Anybody happy with their sonic?
- Thread starter wingnut
- Start date
I replaced mine with some head rests from a VW Golf. I had to cut the legs down a bit, but they fit (you can't raise and lower them anymore though). It doesn't fix them for everyone, but for me it puts them in the exact right spot (the original ones were poking me exactly like you describe).
There are also some other threads here on things people have tried. It seems that the head rests are one of the more often cited annoyances with these cars.
Chevrolet Customer Care
New member
Hello sonicR,
I’m very sorry to hear about the negative experience you had with your Sonic. Customer safety is at the heart of our business and we do genuinely appreciate this feedback. Your concerns and comments will be documented within our system and made readily available for our internal teams to review. We rely heavily on loyal customers and hope one day we may be given the opportunity to earn your business again.
Kindly,
Jasmine
Chevrolet Customer Care
Rowdy_Sonic_RS
New member
I love my sonic now. I've had issues with it but I took it to my dealer and they resolved the problems. Now I enjoy it more and am building it up to look great and perform even better. Every new car generally has its kinks. They're designed by man, built by man or machines made by man. Man is not perfect nor is every car off the assembly line. But the kinks can be worked out. If you take it to your dealer or a dealer you trust they can resolve the issues for you or get you out of it into something different. If you don't take it to your dealer then there is no way for GM to know of any issues. We would all like a new car to be perfect and just drive. Doesn't always happen that way. That's why you have a warranty. To fix the issues on GM's dime and to keep you happy. With that being said. The Sonic is an awesome car. I love mine. It's extremely customizable and easy to make yours.
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RMinNJ
Active member
Drunkachu
New member
Today I had to get a rental from the dealership while my car was being worked on. They gave me a new Malibu, which looked totally preety btw. anyway...after driving it for about 5 miles I had this sudden urge of sadness because I missed my Sonic. I didn't realize after all this time that driving an automatic was so boring and I didn't know what to do with my right hand...well.. I could think of somethings 
I drove back 15 minutes later just because I'd rather wait for Lola rather than drive brand new car around.
<3 my sonic!
I drove back 15 minutes later just because I'd rather wait for Lola rather than drive brand new car around.
<3 my sonic!
I am very pleased with my 2016 Sonic LT sedan. Tons of leg room, plus it came with all the features I was looking for in a small car. Still wish it was a m/t though. Wife can't drive a stick because of back and knees. This is our second sonic in a month because the first was totaled in a accident. I bought another one because of the fact we walked away from the accident. Great car. Plus the gas mileage is excellent.
SuperSonic15
Member
Yes, the safety features are the icing on the cake. It's nice to have a quick heads up when other vehicles come out of nowhere on the highway or in town when someone suddenly turns right without a blinker. 1200 miles and counting. Plus, I still don't see a lot of them on the roads. Even happier for that reason.
I ordered my 2013 LTZ Turbo hatch 6-speed stick on July 31, 2012 and took delivery 9-15-12. Had it Ziebart rustproofed and paint-protected with annual updates, and every winter have always swapped on a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on black steelies. Bought as a commuter car, it's fine for that and general suburban driving. I retired in 2017 and in February 2020 the odometer just went over 44,000 miles.
Likes: Fun to drive, “slow car fast”. Practical hatchback body style, almost always driven with the rear seats folded down. Subcompact car is easy to maneuver and park. 138 HP/148 Lb-Ft is a compromise that gives me better performance than my previous 2000 Civic CX hatch (106 HP, 5 speed stick) but still delivers an indicated 34.5 MPG.
Dislikes: Entry-level car has entry-level seats. Fine for a 20 minute commute, but any drive 45 minutes or longer makes me uncomfortable and glad to climb out and stretch. This is not a car for long trips. Entry-level hard plastics and mushy HVAC rotary controls are more evidence of cost cutting. You get what you pay for.
Likes: Fun to drive, “slow car fast”. Practical hatchback body style, almost always driven with the rear seats folded down. Subcompact car is easy to maneuver and park. 138 HP/148 Lb-Ft is a compromise that gives me better performance than my previous 2000 Civic CX hatch (106 HP, 5 speed stick) but still delivers an indicated 34.5 MPG.
Dislikes: Entry-level car has entry-level seats. Fine for a 20 minute commute, but any drive 45 minutes or longer makes me uncomfortable and glad to climb out and stretch. This is not a car for long trips. Entry-level hard plastics and mushy HVAC rotary controls are more evidence of cost cutting. You get what you pay for.
Turbonic
Member
I bought my car with 3 miles on it in 2012, I now have 138k miles on it and its still going strong. Love this car for what it is, it was pathetically weak from the factory but with just a few mods and tuning it makes adequate power while still getting good fuel economy. I tow motorcycles with my car all the time, in fact I've once towed a bike from Houston all the way to Gatlinberg TN and back and might be doing again soon. I think its a very comfy car for long trips, for the driver. I hate how the passenger can't lower their seat, and I also don't like how the car doesn't come with a subwoofer from the factory (friggin Kias do). hard plastic and misc squeaks and rattles are inevitable for a cheap economy car and expected. I've never had any big issues with my car but then again I don't drive it like an idiot and I take care of my car. 138k mixed city/highway miles and still have the original clutch
orangeltz13
Member
original clutch at 138K
I was wondering how long the clutch would last. I have a 2013 6mt 1.4 with 88k miles. The car is in pretty good shape. It wasn't what I wanted when I went looking for a car (I really wanted the Camaro or the SS neither was practical) so I settled for the Sonic. I wish the Sonics' passenger seat had the same arm rest and functionality as the driver seat. The cupholders seem a little out of place but it's a small car so I deal with it. I have added some mods to make the experience as enjoyable as possible; so it is what it is.
I was wondering how long the clutch would last. I have a 2013 6mt 1.4 with 88k miles. The car is in pretty good shape. It wasn't what I wanted when I went looking for a car (I really wanted the Camaro or the SS neither was practical) so I settled for the Sonic. I wish the Sonics' passenger seat had the same arm rest and functionality as the driver seat. The cupholders seem a little out of place but it's a small car so I deal with it. I have added some mods to make the experience as enjoyable as possible; so it is what it is.
Turbonic
Member
a clutch will last long depending on your driving ability or if you are way over the torque threshold and it slips and you let it slip. I'll be replacing mine soon because I'm now making a lot of power and it can't handle the torque the motor/turbo can make, so I have a softer boost ramp for now. FWIW, some of the best mods Ive done to make the car more enjoyable is upgrading the sound system (and dynomatting the doors and trunk), OTTP short shifter assembly along with Amsoil synchromesh in the transmission
2013sonicboooom
New member
Like my 15 Sonic Dusk
I've had my Sonic for about 4 yrs now yea some small issues. 59000 miles some bolt on stuff, rear sway bar, cai, MSD coil pack,Trifecta tune WOW what a difference that made. I love it.
I've had my Sonic for about 4 yrs now yea some small issues. 59000 miles some bolt on stuff, rear sway bar, cai, MSD coil pack,Trifecta tune WOW what a difference that made. I love it.
SonicSouz
New member
2017 Premier Sedan. I'm content with it. I've replaced the audio/infotainment system with an aftermarket system.
I absolutely HATE the lack of support for the 2017+ facelift models. Theres no OEM foglight kit for this car, no aftermarket support for custom radios or front/rear fascia, and headlight assembly are over $300 for a single unit!(Dont ask why I know this lol)
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I absolutely HATE the lack of support for the 2017+ facelift models. Theres no OEM foglight kit for this car, no aftermarket support for custom radios or front/rear fascia, and headlight assembly are over $300 for a single unit!(Dont ask why I know this lol)
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Silversn95
Member
Very happy with our two Sonics. First one was a 2017 with the 1.8L Auto. Was trouble free for the 30,000 or so kms we had on it when it got totalled in an accident. Replaced with our current 2018 with the 1.4L T Auto. We have about 38,000 kms on it and also has been trouble free. Still amazed how quiet it is and how well it handles hey driving for such a small car. Much better than our previous 2009 Vibe. Hell, it is quieter on the hwy than my old 2017 Rav4 was for pete's sake.
Stew
Sedans Rule!
I factory ordered mine and took delivery in Jan 2013. I’ve now got 138k miles on it with only a few minor repairs over the years that I’ve fixed myself. The clutch is original and still holds tight and I’ve been tuned to 23 psi since around 31k miles, I’m pretty easy on clutches though.
I still enjoy driving it, and really like that it’s paid off but the excitement and enthusiasm has faded if I’m being honest. No plans to get rid of it or anything though.
I still enjoy driving it, and really like that it’s paid off but the excitement and enthusiasm has faded if I’m being honest. No plans to get rid of it or anything though.