Pros: Crisp steering and handling makes for a fun-to-drive character; solid body structure contributes to good ride quality; some rare-for-the-class convenience and technology features
Cons: Rear visibility is compromised in hatchback models; so-so fuel economy for the class; tight rear seat, particularly in sedan models
CG Says: American-brand small cars didn’t get much respect for years–decades, really. “Badge engineering” and an general low-buck feel made American-brand small cars the also-rans compared to their foreign-make competitors. However, the 2014 Sonic vanquishes all of these preconceptions. The 2014 Sonic is fun to drive and offers s surprising number of unexpected features. Unimpressive-for-the-class fuel economy is the only significant downfall of this otherwise stellar small car. The subcompact-car class is becoming more competitive, but the Sonic has the chops to merit a top place on your shopping list.