The Good
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic offers a blend of practicality and fun. Its available turbocharged engine provides peppy performance, appealing to emotional buyers. For practical buyers, its fuel efficiency and affordable price are attractive. It's relatively comfortable for its class and has a distinctive, youthful design. While not perfect, it offers good value for the money.
The Bad
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has some known weaknesses. The base engine can feel underpowered, especially with a full load. Reliability can be a concern, with reports of issues with the cooling system and turbocharger in some models. The interior materials are generally basic, and the rear seats can be cramped for adults. Watch for coolant leaks and turbo issues during inspection.
2016 Chevrolet Sonic: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 1.8L Inline-4: 138 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque
- 1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4: 138 horsepower, 148 lb-ft of torque
- Horsepower:
- 1.8L: 138 hp
- 1.4L Turbo: 138 hp
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- 1.8L (Manual): 26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
- 1.8L (Automatic): 24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
- 1.4L Turbo (Manual): 29 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
- 1.4L Turbo (Automatic): 27 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times (estimated):
- 1.8L: Around 9-10 seconds
- 1.4L Turbo: Around 8-9 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not Recommended/Not Rated
- Trim Level Features:
- LS: Standard features include air conditioning, manual windows and locks, a four-speaker audio system, and OnStar.
- LT: Adds power windows and locks, cruise control, upgraded cloth upholstery, a six-speaker audio system, MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto).
- Premier (formerly LTZ): Includes leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, and chrome exterior trim. Available options include a sunroof and forward collision alert.
- LS: Standard features include air conditioning, manual windows and locks, a four-speaker audio system, and OnStar.
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2016 |
| Make | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sonic |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Mexico |
| Manufacturing City | RAMOS ARIZPE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | LDE - VVT, Variable Camshaft Phasing, Variable Intake Module (VIM) |
| Engine Size | 1.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
Check
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Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic Have?
Recalls for the 2016 Sonic have addressed issues such as potential brake pedal separation and problems with the ignition switch. It's important to check the vehicle's VIN for any outstanding recalls before purchasing.
Long-term reliability can be a concern, especially as the vehicle ages. Regular maintenance, including coolant flushes and turbocharger inspections, is crucial to prevent major issues. The 2012-2014 model years were particularly prone to some of these issues, so the 2016 model benefits from some improvements but is not immune. Corrosion in areas with harsh winter conditions can also be a factor to consider.
How long will the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features are limited, but some trims offer a rearview camera. Optional safety features included forward collision alert.
Standard safety features include 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
Crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are generally good. The 2016 Sonic received a 5-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the Sonic good ratings in several crash tests, though specific ratings may vary depending on the test criteria.
Lower trims have fewer tech features, typically offering a basic radio and manual controls. Overall, the Sonic's tech and safety features were competitive for its segment at the time of its release.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Prices and Market Value
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Cost of Ownership
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Fuel Efficiency
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Safety Rating
NHTSA
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic Compare to Other Sedan?
The Hyundai Accent offers similar value and features to the Sonic. The Honda Fit provides superior cargo space and better reliability. The Ford Fiesta (especially the ST version) offers a more engaging driving experience but has its own reliability concerns.
Alternatives to consider include the Honda Fit for its reliability and versatility, or the Mazda3 for a more refined driving experience (though it is slightly more expensive). If reliability is a top priority, the Toyota Yaris is also a good choice. If the main focus is affordability, the Hyundai Accent is a strong contender.
Ranks #995 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 995 | 2016 Chevrolet Sonic | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic a Good Sedan?
Kev on November 20, 2023
Worst Car EVER!!!Absolutely THE WORST car I have ever owned! My only Chevy and my last! Never again! Everything broke down after the warranty expired. Overheated 6 times in 2 years and told by 2 mechanics to sell the car! AC was first to die, then serious electrical issues - doors would lock and unlock on their own, and instrument cluster lights would fade in and out on their own. Radio would come on and off and change stations all by itself, all at highest volume possible. Driver side visor broke off while driving through an intersection(!) and smacked me in the face. Only good thing I can say is that it never leaked any fluids and the check engine light never came on. Car was a nightmare to own! Finally sold it to a dealer who immediately sold it at an auto auction. NEVER AGAIN!
Beth on February 7, 2023
Don't buyThe worse car I could possibly have owned! Bought it at about 80,000 miles,maybe a little less than that and nothing but issues since day 3 owning this car in 2018. Check engine light has been on 3 times since owning it. First time, rough idling while driving, can't remember what was wrong with it but it wasn't an expensive fix thankfully. Second time was the water housing thermostat which was over $200 just for the part and now this time the check engine light is on due to a bad catalytic converter, car has a little over 88,000 miles on it now. I am a stay at home mom and I don't drive my car often and I never drive it rough, there is no reason why less than 90,000 miles on this car and it keeps having issues especially with a check engine light. Would never recommend this car or a Chevy Cruze.
Larry on January 9, 2023
Gm please help your customersThe car has 17,000 and a defect and it should be under recall u always smells coolant fluids and several customers complain about this ,the smell is a sweet coolant smell that will make u sick if u drive this car
smoot on August 4, 2022
chevy sonic LTZ turbothese cars are known for head gasket blown problems even when the car is properly maintained. I really like this car but the problems occur to often
Emmy Dimes on August 3, 2022
SucksRight at 60k miles, just told by 3 different mechanics that I have to buy a new engine or have the current one rebuilt. xxx would not recommend!!!!!
Seanelliotte7 on May 19, 2021
Nice and compact creates a lot of space for garageThe car met all my needs and will defiantly get me from point A to point B safely, very reliable. I will defiantly and am having a lot of fun with this vehicle.
ThaliaM on May 6, 2021
Least Reliable vehicle I have ever ownedExpect issues when you hit around 50k miles. My issues began around 40k. Apparently mysterious issues with the coolant system is very common with their Chevy Sonics and Chevy Cruze models. Good luck if you already own one.
Melissa B on April 18, 2021
I love my Sonic LTZMy sonic is my baby. It has pep, and with the manual mode enabled, I get the feel of a manual when I use it to pass cars with the quicker response of an automatic. It is comfortable on log drives, I make a 1200 mile round trip every 6 weeks and it does not have the best mileage I’ve ever gotten but I can get about 330 to 350 miles on a full tank driving around 80mph on the freeway. It breezes up the grapevine in southern CA and handles the curves and windy conditions of the mountains with ease and I don’t ever feel the high winds that all of the highway advisory signs are warning about. I have out about 5000 miles on my Sonic since I got it 4 months ago and have not had any issues with it. My one complaint about the car is the MyLink radio does not support CarPlay or Android Auto like the later years and some other 2016 models with the same sound system got upgraded to which is aggravating because it causes a little inconvenience having to mount my phone to use for navigation and you lose Bluetooth support when charging the phone because it automatically connects your phone as an aux device which messes with your music if you don’t want to listen to ITunes or your stored music, which I don’t. Their BringGo navigation does work but took me the wrong way to a dead end so my phone is my only option for reliable directions. All in all, the Sonic is as sporty to drive as it looks, and it’s looks get a lot of compliments, especially the headlights.
Perry1975 on April 16, 2021
Most reliable car I had ever ownedThis car is a perfect and it get great gas mileage and it very comfortable and I love my Chevrolet Sonic and would get another
PeterS on September 28, 2020
So far so good!This car is great for my short 3 mile commute needs. It is practical, but it is also sporty enough to not make it boring. I like the large boot space, and legroom. I like the top of the line audio system in the car.
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma