You might not think that a car with a reputation for being the cheapest in America would be any good. For many, you would be absolutely right. However, the affordable Chevrolet Spark will be a truly missed model for others. But even for those who will miss the cute stroller, the reasons behind that excitement aren’t necessarily for anything other than price, because there are plenty of reasons why the Spark just isn’t worth the price. sorry, as you will see in a few minutes.
When the latest 2022 Chevrolet Spark finally went on sale, the title of “Cheapest New Car in America” went to the 2023 Nissan Versa, which will cost more than $2,000 more. If you wanted to try to snag one of the last Sparks at a lower price before Chevy dropped the model, you’re simply too late. Unless you enjoy the wrist motion of manual roll-up windows, there’s no need to rush to your local dealer.
Fortunately, in a land where people always want something new and exciting, it’s always possible to find a like-new Chevy Spark at your local thrift store. All you have to do is see if you are really hooked on having one. Before you do, you might want to finish reading why the once-cheapest car in America just isn’t worth the cost then or now.
Updated May 3, 2023: Electric vehicles have paved the way for people around the world to have high-performance cars that are cost-effective to drive, don’t harm the atmosphere, and still fit the whole family. This makes small, fuel-efficient vehicles like the Chevy Spark obsolete in the eyes of most of the world’s car buyers, which makes them worthless in the eyes of automakers. Let’s go over why the Spark isn’t worth the price it was set at and a few more that weren’t included the first time around.
The Chevy Spark delivers miniature Chevy attitude
In addition, the styling of this subcompact hatchback is fun and attractive. Between Nitro Yellow, Mystic Blue, and Night Gray, Chevy has come up with some exciting color options. The interior is also nicely designed, with a prominent center console and some Chevy attitude. This is where the fun stops.
While subcompact cars can offer daring driving experiences when designed properly, no one is going to attempt any Italian work on this kart. Halogen projector headlights, a backup camera, a rear spoiler and an air conditioning system are standard on the Spark.
The Spark’s range is the same as a basic EV
Action shot of a blue 2021 Chevrolet Spark cruising down the road
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Spark’s oil pump is designed to operate with a variable flow system based on how hard the engine is working. By combining the operation of the pump with the rotation of the crankshaft, the oil flow only increases when the engine RPM increases. This causes the pump to run at a lower capacity to save fuel when higher performance is not needed.
While similarly sized subcompacts produce better efficiency numbers, the 98 horsepower returns a respectable EPA 33 MPG combined, giving the Spark a range of more than 300 miles on a tank of gas, just about where the range of an average EV is. which does not delay any drop in carbon emissions.
The lack of technology is a big problem for the Chevy Spark
Rear seat view of the interior of a 2013 Chevrolet Spark
Even budget cars have decent infotainment screens these days. Chevy offers a standard 7.0-inch color touchscreen on the Spark. Two USB ports provide additional connectivity on top of the Bluetooth system. The lack of cruise control on the base model Spark is a tough pill to swallow, even for drivers on an extremely budget. Power adjustable seats are also not offered on any Spark trim level.
This shouldn’t seem like too much of a sacrifice unless you carpool or change drivers often. Just put the seat where you like it and keep it there. ACTIV and 2LT trims include heated seats if the standard air conditioning works. too well
What to expect from the Chevrolet Spark
Front and side view of a 2022 Chevrolet Spark
In terms of reliability, the newest model Chevrolet Sparks are not expected to have any major problems beyond the average car. The 2019 Sparks were recalled to address a potential “Air bags will not deploy” scenario. Only 12 examples were potentially affected by this problem, so if you’re an unlucky person, avoid this model year. The biggest recall was from the 2013-2015 model year Sparks.
The secondary hood latch had the potential to rust, which could cause the hood to lift up while driving if the primary latch was not engaged. This can be a useful feature if you don’t want anyone to see you driving a Chevy Spark.
The subcompacts of the past show the destiny of the Chevy Spark
What was the last great American subcompact car? The Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto were praised by critics when they were first introduced. However, they were soon plagued by quality and safety issues. Today nicknames are mostly remembered as punchlines.
The AMC Gremlin was one of the first American subcompact cars introduced in the 1970s to compete with smaller, more fuel-efficient imports. The simple functionality attracted buyers. American Motors Corporation built more than 600,000 Gremlins through 1978. Meanwhile, the burning remains of the Ford Pinto still burned in the distance.
The back seats aren’t really back seats
Front and side view of a Chevy Spark
In the subcompact class, you might not expect the rear seats to be very large. Still, when a car manufacturer advertises that it can hold up to four people, you expect four adults. On the other hand, the Chevy Spark is so small in the back, you’d be lucky to fit two average-sized kids in the back.
Good luck getting even one full-sized adult on your back, let alone two. But then again, you can roll down the windows, let them hang out, and wave to people in other cars as you drive by.
Chevy Spark has a below average lifespan
Partial front and side view of a 2013 Chevrolet Spark
Classic cars of the era were expected to run a few hundred thousand miles before needing to be rebuilt or scrapped, unless they were very well maintained. Today, with all the advancements in engines and body components, it is common to see cars reach 300,000 miles or more.
The average lifespan of an electric vehicle is longer than an ICE vehicle because it has fewer moving parts, giving it an early advantage. Still, the Chevy Spark only has a life expectancy of 150,000 miles, which is below the 200,000 to 300,000 mile average for today’s average car.
Driving the Chevy Spark on the highway isn’t always a good idea
Front and side view of a 2012 Chevrolet Spark
There’s no doubt that the Chevy Spark is a decent enough car for city use as a daily driver, but when it comes to highway driving, it needs to be parked. Not only does it take a while for the little 98-horsepower 1.4-liter to get up to highway speed, but it does if there’s any wind.
It will whip the car (it weighs only 2246 pounds) like a stuffed animal into the mouth of a playful puppy. If you’ve never seen what it’s like, take the time to look it up on YouTube, as you’ll be able to park at the nearest hotel while you wait for the wind to die down.
Lack of safety features with the base model Chevy Spark
Passenger side interior view of a Chevy Spark
When you’re faced with the task of purchasing one of the cheapest cars on the market, you don’t expect to have all the bells and whistles that a BMW or Tesla Plaid would have, but you do think that safety features would be standard.
That’s definitely not the case with the base-level Chevy Spark. Sure, you’ll get the backup camera as standard, but if you want something else, you’ll have to pay more for it, which defeats the purpose of buying a cheap car in the first place.
The Chevy Spark walked so the bolt could run
Front, rear and side views of a pair of 2013 Chevrolet Sparks
While the Spark sold well in Chevrolet’s lineup, General Motors may have followed Marie Kondo’s tidying advice, if not. spark joy, get rid of it. The Chevrolet Bolt is a worthy entry into the evolution of Chevrolet’s subcompact category. It responds to the call to be an entry-level and affordable electric vehicle.
Prices still have a long way to go for the Bolt to truly be a wallet replacement for the Spark. However, considering the cost of fuel saved and the good number of standard features offered in the Bolt, not a penny should be shed for the beloved Spark.
