Cruze

[JetStar]

Originally Posted By: JetStar
I wish GM the best, but...
I had a 2008 Saturn Astra 5-speed manual XR 3-door with what looks to be the exact same 1.8L engine 138 HP. I absolutely loved the car, except the SOB wouldn't get out of its own way, and that was just with me in the car. Imagine 4 adults, borders on dangerous lack of acceleration. Give yourseld Pleeeeenty of margin before pulling out on the highway.


BTW I consistently got 29-32 MPG with the car.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
They're compact cars, and for the most part, the market they're targeted at are concerned with gas mileage. They may be slow, but can certainly do their jobs as transportation. Not to mention people who have Civics and Corollas report 40 mpg on the highway. I don't know what a 2.2 can get, but I doubt it's consistently 40.

If they fitted a larger engine that can't compete with the competition when it comes to saving gas then their car isn't going to sell well. I think the horsepower war is starting to end/ended with the high gas prices we've seen and will see in the future. Now it's all about mpg.

Of course you don't seem to be able to grasp that. If you want power, don't get a regular compact geared towards fuel economy.
With all the new full size pickups and all those who can say It's a Hemi ,the new Camaro and V8 Fords don't seem to mind the potential of high gas prices . Me I have a 4 cyl. Toyota P/U not the ultimate MPGS but I only put about 6,000 miles per year. If I drove more miles a Corolla or a like car would be in the driveway.

 

[Nick R]

Hey I drive a cavalier with a 2.2L OHV, and a 3 speed auto. Don't you start telling me about slow. I'm trying to say, that it should at least be optional to get a high performance engine. (By the way, the 2.0L DOHC in the Focus is capable of 40mpg or better.

 

[daves87rs]

I'll be checking out this bad boy out at the autoshow next month. From the one I've seen, it looks really good. Once my Balt is paid for in the next few months, it's a car I'd consider for sure...

I'd have to agree that if it is priced right-It's going to be a huge hit. I figure at or close to the Cobalt's price would be an idea...

 

[parimento1]

The Cruze looks nice enough, but I never buy new because of depreciation and insurance...can't afford it. I like the downsizing of the engines in cars nowadays. If you want a performance car buy a Mustang. Economy cars should be just that - ECONOMICAL.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: parimento1
The Cruze looks nice enough, but I never buy new because of depreciation and insurance...can't afford it. I like the downsizing of the engines in cars nowadays. If you want a performance car buy a Mustang. Economy cars should be just that - ECONOMICAL.


True.....

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
I don't do G.M.



Wow 2nd post in the thread and all ready somebody has to [censored] it. We don't care that you "don't do GM" - that wasn't even asked.

 

[Nick R]

I bet if people ignored the whole treasury owned business, then GM would be doing great, because their new products are what most people would call excellent.

 

[FL-400S]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I bet if people ignored the whole treasury owned business, then GM would be doing great, because their new products are what most people would call excellent.


Id think we have to see some long term results first. to me every car seems nice when new, but sometimes 50k on a gm seems to be a death sentence in my experience.

The 2.2 ecotec in my 05 cavalier was capable of 35mpg with a 5 speed, and I think it could have done better than that! The car was wound out at 3000 rpms around 80 mph. It had plenty of torque to pull uphill in 5th gear. I always thought it could have turned 2500 rpms at 80 and done just fine using less gas. The ecotec is a solid engine in my experience, and i am a toyota guy. In fact I think the cavalier was a better car than my 02 malibu in general.

 

[LS2JSTS]

If I try, I can get as high as 36-38 mpg with my eco 2.2. And like you say it has plenty of power for highway merges and such. So far I'm loving this little engine.


But, and it's a big but, I think there will always be a place for pocket rockets. I love driving them, since my first experience with a VW GTI. One of my favorite cars of all time was my '02 SVT Focus, that car was a treat to own and drive.

Hopefully the OEM's wont forget that a souped up version of a economy car can sell very well and lots of us do want them.