Used 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
LT Hatchback (1.8L auto): All-around Solid
Mr. Geb, Shelbyville, KY, 10/18/2015
2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
Value is always going to be determined by the price you can get any given car at, but this is a solid vehicle I'm happy to have ended up in. I bought used, one year old with low mileage.
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Pro reviews overstate the Sonic's cons. Notably, it has lower fuel economy than other subcompacts but it's also the heaviest subcompact out there at a sturdy 2700+ pounds curb weight. It's still … lighter and more fuel efficient than any compact, so it fits right where it belongs. For me, it was the right balance of fuel economy and "doesn't blow off the road from a stiff gust of wind" peace of mind.
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The cargo space is a bit horizontally-challenged but enough to hold a regular 6-8 sack load of groceries for one or a couple. There's a surplus of vertical space for tall/stacking objects, if you remove the cargo cover, and the back seats flatten for more room. Acceleration is fine at lower speeds, at higher speeds it's a bit sluggish but not really a big deal. Interior is adequate for an economy vehicle without feeling too cheap: Comfortable cloth seating; lots of hard plastics but really thick and sturdy; the so-called "egg carton" economy headliner has a soft dimpled cloth surface, and perhaps a layer of foam beneath it, that masks any cheap feeling to it.
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There's but a few other minor gripes I have which are mostly just not in line with my preference, or non-issues that take some getting used to, as would be the case when starting to drive any new vehicle. The only legitimate complaints for me are the low-beam headlights feel angled a bit too low, might be an issue if you're navigating unknown territory, and the rear view is fairly narrow which is just a product of the small vehicle size and hatchback. Power-folding side mirrors would be nice, though. The "passenger" door lock is situated on the driver's side of the center console, making it a pain to access when simply reaching in from the passenger side to grab something before re-exiting the vehicle.
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No major problems, though. The stock tires are supposedly horrible in snow too, so budgeting to replace them might be a good idea up north. (I wasn't about to personally put them to the test.) It accelerates smoothly, handling is responsive, seating is comfortable and decently spacious, general interior construction feels solid. The instrument cluster is compact and all digital, save the analog tachyometer (RPMs), but gives you all necessary information and then some. Safety ratings are top-notch.
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After driving it for the past three years at this point, and putting roughly another 25k miles on it, the only repairs I've needed was body damage from a minor accident. Everything has held up well so far with regular maintenance.
Best bang for buck!
mbro77, Dallas, TX, 09/30/2014
2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
This car offers a lot for the $. We shopped around for months. Looked at/considered 1. Ford Fiesta-not impressed by performance, very cramped interior, nice front end, but ugly in back, price not that great. 2. VW Golf- nice car over all but felt very bland/cheap on inside and was a bit bland to drive, and more expensive than our Sonic, but with less features. 3. Toyota Corolla- great … new design, very bland and not many features for the price, not spacious interior.4. Hyundai Accent 5-door- we really liked this car, but it seemed very soft and conservative in comparison to Sonic. 5. Nissan Versa- it's advertised as the "cheapest" car in America, the aren't lying. It feels/looks
My year with the Chevy Sonic
Lady Dea, Matteson, IL, 07/03/2018
2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
I didn’t like the car when I bought it. I guess that should have been a sign. Bought it with 63xMiles, Ive added 36x Miles. I’ve had it for almost 2 years and I’ve had to replace the air intake hose. That’s fine, $16 fix. Just recently I’ve had to replace my water pump because it would sporadically spew coolant after I finished driving; leaving puddles under the passenger tire. The … engine also has started ticking loudly, I’m about to trade mine in and see what I can find for a midsize sedan. For only have the car less that two years; I’m good. Also it surges forward when you’re sitting idle as well. It shakes when your foot is on the brake peddle because it wants to move forward so bad. I have the hatchback, which somehow is bigger than the sedan. The trunk is nonexistent, it has electrical issues, which I’ve read was common. Little things, the lights on the dash will dim and brighten for no reason. I can’t tell how hot or cold my engine is. The dealership couldn’t even flip through the computerized Menu to find it. The backseat is cramped. It’s a small car. For sure. I honestly don’t recommend this car.
Amazing!!
Victoria Hudgins, Tulsa, OK, 07/22/2015
2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
They are really amazing!
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT 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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