2013 Chevrolet Spark Buyer's Guide.
Content
Chevy Spark deftly balances functionality with charming looks. Inspired by the mini cars of yesteryear like the Ford Festiva and Yugo, this little living creation offers enhanced safety combined with…
Chevy Spark deftly balances functionality with charming looks. Inspired by the mini cars of the past like the Ford Festiva and Yugo, this little living creation offers enhanced safety combined with the technology you would expect from a modern economy car. The ultra-compact segment has come a long way in a couple of short decades, and the Spark is a perfect example of what a gas-hungry car can achieve.
Main advantages
It would be easy to imagine that a vehicle of this economy level and size could offer a base model with soft-room equipment. Standards, however, are surprisingly focused on comfort and convenience, including air conditioning, stereo, OnStar, 10 airbags and Stabilitrak stability control. The 1LT trim offers keyless entry, Bluetooth, a MyLink touchscreen and more. The 2LT offers more cosmetic features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails, fog lights, and a few additional exterior-related enhancements.
Changes in 2013 year
The Spark is a completely new offering for the 2013 model year.
What we like
The engine, despite the lack of ponies, accelerates the small car surprisingly well. Bold accents on the dashboard make for a fun and sporty ride, and 11.4 cubic feet of cargo becomes 31.2 when the rear seats are folded down. Bonus - park almost anywhere! Really!
What worries us
That 31.2 cubic feet of storage comes at the cost of the rather complicated process of removing the rear headrests and folding the seat cushions to put the whole thing together. Stability at high speeds isn't as sure as the Kia Rio or Ford Fiesta, so long highway commuters may want to upgrade to one of those larger models.
Available Models
The Spark is powered by a 1.2-liter inline-4-cylinder 5-speed "manual" or 4-speed "automatic" with 83 lb-ft of torque. torque, 84 hp and 32/38 mpg in manual mode and 28/37 mpg in automatic mode.
Key Feedback
In July 2014, GM recalled the vehicle due to an improperly welded passenger airbag deflator that could have affected the airbag's deployment in the event of a crash. The company notified the owners and offered a free repair.
In January 2015, a recall was initiated due to potential corrosion of the secondary hood latch. This may cause the hood to open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of an accident. GM notified owners and offered a free fix.
General questions
There have been constant reports of excessive oil consumption as well as premature engine failure from several owners.
