2014 Chevrolet Sonic Review by Automotive Trends

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GM's been enjoying much improved sales results the last few years and a big driver of that has been the newfound competitiveness in its car lineup. Chevrolet now has a strong entry at every level from the ity bity Spark to the downright handsome Impala and it's been far too long since we've been able to declare that. We just got a crack at the 5-door Sonic and while no one will be using phrases like "downright handsome" to describe it, we found a lot to like about the little Michigan-made Chevy. First is the excellent 1.4-liter turbo that delivers a stout 148 lb-ft of torque at a very useable 2,500 rpm and manages to earn 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. We liked the 6-speed manual that delivered rewarding shifts and smooth clutch engagement. Just like we noted in the Spark the technology offered at this price point continues to impress. Our $20,405 tester featured a backup camera, bluetooth, lane departure and forward collision alert systems, satellite radio and the touch-screen MyLink system for easily controlling compatible iPhone apps like navigation and Pandora. We would ask Chevy to bring back some simple volume and tuning knobs. We found the Sonic commendably quiet with a comfortable ride quality and impressive responses considering this wasn't even a sport-oriented RS model. The seats were very comfortable and nicely bolstered and the driving position was spot on with no sense that this was an economy car. Our particular tester featured a selection of dealer-installed accessories like black wheels and a cat back Borla exhaust that might appeal to young buyers that make up a big part of this car's target audience but certainly aren't needed. With solid ergonomics, a willing powertrain and no glaring penalties for choosing one of their smallest cars, a Chevy showroom should be high on your list when shopping in this segment.

[@jrenwin]

They didn't mention the amazing technology that you get with chevy mylink which is my favorite feature on my new sonic! You can put the Bring Go app on any smart phone and you have instant navigation on your screen!

[@toyoscio]

Jennifer Winters Handy if the car breaks down on the road and you're waiting for a tow.

[@trollturd]

i really wish mine had a backup camera. it's hard as hell to see out the back.

[@TheOzthewiz]

Just use the "braille" method. Keep backing up till you hear glass break, go forward a bit. Congratulations! Another FINE parking job!

[@TheSharingan123]

Who is GM? why do people mention him in every review of Chevy sonic ?

[@chaynestheman]

The owner of Chevrolet is GM or General Motors. They own Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick here in the states. But also others like Holden in Australia, Opel in Europe, Daewoo in Korea and others.

[@TheOzthewiz]

Government Motors, because our STUPID former President bailed them out, should have let them sink!

[@FoodyTunes]

Exact car that TFL CAR had. Cool!

[@joshstafford1463]

Has any one else noticed the car swaying on the highway? I have a 2014 lt sedan and the car is very hard to keep straight at speeds anywhere from 70+

[@trollturd]

I think something is wrong with your car. My RS rides better than my WRX did at hwy speeds. Even when it was stock it felt good at 80+.

[@Eric__J]

I got one as a rental and it gets blown around bad. At 60+ with a cross wind, it feels really sketchy.

[@Trevrz1]

No issues at high speed with mine. But keep in mind this is a b-seg car. So it's at the mercy of wind more so than let's say a Jeep.

[@lliaolsen728]

+Josh Stafford Check your tire pressure. It does have issues with crosswinds like Eric mentioned.

[@TheOzthewiz]

"Consumer Reports" noted that the Sonic has "darty" steering. And, they ALWAYS test another sample to make sure a particular one didn't have a defect!

[@malcolmbidright5390]

Yessir

[@frankevich]

Lighting too dark except in a few spots (like at c. minute 5:55 ff). Finally a review of a blue Sonic--looks nice but those black wheels are hideous! Also, this gray interior not too bad, but the black ones are really absurd--like sitting in a dark cave!. Wake up Chevy and offer a nice tan/beige interior. Also, I think there is no engine temperature gauge on the instrument cluster; if so, wake up some more, Chevy! and put one in. Trunk is very tiny too--why didn't they lengthen the body a few inches? Otherwise, a good vehicle I think--on my short list for spring (the other being the Nissan Versa Note.)

[@czg2012]

korean chevrolet. daewoo, more precisely. overpriced subcompact.

[@natalie2070]

+czg2012 daewoo is owned by GM so it's still Chevy and the vehicle here is still built in the United States. Welcome to the world of GM cloning. That said this is a nice little city car. Ford has a nice one too, reserving judgment on which is better but no need to buy foreign unless you really want to give your money to another country instead of paying our selves.

[@Macsk8ing]

that;s a good thing because American cars waste gas like a mofo

[@TheOzthewiz]

Daewoo is NOW called "GM Korea". The Sonic is ASSEMBLED in Michigan, USA, uses MOSTLY Korean parts (a GOOD thing for reliability)! Wish my '13 Focus (also ASSEMBLED in Mich,USA) used Korean parts, but NO, they use crappy British engines!