For a little car they look ok, might be OK to rent if you can get it cheap enough from Hertz.
Looked at a Sonic yesterday
- Thread starter Nick R
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Some pics I took today while waiting for my ride to pick me up to get the TCM reflash update (will talk about in another post), as well as a video showing a few things. The quality of the switchgear, especially the HVAC switchgear as demonstarted, is unlike anything I've ever seen. I've never seen a car with HVAC switchgear like this. It's just..... They just feel SOLID. They feel, they feel when they turn like they are indestructable. In a good way. The doors shut with a nice solid thunk, and overall quality is extremely good. Why didn't we have this back in June? I might have bought one of these instead of my cruze!
Also, the instrument panel is unique, and is in person, actually very nice. It's easy to read, there is zero chance of glare on the speedo..
Also, the instrument panel is unique, and is in person, actually very nice. It's easy to read, there is zero chance of glare on the speedo..
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OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Go sit in one, and play with them. They may look the same, but they certainly dont' feel the same. My friends BMW HVAC controls have nothing on these in terms of feel, imo.
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Go sit in one, and play with them. They may look the same, but they certainly dont' feel the same. My friends BMW HVAC controls have nothing on these in terms of feel, imo.
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Go sit in one, and play with them. They may look the same, but they certainly dont' feel the same. My friends BMW HVAC controls have nothing on these in terms of feel, imo.
Your friend's BMW has knob-style HVAC controls? Neither of mine do.....
I wasn't comparing them to BMW HVAC controls anyway, the last car I owned with knob-style HVAC was the Focus, and that thing wasn't really much of a benchmark for anything.
They just look the same as other GM ones to me, and that's why I asked.
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Go sit in one, and play with them. They may look the same, but they certainly dont' feel the same. My friends BMW HVAC controls have nothing on these in terms of feel, imo.
Your friend's BMW has knob-style HVAC controls? Neither of mine do.....
I wasn't comparing them to BMW HVAC controls anyway, the last car I owned with knob-style HVAC was the Focus, and that thing wasn't really much of a benchmark for anything.
They just look the same as other GM ones to me, and that's why I asked.
Okay granted it's a 1992 525i, but still. Since interiors "Used to be so much better"
I've heard mixed things about the driving dynamics when it comes to this car. Less than great steering feedback, and so so suspension that while not very nimble is also jarring. Not a good thing if you ask me. I want GOOD steering feedback, nimble handling and a VW Golf like balance of stiffness and suppleness.
Originally Posted By: 91344George
I've heard mixed things about the driving dynamics when it comes to this car. Less than great steering feedback, and so so suspension that while not very nimble is also jarring. Not a good thing if you ask me. I want GOOD steering feedback, nimble handling and a VW Golf like balance of stiffness and suppleness.
That's not what I've heard. Granted again I haven't driven it, but I've heard that it's very nimble and tossable, which makes the suspension a bit on the firm side, and not so great over uneven pavement, but overall fun to drive an generally good to drive. That's pretty much what I've seen from all the major auto reviewers.
I'd think the sonic is exactly what a lot of you were looking for. A relatively cheap small car, with a decent engine, and a manual (only a manual if you want the 1.4T).
I've heard mixed things about the driving dynamics when it comes to this car. Less than great steering feedback, and so so suspension that while not very nimble is also jarring. Not a good thing if you ask me. I want GOOD steering feedback, nimble handling and a VW Golf like balance of stiffness and suppleness.
That's not what I've heard. Granted again I haven't driven it, but I've heard that it's very nimble and tossable, which makes the suspension a bit on the firm side, and not so great over uneven pavement, but overall fun to drive an generally good to drive. That's pretty much what I've seen from all the major auto reviewers.
I'd think the sonic is exactly what a lot of you were looking for. A relatively cheap small car, with a decent engine, and a manual (only a manual if you want the 1.4T).
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ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: qr25de
The Sonic LTZ isn't half the car that I have on paper.
148 hp vs. 200 hp
138 lb-ft vs. 180 lb-ft
Engine power alone and for the same cost I wouldn't even look at it.
I drive a Sentra SE-R Spec-V btw.
Really for most people buying a Sonic type car, they could have 3 horsepower ratings...
"A bit slow", "Average", and "Kind of peppy". As long as it gets decent mileage and can run on the freeway at 70, its fine for most buyers.
What about holy S***!!!
Originally Posted By: qr25de
The Sonic LTZ isn't half the car that I have on paper.
148 hp vs. 200 hp
138 lb-ft vs. 180 lb-ft
Engine power alone and for the same cost I wouldn't even look at it.
I drive a Sentra SE-R Spec-V btw.
Really for most people buying a Sonic type car, they could have 3 horsepower ratings...
"A bit slow", "Average", and "Kind of peppy". As long as it gets decent mileage and can run on the freeway at 70, its fine for most buyers.
What about holy S***!!!
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Originally Posted By: Nick R
... The quality of the switchgear, especially the HVAC switchgear as demonstarted, is unlike anything I've ever seen. I've never seen a car with HVAC switchgear like this. It's just..... They just feel SOLID. They feel, they feel when they turn like they are indestructable. In a good way.
I didn't find the HVAC controls to be that special.
I liked the Elantra's better.
I didn't like much about the way the Elantra drove, but the switchgear had a really good feel.
... The quality of the switchgear, especially the HVAC switchgear as demonstarted, is unlike anything I've ever seen. I've never seen a car with HVAC switchgear like this. It's just..... They just feel SOLID. They feel, they feel when they turn like they are indestructable. In a good way.
I didn't find the HVAC controls to be that special.
I liked the Elantra's better.
I didn't like much about the way the Elantra drove, but the switchgear had a really good feel.
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
I didn't like much about the way the Elantra drove, but the switchgear had a really good feel.
There are precious few Korean cars that have even passable driving dynamics not to mention good driver control feedback.
The ONLY ones I know of to date are the NEW Kia Rio 5 and it's Hyundai Accent twin....these two are about the best on offer as of now.
I didn't like much about the way the Elantra drove, but the switchgear had a really good feel.
There are precious few Korean cars that have even passable driving dynamics not to mention good driver control feedback.
The ONLY ones I know of to date are the NEW Kia Rio 5 and it's Hyundai Accent twin....these two are about the best on offer as of now.
Wouldn't mind driving one to try it out but I am not a big fan of the styling and to me the instrument cluster is blah.
How much are these things with a handful of options?
How much are these things with a handful of options?
Again (just like with the Cruze), put the 2 liter TURBO Ecotec in a 2 door version of this (sedan OR hatch style) with a decent 6 speed gearbox, and a light weight, biasable, AWD system, and I am THERE!!
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Go sit in one, and play with them. They may look the same, but they certainly dont' feel the same. My friends BMW HVAC controls have nothing on these in terms of feel, imo.
They feel more "solid" because there's actually something attached to them. While every other GM car uses electric actuators to move the mode and temp door, the Sonic still uses cables. When you turn the temp knob on a Cruze, it's just another electronic control. When you do the same on a Sonic, your pulling on a cable.
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Go sit in one, and play with them. They may look the same, but they certainly dont' feel the same. My friends BMW HVAC controls have nothing on these in terms of feel, imo.
They feel more "solid" because there's actually something attached to them. While every other GM car uses electric actuators to move the mode and temp door, the Sonic still uses cables. When you turn the temp knob on a Cruze, it's just another electronic control. When you do the same on a Sonic, your pulling on a cable.
Nice!
Still, I find it funny that a lighter Sonic is slower and thirstier than a Cruze Eco with the same 1.4T/manual transmission. Gearing, man, gearing.
Still, I find it funny that a lighter Sonic is slower and thirstier than a Cruze Eco with the same 1.4T/manual transmission. Gearing, man, gearing.
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Their nothing but a less expensive rip of Mercedes controls circa 2003.
GM uses them in everything.
GM is finally learning, Toyota has been using the same window switches and door handles in everything for the last 20+ years.
Those HVAC controls look the same as other GM ones, so what makes them so "OMG they feel indestructible!" ?
Curious.
IMHO, the Cruze is a much better looking car. The gauge cluster on this thing is hideous (I know you said you like it, but I can't stand it) and the headlights are awful.
And the front-end looks too "fisher price" with all that plastic.
Their nothing but a less expensive rip of Mercedes controls circa 2003.
GM uses them in everything.
GM is finally learning, Toyota has been using the same window switches and door handles in everything for the last 20+ years.
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Originally Posted By: ls1mike
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: qr25de
The Sonic LTZ isn't half the car that I have on paper.
148 hp vs. 200 hp
138 lb-ft vs. 180 lb-ft
Engine power alone and for the same cost I wouldn't even look at it.
I drive a Sentra SE-R Spec-V btw.
Really for most people buying a Sonic type car, they could have 3 horsepower ratings...
"A bit slow", "Average", and "Kind of peppy". As long as it gets decent mileage and can run on the freeway at 70, its fine for most buyers.
What about holy S***!!!
I think in entry level cars, that's the rating it gets for when you pull out onto road in front of an 18 wheeler with 4 friends in the car for the first time...
As for the rest of the car, I think the Sonic is miles ahead of the old Aveo, the headlights and dash are interesting atleast. May not be for everyone but polarizing styling is better than bland and boring to everyone! I think they should put the sonic headlights on a Cruze SS model, they'd look good on a wider lower car.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: qr25de
The Sonic LTZ isn't half the car that I have on paper.
148 hp vs. 200 hp
138 lb-ft vs. 180 lb-ft
Engine power alone and for the same cost I wouldn't even look at it.
I drive a Sentra SE-R Spec-V btw.
Really for most people buying a Sonic type car, they could have 3 horsepower ratings...
"A bit slow", "Average", and "Kind of peppy". As long as it gets decent mileage and can run on the freeway at 70, its fine for most buyers.
What about holy S***!!!
I think in entry level cars, that's the rating it gets for when you pull out onto road in front of an 18 wheeler with 4 friends in the car for the first time...
As for the rest of the car, I think the Sonic is miles ahead of the old Aveo, the headlights and dash are interesting atleast. May not be for everyone but polarizing styling is better than bland and boring to everyone! I think they should put the sonic headlights on a Cruze SS model, they'd look good on a wider lower car.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
I think in entry level cars, that's the rating it gets for when you pull out onto road in front of an 18 wheeler with 4 friends in the car for the first time...
As for the rest of the car, I think the Sonic is miles ahead of the old Aveo, the headlights and dash are interesting atleast. May not be for everyone but polarizing styling is better than bland and boring to everyone! I think they should put the sonic headlights on a Cruze SS model, they'd look good on a wider lower car.
I will say this. It appears for the very first time that GM is trying with small cars. The Vega was styled well but mechanically a nightmare and they basically gave up. Conceded the small car segment to the Japanese. The Chevette? Nothing good about it. The MkI Rabbit and Civic were better cars in every category. The Cavalier? a half hearted stab. They began with an OHV engine at the same time that the last Japanese manufacturer with OHV (Toyota 3TC) was phasing it out. It was quickly out-classed by....well everybody, and they rode that platform for over two decades. Then GM gave us Daewoo's absolute worst car. The Kalos. Slap an Aveo or G3 badge on it. In between they rebadged a couple of Suzukis as Chevrolet Sprints, Geo Metros, and Chevrolet Metros. The 'Zooks were reliable and efficient little cars but not much in the way of fun or comfort or style.
GM has not really cared for small cars. Almost like they didn't want to sell them at all. Maybe in the '70s when they were churning out those hideous Chevettes, management thought, "meh...
we'll give the small car to the Japanese. How much of a threat can they be?"
Fast forward to '89 when Acura had been taking sales from Cadillac and now Lexus rolls out it's (then) exceptional LS400. Cadillac had a problem. A problem that was quieter than a Mercedes Benz 420SE and more precisely engineered than a BMW 735i. The Japanese had not stayed in the segment GM as had hoped they would. It didn't help that Cadillac's 4.1s and 4.5s were hopelessly unreliable. I'm sure Lincoln got a lot of Cadillac's luxury car buyers after that stink but I'm certain Lexus took nearly as many.
It took them a long time, but GM actually appears to be showing a lot of promise in the small car segment now. Stylish, competent and comfortable with modern powertrains.
I think in entry level cars, that's the rating it gets for when you pull out onto road in front of an 18 wheeler with 4 friends in the car for the first time...
As for the rest of the car, I think the Sonic is miles ahead of the old Aveo, the headlights and dash are interesting atleast. May not be for everyone but polarizing styling is better than bland and boring to everyone! I think they should put the sonic headlights on a Cruze SS model, they'd look good on a wider lower car.
I will say this. It appears for the very first time that GM is trying with small cars. The Vega was styled well but mechanically a nightmare and they basically gave up. Conceded the small car segment to the Japanese. The Chevette? Nothing good about it. The MkI Rabbit and Civic were better cars in every category. The Cavalier? a half hearted stab. They began with an OHV engine at the same time that the last Japanese manufacturer with OHV (Toyota 3TC) was phasing it out. It was quickly out-classed by....well everybody, and they rode that platform for over two decades. Then GM gave us Daewoo's absolute worst car. The Kalos. Slap an Aveo or G3 badge on it. In between they rebadged a couple of Suzukis as Chevrolet Sprints, Geo Metros, and Chevrolet Metros. The 'Zooks were reliable and efficient little cars but not much in the way of fun or comfort or style.
GM has not really cared for small cars. Almost like they didn't want to sell them at all. Maybe in the '70s when they were churning out those hideous Chevettes, management thought, "meh...
Fast forward to '89 when Acura had been taking sales from Cadillac and now Lexus rolls out it's (then) exceptional LS400. Cadillac had a problem. A problem that was quieter than a Mercedes Benz 420SE and more precisely engineered than a BMW 735i. The Japanese had not stayed in the segment GM as had hoped they would. It didn't help that Cadillac's 4.1s and 4.5s were hopelessly unreliable. I'm sure Lincoln got a lot of Cadillac's luxury car buyers after that stink but I'm certain Lexus took nearly as many.
It took them a long time, but GM actually appears to be showing a lot of promise in the small car segment now. Stylish, competent and comfortable with modern powertrains.
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