MotorMouths

While the Spark definitely make sense where narrow roads are the norm and open space is at a premium, in North America, given this car’s overall fuel economy, and certain compromises in packaging (rear seats), you can’t help but wonder if it’s superfluous.

If you live in a city where finding parking is a big challenge, the Spark can be your secret weapon. But think extra hard before taking off on a cross-country trip in one of these cars.

The Spark can scoot through the most congested traffic, quickly occupying spaces ignored by or unusable for larger vehicles. It is fast enough to get out of its own way and avoid other calamities in an urban setting. But it is a virtual noise box at 70 mph.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.