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Used 2019 Chevrolet Spark 1LT Hatchback Review

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2019 Chevrolet Spark 1LT Hatchback.

5 star(50%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(17%)
1 star(0%)
4.2 out of 5 stars
6 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

4 out of 5 stars

Don't listen to the (Expert) reviews.

C.S., Cookeville, TN, 01/05/2019
2019 Chevrolet Spark 1LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
I bought this car as an 2nd car so not to put so much mileage on my F-150. (and save gas) we just took an 3 hour round trip on the highway and pouring rain on the way home. Handled great, the acceleration was very good for a car this size and type. It was also very good at passing trucks and other slower vehicles. It is very fun to drive. Only complaint is that the 2 front cup holders … are too tightly spaced together. Update: 1/8/2019 We took a 850 mild trip. Handled well on parkways. Car is noisy on older asphalt road's but hey it's not a luxury car. I got an average 40.5 MPG. So far we are very happy with car. Still very happy with car. No complaints. One thing, after driving highways with snow and rain, I would not suggest doing too much driving in that type of weather. Little squirrelly. I guess do to the light weight of vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars

Better than the reviews

Mary S, New Albany, IN, 12/03/2018
2019 Chevrolet Spark 1LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
Maybe it's because I wasn't expecting a luxury vehicle, but I find the blah reviews about my Spark to be, well, blah. Sure, it won't go from 0 to 60 in 2 seconds and yes, if you are long limbed you may feel cramped. But if you want a car that goes fast in a split second or has lots of leg room, go buy one. I am 5'2" and I had to raise the driver's seat all the way up and move it … forward so it has plenty of head and leg room up front. I drove it 4 hours straight on major highways through intermittent rain, heavy traffic, and on stretches of interstate that were patched and full of potholes. My little Sparky kept up with the big boys at 85 mph, passed semis with no problem, and handled the roads well. Add to that I listened to an auduiobook at normal volume without any interference from engine noise. Also, 260 miles at high speeds only used 3/4 tank of gas. So, if you have the dough to blow and want a luxury or sports car, buy one. But if you are limited on what to spend or just don't care about impressing others because you already know you're awesome, get a Spark LT. It's a fun little car to drive and gets you from place to place with some modern features and conveniences and let's you spend that dough on other things.
2 out of 5 stars

Bad Luck Sparky

Steve M., Wooster, OH, 10/25/2019
2019 Chevrolet Spark 1LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
I have tried really hard to "love" this car, but I just cannot. I've had numerous issues with the car since driving off the lot (literally). On my way home from the dealership, my airbag and seatbelt lights kept going on and off while driving down the highway. Took the car into service and found they had to replace the seatbelt buckle and airbag control module for the driver's seat. Not … even a week later, the radio would stay on with the car turned off and the driver's door opened. In the process of figuring this out, the dealership scratched my dashboard upon removal of the radio. Found that there was an update to OnStar which had caused the issues with the radio. I have squeaking coming from the front suspension when hitting bumps, that is heard with the windows down. The dealership says they aren't sure where it's coming from, and it would take them too long to trace the noise down, so they sent me out the door with 2 free oil changes. Not a fix for a brand new car! I've also got a terribly loud whine somewhere within the powertrain, and I was verbally told it was the transmission and that they all do it, yet on my paperwork the dealership noted that it was alternator noise under high load. Regardless, it's unacceptable for a brand new car to have these issues! I also am experiencing rattles from both front windows when they are down slightly (not all the way down) and it sounds like they're loose in the tracks. I also experience thumping from the back brakes when slowing to a stop gently. Latest issue was a tapping/rattle noise from the driver's side of the dash. The dealership had my car for an entire month, and found that they had to replace the steering column, the power steering motor and the ignition assembly. Long story short, don't buy this car unless you are ready to be known by name when you call the service department! Highly unpleased with the car, and have requested GM to either buy back my car or offer an extension to my bumper to bumper warranty. GM has declined both, and tried to offer me a component warranty extension for 60months/75k miles on the front suspension. Will be getting in touch with a lawyer to find out how to apply for lemon law. Car has been in the service department for approx. 6 weeks total since buying in March 2019, and it's only October of 2019 now.
5 out of 5 stars

Living Like a European in America in the US

celestialtwilight, Orlando, FL, 09/05/2019
2019 Chevrolet Spark 1LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)
I bought a 2019 Chevy Spark 1LT with an automatic CVT about a month ago. I am scoring 38 MPG City (I rarely drive highway miles) - and I'm pretty amazed at this little wonder! The built in back up camera, infotainment system with Android Auto is more than I can ask for in an entry level vehicle.....it just doesn't feel like and entry level vehicle. There is plenty of room (I am 5'5 and … my significant other is 6'2) and there is no need to own a vehicle with greater cargo capacity or a higher price, unless your household is much larger. I shopped NIssan, Honda and Kia before I settled on this Chevy Spark and nothing in the same class matched the value and price point.

Edmunds Summary Review of the 2019 Chevrolet Spark 1LT Hatchback

What’s new

  • Revised front-end styling
  • Updated infotainment system with new USB ports
  • Part of the second Spark generation introduced for 2015

Pros & Cons

  • Pro:Impressive number of features at an affordable price
  • Pro:Offers many optional high-tech features
  • Pro:High fuel economy
  • Pro:Easy to park in tight places
  • Con:Acceleration is slow, both for the class and in general
  • Con:Not much rear legroom and cargo capacity


Which Spark does Edmunds recommend?

A big draw for the Spark is its affordable pricing, but the base LS trim doesn't have some features we think you'll want. As such, go with the 1LT trim. It's more expensive than the base LS, but it has desirable extras such as full power accessories (power windows, mirrors and locks), keyless entry and cruise control.

Full Edmunds Review: 2019 Chevrolet Spark Hatchback

What’s new

The 2019 Chevrolet Spark gets revised front-end styling, two illuminated USB ports and an updated infotainment system. A low-speed automatic emergency braking feature is new as well.

Vehicle overview

If you're looking for a car that's small and efficient, with the creature comforts typically found on much more expensive cars, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark could be just the car for you. Its small size and good outward visibility make it a breeze to park. Excellent smartphone connectivity technology is another draw since every Spark comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system that has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.

The Spark, however, does have a couple of drawbacks. Acceleration is sluggish off the line, even for the subcompact class. And while you shouldn't expect loads of interior volume from a car like this, the Spark lacks rear legroom and cargo space behind the rear seatbacks. On the whole, though, the 2019 Chevrolet Spark should satisfy most of your needs. It's an affordable, well-equipped and efficient mode of transportation.

2019 Chevrolet Spark models

The 2019 Chevrolet Spark is available in four trim levels that differ primarily in standard feature content. The Spark LS is the base model, and the 1LT adds more features. The 2LT has more convenience and driver assist functions, while the Activ model increases ground clearance and tacks on roof rails for a more active lifestyle.

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All Sparks come with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. The engine drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The Spark LS comes with 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a four-speaker audio system, and Chevrolet's OnStar communications system that includes a 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 1LT includes alloy wheels, power accessories (windows, mirrors and door locks), cruise control, remote keyless entry, foglights, and a six-speaker audio system.

Next up is the Activ. It adds simulated-leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails, special 15-inch wheels and bodywork, and a raised suspension that provides 0.4 inch of additional ground clearance.

Alternately, go for the 2LT. Compared to the 1LT, it comes with rear parking sensors, simulated-leather seating surfaces, push-button start, an upgraded driver information display, heated front seats, and chrome door handles and trim.

A sunroof is optional for the 1LT and 2LT trims. For the 2LT only, you can get a Driver Confidence package that adds forward collision warning system with low-speed emergency automatic braking and a lane departure warning system.

Trim tested

Edmunds has not driven any current version of the 2019 Chevrolet Spark, and we have limited experience with similar previous versions. The following is our take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

Driving

The 2019 Spark's small four-cylinder engine is best suited for around-town use. A CVT automatic-equipped Spark takes over 11 seconds to get to 60 mph from a stop, so highway on-ramps require some planning. Surprisingly, the Spark is agile around town and delivers a well-mannered ride overall.

Comfort

While it's noisy, the Spark compares favorably with other cars in the class. The seating position is upright, with minimal lateral support. The rear seats are best suited to smaller passengers.

Interior

Yes, the Spark is small, but its interior layout is functional. The high roofline gives it decent access and visibility. But other subcompacts offer more rear legroom.

Utility

There's minimal cargo room with the rear seat in use. But fold the seats down, and there's enough storage to tackle the typical sorts of errands that suit this subcompact hatchback.

Technology

The infotainment system adds to the Spark's modern vibe. The menus are intuitive, and the graphics are sharp. The touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. You can also get onboard Wi-Fi through the OnStar system.

Edmunds Insurance Estimator

The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2019 Chevrolet Spark in Ohio is:

$51.25 per month*
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