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What year did Chevy Spark come out?

The Chevy Spark, a compact car that has been making waves in the automotive industry, first hit the market in 2009. This versatile and fuel-efficient vehicle has become a popular choice for urban dwellers and those seeking a practical and affordable transportation option.

The Origins of the Chevy Spark

The Chevy Spark was first introduced in 2009 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Aveo, which had been the automaker's entry-level subcompact car. The Spark was designed to offer a more modern and stylish alternative to the Aveo, with a focus on fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and a spacious interior for its compact size.

Key Features and Specifications

The Chevy Spark is a four-door hatchback that measures just over 12 feet in length, making it one of the smallest cars in the Chevrolet lineup. Despite its compact size, the Spark offers a surprising amount of interior space, with seating for up to four passengers and a decent amount of cargo room.

Under the hood, the Spark is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 98 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This engine configuration allows the Spark to achieve impressive fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

The Evolution of the Chevy Spark

Since its initial launch in 2009, the Chevy Spark has undergone several updates and redesigns to keep it competitive in the ever-changing compact car market. In 2013, the Spark received a major redesign, with a more modern and stylish exterior, as well as a number of interior and technology upgrades.

In 2016, the Spark underwent another refresh, with updated styling, improved safety features, and the addition of a new turbocharged engine option. This helped the Spark maintain its position as a popular choice in the subcompact segment.p>

The Chevy Spark Today

The current generation of the Chevy Spark, introduced in 2019, continues to build on the model's reputation for affordability, efficiency, and practicality. With a starting price of around $13,600, the Spark remains one of the most budget-friendly new cars on the market, while still offering a surprising amount of features and technology.

Whether you're looking for a nimble city car, a practical commuter, or a versatile hatchback, the Chevy Spark is a compact car that has a lot to offer. With its long history of innovation and a focus on delivering an enjoyable driving experience, the Spark is sure to continue to be a popular choice for years to come.

What is the common problem with Chevrolet Spark?

Common Chevy Spark problems include transmission issues (slipping, delays, or noise), engine troubles (stalling, rough idling, or overheating), and electrical problems (like issues with the alarm, dashboard lights, or infotainment system). Other reported concerns involve AC system failures, particularly with the compressor, and steering issues, such as stiffness or noises.

This video explains common problems with the Chevy Spark: 59sNexologyYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
Transmission

Slipping gears and delays: The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) can sometimes slip or be slow to shift.
Unusual noises: Some owners report noises like humming, especially at certain RPMs.
Overheating: The transmission can overheat, particularly in hot weather or during long drives.

Engine

Stalling: The engine may stall, particularly when slowing down or stopping, often due to a faulty idle air control (IAC) valve or a dirty throttle body.
Rough idle and poor acceleration: Some owners report rough idling and a lack of power, especially at highway speeds.
Overheating: The engine can also overheat, which may be related to cooling fan performance.

Electrical

Faulty alarms: The car alarm may go off randomly while parked.
Dashboard and infotainment issues: Problems with dashboard lights or the infotainment system can occur, often due to faulty wiring or fuses.
Airbag problems: There have been recalls related to airbag performance and the car's compliance with safety regulations.

This video discusses the issues with Chevy Spark's engine and airbags: 59sNotYourAverageEVYouTube · Dec 27, 2023
Other common problems

AC system: The AC may not blow cold, frequently due to a faulty compressor or refrigerant leaks.
Steering: Stiffness or clicking noises can develop from the power steering system.
Brakes: Issues with the brakes, such as the ABS warning light coming on, have been reported.

How many miles will a Chevy Spark last?

What is Chevrolet Spark lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Chevrolet Spark is 183,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Factors such as ULEZ compliance and BHP are major when looking into a vehicle's lifespan/life expectancy.

Why was the Chevy Spark discontinued?

The Chevy Spark was discontinued primarily due to declining sales and shifting consumer demand toward larger vehicles like crossovers and SUVs. Chevrolet chose to focus on more popular and profitable models, which aligns with a broader industry trend away from small cars.

Shifting market demand: Consumers increasingly preferred subcompact crossovers and SUVs over smaller hatchbacks and sedans.
Declining sales: Sales for the Spark had been declining since around 2017, indicating it was no longer meeting Chevrolet's sales expectations.
Focus on profitable models: By discontinuing the low-cost Spark, Chevrolet could shift its resources and production to more profitable vehicles like its lineup of crossovers and future electric vehicles.
No direct replacement: Chevy did not plan to replace the Spark with a direct successor, instead guiding customers toward its Trax and Trailblazer models.

What was the last year Chevrolet made the Spark?

The last model year for the Chevrolet Spark was 2022. Production ended in August 2022, and the discontinuation was due to a combination of factors, including decreasing sales and a shift in market demand towards SUVs and crossovers.

Production ceased in August 2022.
The 2022 model was the final model year for the Spark.
Chevrolet discontinued the Spark to focus on more popular trucks and SUVs.
The Chevy Trax would go on to become Chevy's next cheapest model.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.