Cars

Chevrolet Sonic
Tested version:
Chevrolet Sonic
Find out how much the dealer paid with Cars Best Deals Plus Access.
    You'll get:
  • Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price
  • Unlimited New and Used Car Price Reports
Base MSRP price range:
$14,185 - $21,470
Dividing line
Car Type: Subcompact cars (Automatic transmission)
CR overall score
What's this?
?
Chart key
Highest
68
This model
??
Lowest
28
Bottom key
Chevrolet Sonic Overview

The Sonic uses a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Uplevel trims offer a modestly quicker and more fuel-efficient 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a somewhat balky six-speed manual. Handling is fairly nimble and the ride is relatively composed for this class, with excellent braking performance. The sedan has a huge trunk and a better view out, but the hatchback version has better cargo versatility. Both versions offer a relatively quiet cabin, but the rear seats are cramped. Options such as heated seats, a sunroof, and remote start are usually not found in this class. First year reliability has been average.

A subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes Consumer Reports road test reports (based on over 50 different tests).

Chevrolet Blog Content
Coming soon: A wider variety of diesel-powered cars
Over the years, with Consumer Reports' extensive testing, we've found that diesel engines provide a significant fuel economy advantage, typically reducing consumption by 30 percent over a conventional engine in an equivalent model. We're encouraged, since at the New York...
500-hp 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 declares horsepower war
Taking a page from the Ford Mustang playbook, Chevrolet has resurrected a classic moniker (and order code) with the Camaro Z/28. Sure, fuel economy may be the buzz of the New York International Auto Show, but it is heartening to...
Our favorite cars at the New York Auto Show
With the media days at the New York International Auto Show behind us, the cars team has had time to reflect on the approximately 1,000 vehicles on display. Many new models made impressions, and some were utterly forgettable. To share...
Consumer Reports' "Talking Cars" video features highlights from the New York Auto Show
At the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), we saw dozens of new and improved cars. To help make sense of it all, Consumer Reports' automotive engineers Tom Mutchler and Gabe Shenhar discuss the highlights in the latest episode of...
New York Auto Show: Chevrolet puts the "Sting" back in the Corvette
There aren't many cars that make my heart flutter more than a Corvette. And over the last 20 years, I've been lucky to have driven many. This redesigned 2014 model—which we first saw in Detroit—might turn out to be one...