2017 Chevrolet Spark
Independent review & score by Carivo
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 | 30 / 38 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 33 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,050 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 268 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $11,688–$15,712 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| 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 (this review) | 6.7/10 | $11,688 | |
| 2016 | 6.5/10 | $11,244 | Read review → |
| 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… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Chevrolet models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.