MotorMouths

The Spark is ultra-affordable, and it never feels cheap or chintzy. The styling follows a trend of cars like the Nissan Leaf E.V., which, deciding they can’t be pretty, choose to be out-there instead. But the it’s more at home in the slow lane.

There are all sorts of arguments for and against cars as small as the Chevrolet Spark. My take: Who the hell cares? The Spark is cheap, cute, and charming, and that’s reason enough to buy one.

It’s hard to imagine a domestic automaker developing a well-rounded, affordable and shockingly roomy microcar with top-flight technology, but that’s what Chevrolet has done with the 2013 Spark.

The Spark is stylish and a solid bargain. Performance is modest though, let’s be clear, in this segment the Spark more than holds its own. Who would have expected that Chevy’s new mini-car is no laughing matter?

Buyers expect style and substance for their hard-earned dollars. It only took a short time with the 2013 Chevrolet Spark for us to conclude that it has plenty of both. Any shortcomings are easily forgiven with a base price of just $12,995.

The Spark is clearly the most practical minicar in the segment. It conveys a sense of lighthearted fun as you slice though city traffic. Compared the Sonic, it’s clearly a level down in terms of ride, handling, isolation, and power. But for less than $13,000, the Spark is a solid deal.

The Spark pleasantly fills a bargain-basement niche that’s been all but vacated as compacts and subcompacts have climbed higher in price and refinement. At least it’s not boring or dreary.

The Chevrolet Spark’s low-weight, low-power formula creates a driving experience that few cars can really approximate. Its skittishness over rough surfaces and general lack of composure just turn us off to what could be an extremely competent small car.

With 10 airbags, a sufficiently solid feel, and a cheap and cheerful interior, the Chevy Spark is plenty of car for used car money. Its ride, handling, and steering aren’t unlike that in the soft and springy Fiat 500.

Potential Spark buyers will likely be drawn in by its lengthy features list and its low, low price of entry. The interior is reasonably quiet at speed, and steering is fairly communicative, but the Spark seems to lack refinement.

Enter the Spark with appropriately low expectations, and its interior exceeds them. The GM tradition of tuning small cars to handle like larger cars continues with the Spark. Among cars with a livable level of content, the Spark is easily the least expensive.

The diminutive 2013 Chevrolet Spark is a solid choice for first-time buyers and city dwellers thanks to all-around economy, plentiful features and a youthful spirit.