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I almost bought a Chevy Spark instead of my Fiat 500. After a long stretch with one as a rental, here’s what I loved and what I really didn’t.
This red Spark had almost 40,000 rental miles on it. I’ll go over the exterior, the interior, and how it drove on the highway. I’ll also share the one cheap fix I’d buy if I owned one: a fabric dash cover to stop the dashboard reflecting in the windshield. Dash covers are fitted by model year, so check fitment for your Spark on Amazon before you buy.
- Apple CarPlay, and any guest can plug in their phone
- Steering wheel volume controls are easy to reach
- Motorcycle-style gauge pod that moves with the wheel
- Decent sound for the car
- Big greenhouse and great visibility
- Decent looks for a small car
- Dashboard bumps reflect in the windshield
- Resistive touchscreen needs a firm press or fingernail
- No good place for a big phone
- One armrest, no center console
- Lots of road, wind and engine noise
- Car sometimes shifted a few inches on its own on the highway
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Exterior: close to the concept, but thinned out
For a small four-door car, I actually think it’s decently attractive, and the front and rear three-quarter views are both pretty nice. My issue is they don’t quite mesh. I loved the Spark concept car from about a decade earlier, and production was fairly faithful, but a few subtle changes thinned it out.
The headlights come down further, which makes them look big against the bumper, and the concept’s smooth, bulky front fascia was more muscular. Making it a four-door (with hidden rear handles) also stretches it visually, instead of embracing its small size like the Mini and Fiat 500.
Interior: hits and misses
I really like the steering wheel, with arms that bend to give it a nice 3D look. What you might think are paddle shifters are volume controls, and they’re really easy to reach. The motorcycle-inspired gauge pod, shared with the Chevy Sonic, adjusts with the steering wheel, and I dig it, though it could be a little smaller and lower.
The silver trim is clearly painted, and I worry it won’t wear well. The door handle surround feels cheap. The molded speaker pods on the dash are too overt for me, though the sound is actually decent.
The touchscreen and CarPlay
The screen is anti-reflective but it’s resistive touch, which is jarring if you’re used to tablets. You have to actually press, and accuracy is the big problem. Trying to recenter the speaker balance, I ended up using my fingernail, which a capacitive screen wouldn’t even register.
Apple CarPlay, though, I love. Plug in your phone, or a friend can plug in theirs and use their own navigation. I wish CarPlay and Android Auto were standard in every car.
Nowhere to put your phone
There are ports, but no good spot for a big phone. My iPhone 7 Plus didn’t fit either cubby, and the hard plastic tray let it flop and slide around. There’s no center console and only one armrest, which, like in my Fiat 500, your passenger will end up stealing.
On the highway: noise and wander
At about 70 mph there’s a lot of road and wind noise and vibration, so you have to crank the stereo. Normal acceleration is loud too, like only a plastic firewall separates you from the engine.
My bigger complaint: on a flat road the car would sometimes suddenly shift two or three inches to one side, as if the alignment were off. Maybe it’s wind or skinny tires, but it can be unnerving in tight traffic.
The dash glare I hated most
Two decorative bumps on the dash, plus the speaker pods, reflect up into the windshield right in my line of sight, even when the sun isn’t overhead. After a few hours your eye keeps bouncing to them. If I owned this car, I might get a fabric dash cover to hide them.
My verdict
Great visibility, and it’s good for what it is: an inexpensive car. But it’s missing a bit of soul, and I’m glad I got the Fiat 500. If I were going GM, I’d probably pick the Chevy Sonic: about the same size and a similar interior, but more balanced and muscular-looking.
FAQ
Does the Chevy Spark have Apple CarPlay?
The one I rented did, and it worked with any phone you plug in.
Is the Spark touchscreen resistive?
Yes, on this one. You have to press firmly, and a fingernail works best for small targets.
Is the Chevy Spark loud on the highway?
In my experience, yes: lots of road, wind and engine noise at about 70 mph.
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