Used 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Has proven to be very reliable.
kayemtee, Little Rock, AR, 04/07/2014
2014 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
I’ve been asked to update my review yet again, so here it is.
This will likely be my last update as I recently gave my much beloved Sonic to my niece who just moved to the US from France. Still going strong with the original battery after almost ten years and 125,000 miles.
Perhaps the difference between Toyota quality and Chevy quality is starting to emerge. Right after I gave it to … her, the check engine light came on. Code reflected catalytic converter failure. I paid $200 for a “rejuvenation “ which has kept the light off and won’t worry about it until the next NYS inspection. Because the car was originally sold in New York, it will require a more expensive replacement than a non-California car.
Everything else expressed below is still true. I would only hope every car I buy has been as good as theirs modest Chevy. I will greatly miss owning a manual transmission car; it is getting harder and harder to get one.
8.5 years and 117,000 miles, still going strong. It is a shame that GM, and all American makes, have abandoned this segment. I think they accidentally made too good a small cheap car. Front headroom, legroom and trunk space are amazing for this size car; the sedan trunk is the same size as a Camry. Still has original battery, and still original rear brakes and only one replacement of front brakes. Had to recharge air conditioning for the first time despite no leaks being found. I finally had to change my first lightbulb.
After 7.5 years and 106,000 miles, I am still a fan. I’ve replaced the front brakes once, the spark plugs and coil (a shop far from home might have broken the coil by accident changing the boots over the plugs when brought there due to very rough running), and had to have the dealer diagnose and repair the airbag light coming on intermittently. They cleaned oxidation off of some of the wiring and no problem since. It still has the original battery and started instantly on a freezing morning after sitting for five weeks. I have a set of four Blizzak snow tires mounted on 15 inch steel wheels and it makes the car perfect for winter use in snow country, where we live now, especially with the manual transmission. Chevy has dropped the manual version, which is a shame. It makes the car fun to drive and the clutch is still original. The sixth gear is very economical (2000 rpm at 67 mph) but you need to downshift to fourth to climb grades on the Interstate. The big trunk in the sedan version still impressed me. Below are previous reviews my me over the last six years.
I’m still impressed after 4 years and almost 60k miles. Sorry to hear that GM is dropping it after 2018. Peppy with turbo, great gas mileage, still on original brakes, fun to drive, and plenty of room people and stuff for a subcompact.
Below are earlier comments. It has now been three and one half years and almost 50,000 miles. The previous comments continue to be accurate. Reliable, economical, and still fun to drive. No repairs other than the oil leak which was covered under warranty. Brakes still original. Nothing but oil changes and replacing two tires because one was damaged. I’m not sure why it’s not more popular; it’s a very good small car. I love being able to squeeze into small NYC parking spots; the hatchback is more than a foot shorter but the trunk on the sedan is so large and useful.
Perfectly comfortable for 2-3 hour highway trips but I have not taken longer ones in the Chevy only because I have a 23 year old S Class Mercedes that is better suited for long distance high speed road trips. But if I didn’t have it, I’m sure the Chevy would be fine.
I think a clean used Sonic would be an excellent choice for a teen’s first car; the price of a used one is lower than a comparable Honda.
I've owned an. LTZ sedan with the 1.4 turbo and a six-speed manual transmission for two years and more than 30,000 miles.
I'm still very impressed.
Quite peppy in city driving.
We just took a highway ride and ran at speeds up to 80 mph and averaged 39 mpg.
Amazing!
Very solid ride and quiet with little wind noise.
Amazing amount of legroom and headroom for driver and front seat passenger.
I'm six-two and had to move the seat up and had tons of headroom.
I liked the look of the hatchback better but lower price and huge trunk made me pick ther sedan.
We paid less than 18K; I can't think of any car out there to offer this value.
Update after two years: we still like the car very much. It has been flawless with one exception; my independent mechanic noticed a very slight leak in the main rear engine seal. It didn't leak enough to have to add any oil. I brought it to the dealer who replaced the seal under warranty but I haven't had it on a lift to see if the problem is solved.
For the money paid, it's still a fine value although the trade in value is low compared with other subcompacts.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Powerful optional turbocharged engine
- Pro:generous amount of features
- Pro:excellent crash test scores
- Pro:comfortable and spacious cabin
- Pro:fun to drive.
- Con:Subpar fuel economy of base engine
- Con:cut-rate cabin materials
- Con:hatchback's mediocre cargo capacity
- Con:turbo engine's sluggish throttle response.
Full Edmunds Review: 2014 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic in Ohio is:
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