Was nosing around at my local chevy dealer today and sat in a chevy sonic that was unlocked. I really like the inside and the looks of these cars. How are these things holding up, any common issues with them? This one was a hatch back with the 1.4T and the automatic, might go look at it tomorrow. Little less roomy than my Scion XB though, not sure if that will be a deal breaker or not.
Chevy Sonics...any good?
- Thread starter afoulk
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I`d stick with your Scion.
It's a second gen Aveo. I don't know why Chevy changed the name that car. Is their model names disposable as their cars?
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I`d stick with your Scion.
Wouldn't quote that until you've driven one.
For a little car, it's quite fun to throw around....
Drove both the 1.8 and the 1.4t, and the 1.4t scoots it pretty well for a little car.
No issues to report on these yet..
I`d stick with your Scion.
Wouldn't quote that until you've driven one.
For a little car, it's quite fun to throw around....
Drove both the 1.8 and the 1.4t, and the 1.4t scoots it pretty well for a little car.
No issues to report on these yet..
The Aveo name was always being mispronounced.Some call it proper Ahhhvey-o....some wrongly call it Ahveeeoh.Besides,what the heck is an Aveo? Whats the name mean? Gibberish if you ask me.
Sonic sounds fast,sporty,zippy,and a lot like a famous hedgehog and drive in fast food place.
Its "Spark" underling is bound to cause electrical concerns to its owners for years to come...
Sonic sounds fast,sporty,zippy,and a lot like a famous hedgehog and drive in fast food place.
Its "Spark" underling is bound to cause electrical concerns to its owners for years to come...
Biased comments aside, they haven't been out long enough to earn a reputation... good or bad.
Well, so far I've read about issues with the manual transmission, which is supposedly sealed for life. 1st to 2nd synchro seems to go out. Same tranny the Cruze uses and has the issue as well. Automatic seems to be poorly programmed from the sounds of it.
I love my scion, but it suddenly developed a valve tap and the dealer insists they dont hear it, so I'm looking to unload it while its financially feasable. I thought the Sonics were cool looking and I've hear good things about the 1.4T in the Cruzes. Pricing is nice too. The dealer I had my car at has a used 2012 I'm going to look at tomorrow though, the color I really wanted and the 5spd. which I also wanted when I bought my current one. I was looking for back when there were very few used ones, and the dealers had a shortage of new ones due to the Tsunami that hit Japan. I'm still leaning towards the newer Scion, but my dealership experience has me worried. Didn't know if chevy dealers were any easier to deal with. Nice part is, my local chevy dealer is within walking distance to my house
I love my scion, but it suddenly developed a valve tap and the dealer insists they dont hear it, so I'm looking to unload it while its financially feasable. I thought the Sonics were cool looking and I've hear good things about the 1.4T in the Cruzes. Pricing is nice too. The dealer I had my car at has a used 2012 I'm going to look at tomorrow though, the color I really wanted and the 5spd. which I also wanted when I bought my current one. I was looking for back when there were very few used ones, and the dealers had a shortage of new ones due to the Tsunami that hit Japan. I'm still leaning towards the newer Scion, but my dealership experience has me worried. Didn't know if chevy dealers were any easier to deal with. Nice part is, my local chevy dealer is within walking distance to my house
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Originally Posted By: afoulk
Well, so far I've read about issues with the manual transmission, which is supposedly sealed for life. 1st to 2nd synchro seems to go out. Same tranny the Cruze uses and has the issue as well. Automatic seems to be poorly programmed from the sounds of it.
I love my scion, but it suddenly developed a valve tap and the dealer insists they dont hear it, so I'm looking to unload it while its financially feasable. I thought the Sonics were cool looking and I've hear good things about the 1.4T in the Cruzes. Pricing is nice too. The dealer I had my car at has a used 2012 I'm going to look at tomorrow though, the color I really wanted and the 5spd. which I also wanted when I bought my current one. I was looking for back when there were very few used ones, and the dealers had a shortage of new ones due to the Tsunami that hit Japan. I'm still leaning towards the newer Scion, but my dealership experience has me worried. Didn't know if chevy dealers were any easier to deal with. Nice part is, my local chevy dealer is within walking distance to my house
Considered a Focus?
Well, so far I've read about issues with the manual transmission, which is supposedly sealed for life. 1st to 2nd synchro seems to go out. Same tranny the Cruze uses and has the issue as well. Automatic seems to be poorly programmed from the sounds of it.
I love my scion, but it suddenly developed a valve tap and the dealer insists they dont hear it, so I'm looking to unload it while its financially feasable. I thought the Sonics were cool looking and I've hear good things about the 1.4T in the Cruzes. Pricing is nice too. The dealer I had my car at has a used 2012 I'm going to look at tomorrow though, the color I really wanted and the 5spd. which I also wanted when I bought my current one. I was looking for back when there were very few used ones, and the dealers had a shortage of new ones due to the Tsunami that hit Japan. I'm still leaning towards the newer Scion, but my dealership experience has me worried. Didn't know if chevy dealers were any easier to deal with. Nice part is, my local chevy dealer is within walking distance to my house
Considered a Focus?
Originally Posted By: wirelessF
It's a second gen Aveo. I don't know why Chevy changed the name that car. Is their model names disposable as their cars?
WRONG! While it does replace the Aveo - it is nothing like that car was. The Aveo was cheap and junk built in Korea. The Sonic is not related to the Aveo.
The Sonic is built in USA and has gotten rave reviews. It is a good car with lots to offer.
It's a second gen Aveo. I don't know why Chevy changed the name that car. Is their model names disposable as their cars?
WRONG! While it does replace the Aveo - it is nothing like that car was. The Aveo was cheap and junk built in Korea. The Sonic is not related to the Aveo.
The Sonic is built in USA and has gotten rave reviews. It is a good car with lots to offer.
Our Cruze had 37k trouble free miles on it when we sold it to get the Volt.
If I can't say anything nice, I won't say anything at all.
JHZR2
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Originally Posted By: GMBoy
WRONG! While it does replace the Aveo - it is nothing like that car was. The Aveo was cheap and junk built in Korea. The Sonic is not related to the Aveo.
The Sonic is built in USA and has gotten rave reviews. It is a good car with lots to offer.
That answers one thing... I thought it was a daewoo car.
WRONG! While it does replace the Aveo - it is nothing like that car was. The Aveo was cheap and junk built in Korea. The Sonic is not related to the Aveo.
The Sonic is built in USA and has gotten rave reviews. It is a good car with lots to offer.
That answers one thing... I thought it was a daewoo car.
2nd Gen Chevy Aveo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Aveo
"Chevrolet markets the new Aveo under the Chevrolet Sonic nameplate in the U.S., Canadian, Mexican, Chilean, Japanese, Israeli, Middle East and South African markets."
Assembly
- South Korea: Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
- United States: Orion Township, Michigan
- Venezuela: Valencia
- China: Shanghai GM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Gamma_platform
Current and announced vehicles based on GSV platform:
2010- Chevrolet Spark
2011- Chevrolet Aveo/2012 Chevrolet Sonic
2012- Opel/Vauxhall Mokka,[4] Buick Encore
2013- Chevrolet Trax
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Aveo
"Chevrolet markets the new Aveo under the Chevrolet Sonic nameplate in the U.S., Canadian, Mexican, Chilean, Japanese, Israeli, Middle East and South African markets."
Assembly
- South Korea: Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
- United States: Orion Township, Michigan
- Venezuela: Valencia
- China: Shanghai GM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Gamma_platform
Current and announced vehicles based on GSV platform:
2010- Chevrolet Spark
2011- Chevrolet Aveo/2012 Chevrolet Sonic
2012- Opel/Vauxhall Mokka,[4] Buick Encore
2013- Chevrolet Trax
So it's an Opel in disguise, and has nothing in common with the old Aveo except a family resemblance.
I've heard insurance is higher than on a Cruze, that it's actually slower to 60 with the manual transmission due to worse gearing, and it doesn't get the highway fuel economy one would expect.
It should be a ball of fun to drive sportingly, based on the reviews I've read. I may have a test drive soon.
I've heard insurance is higher than on a Cruze, that it's actually slower to 60 with the manual transmission due to worse gearing, and it doesn't get the highway fuel economy one would expect.
It should be a ball of fun to drive sportingly, based on the reviews I've read. I may have a test drive soon.
Sonic has been getting some pretty good reviews. I think it came in 2nd to the Honda Fit in one face-off.
Originally Posted By: martinq
2nd Gen Chevy Aveo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Aveo
"Chevrolet markets the new Aveo under the Chevrolet Sonic nameplate in the U.S., Canadian, Mexican, Chilean, Japanese, Israeli, Middle East and South African markets."
Assembly
- South Korea: Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
- United States: Orion Township, Michigan
- Venezuela: Valencia
- China: Shanghai GM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Gamma_platform
Current and announced vehicles based on GSV platform:
2010- Chevrolet Spark
2011- Chevrolet Aveo/2012 Chevrolet Sonic
2012- Opel/Vauxhall Mokka,[4] Buick Encore
2013- Chevrolet Trax
While not incorrect in a literal sense, using this "fact" as ammunition to discredit the car is misplaced.
As noted in the first wikipedia article, the Aveo (T200) was based on the Daewoo Lanos. The Lanos was developed 100% by Daewoo prior to their purchase by General Motors. The first generation Aveo had little to no engineering input from GM's global resources.
As noted in the second wikipedia article, the Sonic is based on GM's Gamma platform, specifically Gamma II or Global Gamma. This platform, originally developed by Opel under GM's global umbrella, was first used in the Corsa. Development for the Global Gamma was shifted from GME to GMDAT to follow GM's plan of having the Koreans take lead on small car platform engineering.
The only thing the T200 Aveo (Daewoo Lanos) and T300 Sonic/Aveo (Global Gamma) share is a name. To discount the Sonic because it's a "second generation Aveo" would be like bad-mouthing the new Dodge Dart because of the troubles associated with the Dart in the '70s.
2nd Gen Chevy Aveo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Aveo
"Chevrolet markets the new Aveo under the Chevrolet Sonic nameplate in the U.S., Canadian, Mexican, Chilean, Japanese, Israeli, Middle East and South African markets."
Assembly
- South Korea: Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
- United States: Orion Township, Michigan
- Venezuela: Valencia
- China: Shanghai GM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Gamma_platform
Current and announced vehicles based on GSV platform:
2010- Chevrolet Spark
2011- Chevrolet Aveo/2012 Chevrolet Sonic
2012- Opel/Vauxhall Mokka,[4] Buick Encore
2013- Chevrolet Trax
While not incorrect in a literal sense, using this "fact" as ammunition to discredit the car is misplaced.
As noted in the first wikipedia article, the Aveo (T200) was based on the Daewoo Lanos. The Lanos was developed 100% by Daewoo prior to their purchase by General Motors. The first generation Aveo had little to no engineering input from GM's global resources.
As noted in the second wikipedia article, the Sonic is based on GM's Gamma platform, specifically Gamma II or Global Gamma. This platform, originally developed by Opel under GM's global umbrella, was first used in the Corsa. Development for the Global Gamma was shifted from GME to GMDAT to follow GM's plan of having the Koreans take lead on small car platform engineering.
The only thing the T200 Aveo (Daewoo Lanos) and T300 Sonic/Aveo (Global Gamma) share is a name. To discount the Sonic because it's a "second generation Aveo" would be like bad-mouthing the new Dodge Dart because of the troubles associated with the Dart in the '70s.
Edmunds also has a Sonic LTZ in their long term test fleet.
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2012-chevrolet-sonic-ltz/
Complaints so far:
Unpleasent fishy "new car" smell from the leatherette front seats; GM is installing new seats under warrenty to remedy this
Numb throttle that is especially appearent during normal driving, not so much with "spirited" driving
Hot and cold opinions for interior styling, especially the insrument cluster and "sad elephant" center stack
Kudos so far:
Overall driving dynamics are great. Compared more than once to a GTI by the staff
"The Sonic is "worth the extra money over the Mazda 2 and it's even good enough to talk you out of buying a Mini Cooper."
They've bested the EPA fuel economy (something that never happened with their 1.4L Cruze)
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2012-chevrolet-sonic-ltz/
Complaints so far:
Unpleasent fishy "new car" smell from the leatherette front seats; GM is installing new seats under warrenty to remedy this
Numb throttle that is especially appearent during normal driving, not so much with "spirited" driving
Hot and cold opinions for interior styling, especially the insrument cluster and "sad elephant" center stack
Kudos so far:
Overall driving dynamics are great. Compared more than once to a GTI by the staff
"The Sonic is "worth the extra money over the Mazda 2 and it's even good enough to talk you out of buying a Mini Cooper."
They've bested the EPA fuel economy (something that never happened with their 1.4L Cruze)
Originally Posted By: MrHorspwer
While not incorrect in a literal sense, using this "fact" as ammunition to discredit the car is misplaced.
Why would you think I'm looking for 'ammunition to discredit' the 2nd gen Aveo? And how is providing this information misplaced?
While not incorrect in a literal sense, using this "fact" as ammunition to discredit the car is misplaced.
Why would you think I'm looking for 'ammunition to discredit' the 2nd gen Aveo? And how is providing this information misplaced?
Originally Posted By: martinq
Originally Posted By: MrHorspwer
While not incorrect in a literal sense, using this "fact" as ammunition to discredit the car is misplaced.
Why would you think I'm looking for 'ammunition to discredit' the 2nd gen Aveo? And how is providing this information misplaced?
When the "2nd gen Aveo" was brought up, it was also mentioned that GM's model names were just as disposable as their cars. That is not a compliment directed toward the Sonic and is undeserved.
I didn't say providing the information was misplaced. Using it as a discredit point is misplaced. Providing the information does quite the opposite. Looking at the two Wikipedia pages shows the evolution of the Aveo/Sonic from a second-tier sub-compact to a competitive vehicle on a well developed platform, name association notwithstanding.
Originally Posted By: MrHorspwer
While not incorrect in a literal sense, using this "fact" as ammunition to discredit the car is misplaced.
Why would you think I'm looking for 'ammunition to discredit' the 2nd gen Aveo? And how is providing this information misplaced?
When the "2nd gen Aveo" was brought up, it was also mentioned that GM's model names were just as disposable as their cars. That is not a compliment directed toward the Sonic and is undeserved.
I didn't say providing the information was misplaced. Using it as a discredit point is misplaced. Providing the information does quite the opposite. Looking at the two Wikipedia pages shows the evolution of the Aveo/Sonic from a second-tier sub-compact to a competitive vehicle on a well developed platform, name association notwithstanding.
The majority & core engineering of Sonic is Korean.
Irregardless its a pure wild card on low upkeep & worry free reliability with IMHO with the 1.4 turbo. My guess a wonderful engine to drive.
Competition does offer similar MPG in non-turbo simple motors.
Its great so many choices offered.
Irregardless its a pure wild card on low upkeep & worry free reliability with IMHO with the 1.4 turbo. My guess a wonderful engine to drive.
Competition does offer similar MPG in non-turbo simple motors.
Its great so many choices offered.
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