2017 Chevrolet Spark — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2017 Chevrolet Spark

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $11,688–$15,712
Fuel Economy 31 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $1,694/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Chevrolet Spark

Engine1.4L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG30 / 38 MPG
Combined MPG33 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,050
CO₂ Emissions268 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$11,688–$15,712

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Chevrolet Spark

The 2017 Chevrolet Spark is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 6.7/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.0/10, while Performance at 5.3/10 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. At 6.5/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 5.3/10 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 5.8/10 — 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 $11,688–$15,712, 31 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Spark sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2017 Chevrolet Spark sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

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 →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2017 Chevrolet Spark ranks #1224 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 7% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.8 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $11,688 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 58%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Spark Year Should You Buy?

Across the Spark model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting 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 (this review) 6.7/10$11,688
2016 6.5/10$11,244 Read review →
2015 6.5/10$10,800 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Chevrolet Spark

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Chevrolet Spark (1 on record)

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.

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