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GREEN CHOICE

Chevrolet Spark

EPA MPG: 35 mpg
Average Retail Price
$5,200 - $5,900

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

You don't see many cars as small as the Chevrolet Spark on American roads and for good reason. It is more than 10 inches shorter and 4 inches narrower than the typical subcompact-and 30 inches smaller than its Sonic sedan sibling. While small can mean easier parking and tighter turning radius in crowded cities or on campus, in this case it also means a lot gets left out.

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2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

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

Crash Tests

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

2016 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$4,900 - $5,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 35 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,750 - $7,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG 34 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,125 - $6,300
economy-icon
EPA MPG 29 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,050 - $8,800
economy-icon
53 miles
economy-icon
42 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,300 - $7,600
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door hatchback
Seating
2 front, 2 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 1.4-liter 4 (98 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • CVT
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.