Used 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Sophie the Sonic is a great car for my teen driver
This car is very well suited for my new teen driver. We love the many airbags and it's size is easy for her to handle. We have big SUV's and Crossovers so this smaller car was much needed. Don't let the size fool you - my husband 6 ft. 2 in. and not a small guy and can sit in the front and back very comfortably. The price point was great and we love Chevy's and GMC's so this was a great buy for us.
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Should have kept looking
There was a recall on this car for the transmission 2 years after I purchased it. It was repaired. The next year, I was driving to work and noticed when I put my foot on the gas, it didn't sound right. About a mile later, the car began making an extremely loud noise then stopped running. Luckily, I had just gotten off the highway (rush hour traffic). The car was towed and the repair shop diagnosed it as the transmission. Again, it was repaired. I'm still not pleased with how the car sounds and no longer trust it to go on a long trip. Also, I was told gas mileage was close to 30 miles to a gallon. It's not even close to that, even on highway driving. I've had problems with the tires regularly needing air, even shortly after purchasing the car. Just too many problems for a new car.
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- LT 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,9998 mi away
- LT 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,90013 mi away
- LTZ 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,45115 mi away
Paid to much for what I got
I bought my 2012 chevy sonic new in October 2011. I change the oil every 3000 to 5000 miles and use only synthetic. I keep up on the maintenance regularly. I had the front struts go out at about 15000 miles which was covered under the warranty and was a recall. I am now at about 69000 miles and the engine is making a tapping noise and starts rough. There is a strong smell of burnt oil in the cabin frequently and the mechanic has not been able to find out why. The gas mileage is about 24 to 25 mpg on average which is ok but really not that impressive for such a small car. The car was recently valued at about 3500 dollars and I paid 21000 for it new. I tried trading it back in the dealer I bought it from and they told me they didn't want it because they have a hard time selling these card. The dealer even told me they were garbage. This is a decent car for your college kid if you find one for about 3000 to 5000. Don't make the mistake of buying one new because the value will plummet and you probably will be disappointed in the end. I bought this car because it was a Chevy but honestly I'm not impressed.
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who needs a battery or hybrid car
I have a 6 speed manual, with turbo, rated 40 mpg highway, I am getting 40 on average, frequently I travel to lake, 220 miles one way, I have had the car for 3 years now 93,000 miles, on that trip I average 44mpg. Its just fantastic on gas, run regular nothing else. It handles great, and is comfortable, the only part that could be a little larger is the floor board area, I have a size 13 foot, and the brake and gas pedals are so close, sometimes I end up hitting both at the same time. Not much room in the back but I never ride back there. A couple of issues have happened, 38,000 miles in a wheel bearing went bad. Called GM, they agreed is low milage for that to happen, they paid for it, just yesterday 93,000 miles, check engine light, vacuum leak, cracked manifold, covered under the 100,000, other than those, perfect car, will buy another one.
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excellent vehicle
I recently purchased a Sonic LT because of its interior comfort and fit, performance, economy, and in-cabin features. Although pleased, I soon discovered a problem with electronic display...gas mileage indicator and odometer were faulty or not working...will have to return for repairs two weeks after purchase. Also, after driving off lot, was struck at busy intersection on right rear quarter panel...damage was minimal...07 Scion was totalled. I really like having gas consumption, compass, outdoor temperature indicators and blue tooth capability. Bought Sonic over Cruz due to hard seat cushions in Cruz. Got exactly 35 mph on road. Aside from problem mentioned, I'm very satisfied.