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Chevrolet Spark

EPA MPG: 31 mpg
Average Retail Price
$4,300 - $4,575

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

If you're looking for an affordable city car that's easy on gas, the Spark may strike your fancy. The four-door subcompact, which is built in South Korea, gets excellent fuel economy -- 32 mpg overall and 42 on the highway -- and has a surprisingly usable rear seat. It offers a relatively nice assortment of features, including alloy wheels, a touch-screen audio system, Bluetooth, and 10 airbags.

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2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$4,425 - $4,575
economy-icon
EPA MPG 31 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,675 - $5,200
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,775 - $5,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 33 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG 37 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,075 - $4,900
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door hatchback
Seating
2 front, 2 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 1.2-liter 4 (84 hp)
  • 1.2-liter 4 (83 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2016-
Current Generation

With a slightly longer wheelbase and lower roof, the redesigned 2016 Spark looks less goofy. Power comes from a 98-hp, 1.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers leisurely acceleration along with plenty of engine drone. Handling is very responsive but the darty steering makes it feel unsettling at speed. The ride is unyieldingly stiff. Inside, the elevated seating position gives the driver a commanding view out. The rear seat, however, is better suited for a backpack. The infotainment system has a 7-inch color display, making the Spark up-to-date on the connectivity front. Other updates include forward-collision alert, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning.

2013-2015
2013 Redesign Year
Chevrolet's tiny Spark is a four-seat city car, which is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system as standard equipment. Its dinky 84-hp, 1.2-liter four-cylinder and jerky continuously variable automatic transmission combined to provide slow acceleration and its 32 mpg overall is not impressive for this class. A four-speed automatic available in 2012 was no better, though the standard manual transmission helps. The cabin is cramped and relentlessly noisy, the ride is stiff and jittery. On the other hand, the Spark is maneuverable, easy to park, and boasts a rear seat fit for two adults. The Spark's three trim lines have the same powertrains, but different equipment levels, with little need to add more options. The best choice is the 1LT, since it brings vitals such as basic power accessories and cruise control. The stick shift is a better choice than the automatic. Overall, though, we suggest you get a different car instead -- unless you are considering the Spark EV. The electric version is surprisingly fun, giving the Spark plenty of smooth and quiet power, but it was only offered in a handful of states.