Chevrolet Spark
One of the smallest cars on the market in 2022, the Spark was a subcompact four-door hatchback that represented the entry point to the Chevrolet lineup. The Spark's low starting price was reflected in the cabin's basic interior, even in the higher trim levels. However, it also featured a seven-inch display, as well as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Seating was available for four, although taller passengers would find the rear-seat legroom to be lacking, and cargo space was rather small. Four trims were available, and it was the Activ that stood out with a unique grille, roof rack, and foglights, giving it the look of a small SUV.
Explore the evolution of the Chevrolet Spark
Get our expert take on used Chevrolet Spark models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark came into its second generation with significant updates that went beyond the subcompact hatchback's new styling. The little car received an upgraded chassis with improved driving dynamics and enhanced driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. All trims came with a seven-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet's MyLink® infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Higher trims added heated front seats, push-button start, rear parking sensors, and power windows.
Powering the Spark was a tiny 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and while it's hard to believe, its 98 horsepower was a considerable power upgrade over the previous generation's 1.2-liter engine. A five-speed manual was standard, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available. Chevrolet also offered the Spark with an electric powertrain with better performance and 82 miles of range;
however, the EV was discontinued in 2017.Model highlights
Fuel-efficient engine
More powerful Spark EV (discontinued in 2017)
Stylish Activ trim (added in 2017)
Low-speed automatic emergency braking (added in 2019)
Updated chassis for better driving dynamics
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2016 - 2022
2022 Chevrolet Spark
2021 Chevrolet Spark
2020 Chevrolet Spark
2019 Chevrolet Spark
2018 Chevrolet Spark
2017 Chevrolet Spark
2016 Chevrolet Spark
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Spark an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet Spark 8th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Spark is $430, compared to an average of $447 for Subcompact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Chevrolet Spark owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.7 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Subcompact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Chevrolet Spark, compared to an average of 11% for Subcompact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Perry Stern has been writing about cars for almost 30 years and has been an enthusiast for much longer than that. Contributing to multiple automotive publications, Perry drives almost every new car on the market, ranging from base-level Kias to exotic high-performance Lamborghinis. But his favorite is still the 2006 Mazda Miata parked in his garage.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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