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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.4L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 31 / 40 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,000 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 259 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $11,244–$14,127 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Chevrolet Spark at 6.5/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.9/10, while Performance at 5.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.2/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.2/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $11,244–$14,127, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Spark sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Chevrolet Spark is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark ranks #1275 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 3% of the segment. Its 6.5/10 overall score is 1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $11,244 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 59%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Across the Spark model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6.9/10 | $13,907 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 6.8/10 | $13,463 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 6.8/10 | $13,019 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.7/10 | $12,575 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.7/10 | $12,131 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.7/10 | $11,688 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 6.5/10 | $11,244 | |
| 2015 | 6.5/10 | $10,800 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/05/2017 · 17V307000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. In the event of a crash, if a young child is seated improperly and not wearing a seat belt while in the front passenger seat, deployment of the front passenger air bag may… |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2016 Chevrolet Spark's reliability 6.2/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 6.5/10 overall, ranking #1275 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 3% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark starts at $11,244 and ranges up to $14,127 across trims (MSRP when new). At 30 MPG, expect roughly $1,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.