2016 Chevrolet Sonic Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

24 -27 City / 33 -37 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

138

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Flora C

Great on gas but is rather small.

A very great car. Great on gas and runs smooth. However, it is a smaller car. A very quiet car as well. If I didn't have a child I'd keep this car as long as I could!

Elizabeth L

2016 Chevy Sonic compact car.

I really love my 2016 Chevrolet sonic, it's not too big and not too small. It's the right size for me. I love how it is good on gas and it has OnStar as well. It has a Bluetooth feature and has roll down windows. It drives smoothly and does not have a blind spot. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is very comfortable for long road trips and very reliable. I have not had any problems with this vehicle so far.

Seth W

My car has Apple Carplay.

There is nothing that I don't like about my vehicle.

Be G

My car... Sadie that's her name.

My car is great no problems to my knowledge whatsoever just basic maintenance such as tires and fluids being changed. It has a turbo that gives it an unexpected quickness, that is not found in most small cars. It handles unbelievably well and is awesome on long trips. It gets up to 37 miles per gallon of gas. It has all the extras such as leather seats that are heated and a back up camera as well. I am truly glad I bought it!

Nancy S

It is so dependable and that is so important to me.

My Sonic is awesome. The color is dragon green and it makes me feel young! It is super dependable, small, great on gas. No complaints from me!

Joe P

2016 Chevrolet Sonic is the best

What I like most is it is smooth driving. Good on gas it has OnStar GPS a cell phone it is very comfortable easy riding good sound system it was priced good very good highway car it's a very reliable car easy steering love the ]performance very large trunk and back seat

Melanie H

The everyday use of a Chevy Sonic.

I love my car. I haven't had any issues with it outside of a small recall with the computer system. Luckily it was covered by the dealership. Even though it is a more compact sedan it has plenty of room! The ride is smooth. The only complaint is how long the Bluetooth may take to link up but that may not be at fault of the car.

Becky

Love my car

I recently bought my 2016 Sonic. I'm 5'10" tall and I have no problem driving my car. The hatchback is large enough to hold anything I need to move. I put my rear seat down and my dog is quite comfortable. Great gas mileage. It's cute, handles well, hugs curves and is quick.

Negative Owner Reviews

Chelsea H

Overall it is not a bad vehicle since I was able to get the recall fixed.

My vehicle has had nothing but problems since the warranty ran out. The ac is fine, the windows are fine but my sensor in my car went out and the engine light was on and it idle so hard at red lights sometimes it would even shut off for no reason at all. I finally got the recall for it and was able to have it fixed.

Jerry Cross

Nothing but problems with this car.

Worst car I ever owned. Major engine problems in 2nd year (covered by warranty. I have had this 4 years now and have had other major engine problems, breaks, steering, transmission and wheel bearings repaired. Today I'm told I now need a new alternator and starter. I have now spent more on repairs then I did when I bought the car. I will have to re-think buying a Chevy again...definitely not a Sonic.

Nick B

It's a very fuel efficient car but not worth the very cheap sticker price. Buy something better.

Purge valve went out at 50000 miles. I've had issues with the car thinking it has a backup camera when it does not. But the gas mileage is good. Also the seats stink when they get a little damp for a long time after.

Will E

Chevrolet sonic review and suggestions for improvement.

The car is fine. It just is too small for my 6'3' frame. The rear brakes grab every morning. The windows are manually operated. The engine is underpowered though still fairly quick. The steering controls do not allow the driver to change radio stations.

Hosea G

You sit around in the car for ten minutes it overheats.

It overheats constantly. I've changed out the water pump, but still no fix. I don't really know what's wrong with it or why it keeps overheating. I've sent it to the dealership and a mechanic and they have no clue. I'm more than likely going to get rid of my car in the near future.

Christina L

Small car, but good for saving on gas

The car is very small. I'm 5'9' and I find it uncomfortable to sit in both to drive and be a passenger. There is hardly any space between the back seats and the front seats, and very little space between driver and passenger. There is no middle console either.

Robyn W

It was a good deal for the money but if you are looking for quick take off, this is not the car for you.

It is a cute car and I like the interior. I do get lots of compliments on it. However, I do not like the fact that it has no pick up. It is a Turbo but you cannot tell from the pickup which is very slow.

Clarence F

Likes and dislikes of my 2016 sonic.

I have had to have work on the air and the windows c patrol I like the touch screen and XM radio the seats and controls are easy to use. I think it needs more head room and better tilt on the steering. It has plenty of cup holders and power ports but small foot space in the back.

Chevrolet Sonic Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

138 HP 28 MPG 5 Seats

138 HP 28-31 MPG 5 Seats

LTZ

138 HP 31 MPG 5 Seats

138 HP 28 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2016 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Reviews

4.27

219 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

47%

4 stars

37%

3 stars

14%

2 stars

1 star

Margaret T on June 24, 2021

My Chevy sonic 2016 is a fun car to drive!

I really love my Chevy sonic 2016. I love the fact that the hatchback provides so much more room then the other sonic I had which was a sedan. The only real problem that I have had has been the air conditioning system. I would have issues with dac not working and then I would take it to the shop and they would tell me that it needed antifreeze. And then I would have issues with the heater not working and I took it to the shop and they said it needed antifreeze. So they checked it over put it up on a rack and drove it around and they said they could find no leaks but the antifreeze is leaking somewhere. So this is a concern to me. I think the gas mileage is great and I love how it maneuvers in traffic and it has pretty good get up and go!

Luke O on June 19, 2021

One great vehicle, somewhat small compared to what I am used to.

It's a great vehicle, somewhat small compared to other vehicles I've had, but comfortable. The seats go down so I can put in furniture and a lot of groceries. Other then some small maintenance problems with electronics like mirrors not moving, or lights not working, easy fixes. And it's used. I love the vehicle.

View All Reviews (219)

Pros from Owners

Melissa H.

I like the smaller size of it and it seems to get good gas mileage. I feel safe in it and it drives pretty well. I haven't had any real issues with it yet. It is a really nice little car and I have no complaints about it as of yet.

Franzella B.

I love my car, the only this is that it is my make for big men my husband hates it. I feel that it is perfect for a single person this is great. This car is great if you have small kids but as the get into the teen age it to small.

Sharon W.

It is a small vehicle. It is great for a someone who is single or if you are a single parent. I love the fact that it has OnStar, Bluetooth and a backup camera. It is gets great fuel mileage. My favorite thing about the vehicle is that it with having a baby I can just place her car seat in the back seat and not have to worry about her being in the 2nd or 3rd roll and I can reach her from the front seat.

Melissa H.

I love how small it is and I like the smooth drive with it. I feel like it is a really safe vehicle and I am happy to own this car. Con would be in the winter in Wisconsin it can feel a little unstable in icy conditions. Otherwise it is a really great little car.

Courtney H.

Fast gets up to speed quickly, have yet to have any problems after 4 years of driving it, compact, great for a single people and small families, over all great car and would recommend it to anyone looking to purchase a new car.

Bre L.

It is a really affordable car. It was held up well with no major problems that were the fault of the car. It drives well. It is very small which is great for people uncomfortable in large vehicles. Yeah.

Cons from Owners

Melissa H.

I do not really see any big cons to my car. I like it a lot. Maybe sometimes in the snow it can feel a little less secure as I have had some issues with it in snow storms. I do not think anything else is a real issue with this car.

Franzella B.

This car is perfect for me I drive it to work and home, I normally go alone. Because my husband do not like this care because he feels that it is to small. This car is great for a single person. I also got a great deal it only had 2 miles on it. Great on gas.

Sharon W.

The cons of the vehicle are if you have a family it is a tight squeeze for everyone. My husband is a tall guy and his head touches the roof of the vehicle. My daughter's car seat has to stay behind the passenger seat and if her car seat is behind it you can not move the passenger seat at all.

Melissa H.

The con would be in the winter months the car does not feel as safe as maybe a bigger more sturdy car would feel. It can feel a little unstable in icy or slushy type of conditions. I would like it to drive better in the winter conditions.

Courtney H.

On the smaller side, not great for bigger families or families with more than 1 kid needing a car seat. Not many color choices with this specific car. (our only choices at the time were silver, white, or black).

Bre L.

It is a cheap car so not everything is super sturdy. Little pieces have broken off pretty easily. Per one mechanic I took it too the engine area is really hard to do any work on without having to take things out.

Ranks #23 Small Cars by Owners

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has an average owner rating of 4.28 out of 5 which ranks it #23 of 38 other Small Cars.

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4.9

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4.71

2016 Chevrolet Sonic

4.27

Ranks #8 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has a combined MPG of 42 which ranks it #8 of 38 other Small Cars.

2016 FIAT 500e

121 MPG

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

48 MPG

Tie

2016 Chevrolet Sonic

37 MPG

Is The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic A Good Car?

Yes, it is dependable and fits my style. I drive it every day to the store, etc. I feel that this is the best car I have ever purchased.

Merri S.

Yes, it is compact, fun to drive, the turbo is fast reacting and surprisingly has a lot of space for its size. The only downside to the vehicle is that it is bad for gas usage.

Ashley B.

Yes I love the Chevrolet sonic as it drives well and is sporty also. It has a lot of space in it too!

Tracey B.

It is a reliable vehicle with plenty of space for shorter passengers. There is a lot of space for moving large items because the back seats can let down in the hatchback model. Overall I would... Read More

Janell M.

It is satisfactory. It definitely could be better. It has a lot of problems because I think it is a cheaply made model.

Abigail S.

I love it! It is such a cute little car that runs well. It also seems to have pretty decent mileage on it.

Melissa H.

Yes, excellent gas mileage. Very comfy. Room for 5. I own a manual transmission, 6 speed. It shifts smoothly. Easy to drive.

Taylor B.

Yes, I believe it's a good vehicle because it is small and safe. Though the Sonic is small, there is a lot of space to pack stuff. I was able to pack a good portion of my apartment in my car. It is... Read More

Crystal H.

How Reliable Is The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

I find my Chevy sonic to be very reliable. I have not had any issues with it since I purchased it. It is a great car.

Merri S.

Yes, it is a reliable car and the dealership is great about making sure I am in for any maintenance needed.

Ashley B.

I have not had any problems at all with the car except general maintenance. It is definitely a reliable car.

Tracey B.

It is a very reliable car. I purchased it second hand so there were some problems initially due to it being in an accident. Some problems I have had with the vehicle is that the glove compartment... Read More

Janell M.

My first Chevy sonic was a 2012 and that did not last. I think most Chevy sonics are cheaply made and die pretty quickly.

Abigail S.

The Chevy sonic is very reliable! I haven't had any real issues with it since I bought the car. I like it a lot.

Melissa H.

Very reliable. I have had no issues, no leaks, no mechanical or electrical problems. Oil changes on schedule.

Ala A.

The Sonic is a reliable car. The only issue I have had with my car was that the touch screen display was not working a month after purchasing the car. I took the car to the dealership and they reset... Read More

Gigi G.

Is The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic A Good Value?

I paid sixteen thousand dollars for my Chevy sonic. I believe I got a good deal and it was a good value.

Merri S.

The vehicle is under 30k and the price vs value is not bad. If the car had more upgrades or better mileage per gallon then it would be able to be priced higher.

Ashley B.

I got a great deal on my car and my car payments were very reasonable. I was able to afford it nicely.

Tracey B.

I purchased it second hand and it was 8000, which was a good price for me. It was definitely worth it.

Janell M.

I pay $200 for it every month. I think that is a little much for a not so great car. The car is very underwhelming.

Abigail S.

I got mine for a really great price compared to other cars around that year. Mine didn't have a lot of mileage on it either.

Melissa H.

I paid around $14,000 and it was 1 year old with 1 previous owner. It was a great deal, already almost half off of the original cost.

Bobbie P.

The Sonic cost between $15,000-$18,000 depending on the style you pick and upgraded features you want. I think it's a good value for a simple car. It's also a good price for a first car.

Laura A.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2016 Chevy Sonic wiper blade size?

Answer: The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic will use two wiper blades in the sedan configuration, and three in the wagon configuration; each has a different size. The driver's side blade measures 26 inches, the passenger's side...

What's the 2016 Chevy Sonic coolant type?

Answer: The type of coolant that should be used in the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is DEX-COOL with A50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water. The capacity for the vehicle iS6.5 L for the 1.4 L 4Cylinder and 6.0 L for the 1.8...

What would cause my 2016 Chevy Sonic check engine light to come on?

Answer: Once You purchase a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, You may find that eventually, Your check engine light will illuminate on Your dashboard. There are many reasons this could happen. It is possible that You are simply...

What causes the 2016 chevy sonic coolant to leak?

Answer: Coolant leaks are pretty common occurrences in many vehicles, and the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is no different. In order to properly diagnose, You'll first have to determine where the coolant is coming from. The...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety