Why was Chevy Sonic discontinued?
The Chevrolet Sonic, a subcompact car that was once a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers, was discontinued by General Motors in 2020. The decision to discontinue the Sonic was driven by a combination of factors, including shifting consumer preferences, the rise of crossover and SUV models, and the automaker's strategic focus on more profitable vehicle segments.
Changing Consumer Preferences
The Chevy Sonic was introduced in 2011 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Aveo, aiming to provide a more modern and refined subcompact option. However, over the years, consumer preferences in the United States began to shift away from traditional sedans and hatchbacks towards larger, more versatile vehicles such as crossovers and SUVs. This trend, coupled with the Sonic's relatively small size and limited cargo space, made it less appealing to many buyers.1
Rise of Crossovers and SUVs
The growing popularity of crossover and SUV models, which offer more interior space, higher ride height, and a perceived sense of safety, also contributed to the Sonic's decline. Consumers were increasingly drawn to these larger, more practical vehicles, leaving less demand for the compact Sonic.2
GM's Strategic Focus
In addition to the changing market dynamics, General Motors' strategic focus also played a role in the Sonic's discontinuation. The automaker shifted its attention and resources towards more profitable and higher-margin vehicle segments, such as trucks, SUVs, and larger sedans, in an effort to improve its overall financial performance.3
As a result, the Chevy Sonic, which was positioned in the highly competitive and price-sensitive subcompact segment, became less of a priority for the company. The decision to discontinue the model allowed GM to allocate its resources more effectively towards the development and production of vehicles that were better aligned with consumer demand and the company's profitability goals.
What years of Chevy Sonic to avoid?
Below are the Sonic model years used car buyers should avoid because of their reported issues, a high number of customer complaints, and other problems.
- 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
- 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
- 2014 Chevrolet Sonic.
- 2015 Chevrolet Sonic.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Sonic?
Engine Stalling or Not Starting
- Alternator broken.
- Battery corrosion.
- Dead battery.
- Fuel filter broken.
- Fuel filter clogged.
- Key fob battery weak.
- Spark plug faulty or broken.
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in a Chevy Sonic?
The average cost for a Chevrolet Sonic Thermostat Replacement is between $501 and $536.
Is Chevy Sonic good or bad?
Highs Zippy turbocharged engine, standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, decent storage space. Lows More expensive than key rivals, lackluster fuel efficiency, limited availability of driver-assistance features. Verdict The entry-level 2020 Chevrolet Sonic puts the emphasis on basic when it comes to basic transportation.
Why is Chevy Sonic overheating?
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Sonic is overheating are a coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat.
What is the average life of a Chevy Sonic?
The Chevrolet Sonic, which saw its production end in 2020, is known for its durability, with many models reaching up to 200,000 miles. Depending on your annual mileage, this could translate to a lifespan of 10-20 years.
Do Chevy Sonics hold their value?
Does a 2020 Chevrolet Sonic hold its value? According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic is in the 25-75% percentile for depreciation among all 2020 Sedans. Over the last 3 years it retained 53% of its value.
Why did Chevy stop making Sonic?
The new car is a larger version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which the plant currently produces alongside the Sonic. GM decided to axe the Sonic "due to declining demand," according to Soule. Since selling nearly 100,000 Sonics in 2014, sales have declined every year by between 15% to more than %.
What does code 84 mean on a Chevy Sonic?
Code 84 = engine power reduced but you already figured that out. Usually it accompanied by the blinking "check engine soon' light so why the ABS light is beyond me. Normally checking/tightening the gas cap fixes the situation.
What are the best years for Chevy Sonic?
That said, you'll want to make sure you purchase one of the most reliable Chevrolet Sonic years, including:
- 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.
- 2017 Chevrolet Sonic.
- 2018 Chevrolet Sonic.
- 2019 Chevrolet Sonic.
- 2020 Chevrolet Sonic.
