny. Fun to drive! It's a "sporty" car that is meant to hug the road and it does, so the downside to that is you feel every pothole and bump. But you have to expect that with a sport suspension and a car that is low to the ground. I'm 6'1" and I have no difficulty getting in and out or finding a comfortable driving position. Love the heated leather seats and moonroof. Instrumentation is laid out perfectly, and the My Link info-tainment system is great. Have had the car for a year and had no issues. Mostly used as a city car and get overall combine city mileage of 29 mpg. The RS is a fun trim model and I enjoy it, even if I'm not the intended buyer (I'm 55 years old). On a good stretch of road the car is quiet and smooth and hearing while using Bluetooth for your cell phone is never an issue. Very nice build quality. If you're looking for a fun, sporty hatchback, I recommend the Sonic. And despite Edmund's thinking there isn't much room, with the back seats folded down, you'd be surprised who much cargo you can carry!
Great Car
Anika Wilson on 03/15/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 4
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 4
Value Rating: 4
Outstanding car
Jeanne on 01/26/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating: 5
Love everything about this car and ability to flat tow is a bonus
Excellent small car for the $$
MBC on 09/03/2015
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 5
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating: 5
Although it is a Turbo, it is not neck jerkingly fast off the line, however it is more than adequate for a vehicle this size. The Sonic has minimal turbo lag and is a fun car to drive, with excellent road composure for a vehicle of this size, and excellent handling . Coming from a life of VW Golf's/GTI's, we now own 2 Sonics, a 2014 & a 2015, and couldn't be happier. These cars have proven very reliable, built very good and solid, with excellent interior comfort. We have not had one issue, change the oil and go! As far as looks, that is subjective, but we get a lot of compliments,people are shocked at how nice they are, and they don't feel like a cheap vehicle. We test drove the following before purchasing our 2nd Sonic, they were all 2015 models, Toyota Corolla- ok on the outside, bland/unappealing inside, very slow and awful CVT. Mini Cooper Countryman- good looking, blast to drive, unfortunately bad reliability history and $10K more than a Sonic made us pass on that, VW Golf, great car in/out but not as good a deal as the Sonic and didn't feel "better" enough to justify a big difference in price, to get all the options on s Sonic RS, Hyundai Elantra GT-Hmmm, not a bad car but seemed bland and basic for the price, not very good MPGs with the 173hp engine.
VIN 1G1JC6SG3F4112696 may have been
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