Used 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan Review & Ratings

The domestic car brands have not been able to make as large of a splash where the subcompact cars are concerned, but Chevrolet is doing its' part to turn the tables on the import automakers with the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan. The Sonic is replacing the Aveo in Chevy's offering of small cars, and represents a very big change in direction for the way the automaker sees the small car market. This affordable sedan is perfectly priced for first-time car buyers, those needing a second vehicle, or individuals simply wanting a great deal on a vehicle that offers low cost of ownership over the first 5 years. With a starting MSRP under $14,000, you really can't go wrong.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine that delivers 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. This thoughtful engine returns 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. For those wanting a little more power, there is a turbocharged option that offers 148 pound-feet of torque and the same horsepower. While this may not seem like much, it does do zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, which is great for this class.

Safety has certainly not been overlooked on the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety voted this vehicle as a "Top Safety Pick" and it scored the highest rating in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests. Just a few of the safety features that come standard include child seat anchors, emergency braking assist, daytime running lights, dusk sensing headlamps, post-collision safety system, electronic brakeforce distribution and tire pressure monitoring.

One of the most noticeable differences a prospective car buyer will see when looking at the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan, compared to other imports is the increased interior space. There is plenty of legroom up front for even the tallest driver. Not to mention ample shoulder and head space allows you to feel as though you are driving a mid-sized sedan, not a subcompact one. The passenger and rear seats also provide plenty of room for passengers or cargo; since the rear seats fold down to allow flow-through to the trunk. The cargo area does seem to have lost a little cubic footage, but if moving people and the occasional grocery bag is more your style, then the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan is the perfect subcompact sedan for you.