Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, urban commuters.
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio.
Body Styles:
Available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback.
Design Emphasis:
Sporty and youthful styling, particularly for the hatchback model.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, transmission, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, basic wiring diagrams.
Interior And Comfort:
HVAC system, climate control, seats, seat belts, airbags, interior trim, infotainment system, instrument cluster.
Body:
Exterior lighting, doors, windows, mirrors, locks, body panels, corrosion protection.
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, stability control, anti-theft system.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid level checks, tire pressure, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Identifying and resolving common dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic procedures.
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, towing information, hazard warning.
Equipment Operation:
Operation of climate control, audio system, lighting, wipers, cruise control, power windows.
Depth:
Covers essential owner information, routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and operation of vehicle features. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Length Sedan:
173.1 inches
Length Hatchback:
159.0 inches
Height:
57.1 inches (sedan), 57.4 inches (hatchback)
Cargo Volume Sedan:
13.1 cu ft
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
19.0 cu ft (rear seats up), 30.7 cu ft (rear seats folded)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 2750 lbs (1.8L manual hatchback)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 2950 lbs (1.4L turbo automatic sedan)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for most configurations tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models equipped with optional features)
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist.
Airbag System:
Ten standard airbags: frontal, side-impact, roof rail, knee airbags for driver and front passenger.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions, LATCH system for child seats.
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with 7-inch color touchscreen available, supporting Bluetooth streaming, USB connectivity, Pandora, and Stitcher integration.
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, available premium audio system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Rear Vision Camera available, parking assist sensors (optional on some trims).
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB port for device charging and audio playback.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement 1:
100,000 miles (for 1.8L engine, typically iridium plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement 2:
60,000 miles (for 1.4L turbo engine, typically iridium plugs).
Engine Oil 1:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil (API SN certified or equivalent), Capacity: 4.7 quarts (with filter) for 1.8L.
Engine Oil 2:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Oil (API SN certified or equivalent), Capacity: 4.5 quarts (with filter) for 1.4L Turbo.
Coolant:
Dex-Cool® (GM Part No. 12346290 or equivalent), 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 approved brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron® VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 88863799 or equivalent).
Common Issues:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan, turbocharger issues (for 1.4T models), water pump leaks, some electrical gremlins, potential for brake wear.
Brand History:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing reliable and accessible vehicles since 1911.
Sonic Introduction:
The Chevrolet Sonic was introduced for the 2012 model year, replacing the Aveo. It was developed on GM's Gamma II platform, shared with other GM and Opel models.
2015 Model Year Updates:
The 2015 Sonic received minor updates, including potentially new infotainment features and exterior color options. The powertrain options remained largely consistent.
Manufacturing Location:
Lake Orion, Michigan, USA; South Korea (Daewoo production).
