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Used 2020 Chevrolet Sonic Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
35 reviews
5...

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Sonic, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sonic since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
2 out of 5 stars

Constant Coolant Leak Problems

Julian, 06/27/2022
2017 Chevrolet Sonic Premier 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

*disclaimer I live in the Mojave desert in Las Vegas so it’s a very hot and dry climate* I bought my car a few years ago in January of 2019 with 41k miles on it from a Chevy dealership here in the city as a certified pre-owned car. The car ran fine up until April of 2021 when my car had around 63,000 miles my engine overheated out of nowhere with no warning. My dash lit up saying my engine was overheating and the computer is programmed to cut your power in half when this happens to prevent a true overheating incident until you pull over. (This is extremely problematic since the design of the dash has NO engine temperature gauge like other cars, so you do not know how hot your engine is while driving until it just overheats and you need to pull over.) I took it to the shop and the infamous thermostat module needed to be replaced since it was leaking coolant. Then two days later my engine overheated again. This time it was my water pump that was leaking. In total these two repairs costed me around $1,000. Then in February of 2022 (71k miles) my coolant reservoir cracked and had to be replaced for around $300. Then the big one a few months later in April of 2022 (73k miles). My coolant flange, water pump flange and Radiator fan all needed to be replaced. They also said the other components could’ve broke because the radiator fan wasn’t even running when the A/C was on like it’s supposed to. This was another $1,000. If you do buy this car make sure to get a good warranty as my warranty wouldn’t cover anything because I didn’t call them beforehand and take it to a shop in network (long story lol). In total over the past few years I’ve spent around $2,500 on repairs which includes a messed up window seal when I first got the car because it melted from being parked out in the heat. If you live in the desert DO NOT get this car at all. In general if you do get it no matter the climate, always have coolant in your trunk just incase. Other than the features and the value of what you get, the cars overheating issues are not worth it. GM also apparently only acknowledges this being an issue for the 2012-2016 model year sonics and not the 2017-2019 models even though it definitely is an issue.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Multiple electrical issues

Saleh alsayaad, 11/02/2021
2018 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

After owning a 2018 chevy sonic hatchback, I don't know where to start actually! Besides the low interior and exterior quality, you'll be stunned several times for electric system going haywire. 1. Cooling system failure/weakness. 2. Repeated engine overheating due to radiator fan failure. 3. Thermostat housing melt. 4. Coolant leaking. 5. Seat heating failure. 6. Repeated theft mode activation causing the car to not start without a clear cause! 7. Sudden battery failure. 8. Car not detecting the remote key without a known reason! And only God knows what's coming..

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4 out of 5 stars

Sharp little car!

Bert, 04/17/2019
2018 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Gas mileage was considerable less than what was expected. Poor in comparison to similar models, of other manufacturers. Nice sized trunk. Great vehicle for 2 or that college student. Not any room in the back if large adults are in the front.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Premium Features - Economy Price

LeRoy Spence, 12/07/2022
2018 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car new as an economical daily driver and have been pleasantly surprised by the features packed into this great little car. Mine has the RS trim package, which dresses it up. Beyond that, I enjoy the CarPlay and vivid backup camera. Also, when driving at night, I find the headlights illuminate better than much more expensive vehicles I have owned in the past. Any negatives of this vehicle could be said of any in its price range.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

So much fun

Adrian Manning, 07/15/2021
2019 Chevrolet Sonic LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have a 2019 sonic hatch RS. It has been so much fun and has great space. It has small lag when going from a stop but can be fixed with a better wastegate actuator. I put a cold air intake on it and am a very spirited driver and the turbo noises make me smile every time. I've driven it on a 5 hour road trip and was comfortable the whole way. It feels great and always wants to go.the sound system is great and all the convince features like android auto and remote start. The wifi hotspot and Sirius XM are great too

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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