Thinking Of Buying A Chevy Cruze
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Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
I agree I'd rather have a manual but searching dealer inventory shows all automatics. I read the opinions about the Ford automatics but what about the Chevy autos?
I did an area search awhile back. Out of like 1000 new hatchback Focus SEs within a 50 mile radius, 10 were manuals.
I do not like the Focus DSG. Maybe it's just my driving style but it seems confused all the time. My 41TE is nearly 10 years old and it is more intuitive and responsive than the Focus.
The Cruze 1.4T auto I drove didn't impress me. It wasn't bad at all. It was competent...just kinda'
meh. A little slow to do anything. I think a lot of that is in the fuel economy oriented programming
Both the Focus and Cruze have quality interiors comparable to their competition. These aren't Escorts and Cavaliers. The domestics have vastly improved. I'm really not that impressed with the Civic. In sedans? I would probably pick a 1LT Cruze over a Civic LX.
I recently did an install on a Dart R/T. It actually reminded me of a high level previous generation Kia Forte. It looks nicer than it feels. But it is still a pretty good interior.
I agree I'd rather have a manual but searching dealer inventory shows all automatics. I read the opinions about the Ford automatics but what about the Chevy autos?
I did an area search awhile back. Out of like 1000 new hatchback Focus SEs within a 50 mile radius, 10 were manuals.
I do not like the Focus DSG. Maybe it's just my driving style but it seems confused all the time. My 41TE is nearly 10 years old and it is more intuitive and responsive than the Focus.
The Cruze 1.4T auto I drove didn't impress me. It wasn't bad at all. It was competent...just kinda'
Both the Focus and Cruze have quality interiors comparable to their competition. These aren't Escorts and Cavaliers. The domestics have vastly improved. I'm really not that impressed with the Civic. In sedans? I would probably pick a 1LT Cruze over a Civic LX.
I recently did an install on a Dart R/T. It actually reminded me of a high level previous generation Kia Forte. It looks nicer than it feels. But it is still a pretty good interior.
Check out the Dodge Dart as well. My son loves his and he's had it for a year - 12k miles. I would avoid the Turbo engine though, my son has the 2.0 Tigershark motor. Very roomy inside and a nice layout - the Dodge Uconnect system works great and is award winning. The two tiered dash in the Civic is hideous IMO.
The automatic in the Cruze had some teething issues for all of 2011 and early in 2012 model years. They ironed it out pretty well for MY 2013. There was a shift into neutral when stopped that got eliminated for later 2012 and all 2013 Cruzes since it was causing a lot of issues when needing to dart across traffic. Also, if you really need to car to move, accelerating a bone-stock automatic at 75% throttle instead of WOT lets the engine stay in its powerband better, so it's faster that way. That's not the case in the manual Cruzes.
If you want a manual Cruze, the Eco ought to be stocked on dealer lots in manual. There may be the odd LT manual around also. Be warned, the Eco manual gearing is love it or hate it thanks to its split personality. The first 3 gears are pretty short for quick acceleration, while the last 3 are pretty tall. There's zero acceleration in 6th below 1800 RPM/60 mph. Shift to 3rd (yes, 3rd at 60 mph is 3500 RPM while 4th is ~2700 RPM IIRC) and it will take right off. The manual in the LT models has closer ratios, and the 6th gear in the LT manual is the exact same as the Eco manual's 5th. I haven't driven a LT manual, but I do enjoy the fuel economy of my Eco manual.
If you're considering a diesel, that transmission is a 6-speed Aisin unit. Owners generally like it, although long-term durability is still out. The diesel Cruze has different suspension tuning, brakes, and sound insulation than the other Cruzes. It's essentially a Verano chassis with a Cruze 2LT/LTZ interior and diesel engine.
If you want a manual Cruze, the Eco ought to be stocked on dealer lots in manual. There may be the odd LT manual around also. Be warned, the Eco manual gearing is love it or hate it thanks to its split personality. The first 3 gears are pretty short for quick acceleration, while the last 3 are pretty tall. There's zero acceleration in 6th below 1800 RPM/60 mph. Shift to 3rd (yes, 3rd at 60 mph is 3500 RPM while 4th is ~2700 RPM IIRC) and it will take right off. The manual in the LT models has closer ratios, and the 6th gear in the LT manual is the exact same as the Eco manual's 5th. I haven't driven a LT manual, but I do enjoy the fuel economy of my Eco manual.
If you're considering a diesel, that transmission is a 6-speed Aisin unit. Owners generally like it, although long-term durability is still out. The diesel Cruze has different suspension tuning, brakes, and sound insulation than the other Cruzes. It's essentially a Verano chassis with a Cruze 2LT/LTZ interior and diesel engine.
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My wife has one on a lease. Base LS, which is not really all that base. Sat radio, BT, OnStar. She needs it for commuting, that's it. However, I love the car. It's a bit weak in the power department, but overall we really like.
Good on gas, quiet ride, nice ride, and really nice fit and finish. In some ways I like it better than my Jetta TDI.
When the lease is up we may get another one. I am VERY impressed with the car. The only other similar car I would look at would be the Mazda3.
The cruze is a great value and has been a good car for us. I really enjoy driving it.
Good on gas, quiet ride, nice ride, and really nice fit and finish. In some ways I like it better than my Jetta TDI.
When the lease is up we may get another one. I am VERY impressed with the car. The only other similar car I would look at would be the Mazda3.
The cruze is a great value and has been a good car for us. I really enjoy driving it.
I have had my Cruze LT for 2 years so far. The car is solid..... no squeaks or rattles and no problems so far. Still surprised at how quiet it is inside the car when driving. I think it would be a good buy.
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Dodge products are out. Not brand bashing, just don't like the cars. Diesel is out, just don't want it. Not knocking it, just don't see the return on investment.
It's between the Cruze and Focus. Ideally the MT. I want to hear from the guys that have owned/driven the Cruze since I'm leaning in that direction.
It's between the Cruze and Focus. Ideally the MT. I want to hear from the guys that have owned/driven the Cruze since I'm leaning in that direction.
I think it's sad that people can be so closed minded against certain things. All the cars in small car market are nice and worth a look. They all have potential to be good cars. To say no dodge no foreign to me crazy. The dart is a darn nice car. And foreign cars like the civic are also very nice.
Personally if someone tried to single me out for driving a foreign car I would drive nothing but just to [censored] them off. We live in America you shouldn't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot drive, if civic would be top of your list go test drive them and don't worry about what your employer thinks. If they're aren't buying you a car or anything like that then buy what you want. I would buy the Cruz with a manual personally. If I could get a good deal on a focus manual I wouldn't pass it up though. Both are good . Get the one that suits you best
Personally if someone tried to single me out for driving a foreign car I would drive nothing but just to [censored] them off. We live in America you shouldn't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot drive, if civic would be top of your list go test drive them and don't worry about what your employer thinks. If they're aren't buying you a car or anything like that then buy what you want. I would buy the Cruz with a manual personally. If I could get a good deal on a focus manual I wouldn't pass it up though. Both are good . Get the one that suits you best
Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
Dodge products are out. Not brand bashing, just don't like the cars. Diesel is out, just don't want it. Not knocking it, just don't see the return on investment.
It's between the Cruze and Focus. Ideally the MT. I want to hear from the guys that have owned/driven the Cruze since I'm leaning in that direction.
I've mentioned earlier, I really like my 2 year old Cruze Eco MT. 73k miles on it, and it runs like new. It's a very good car, and for me it's been quite reliable and economical to own.
I did a search on cars dot com, and found 115 manual transmission Cruzes within 50 miles of Detroit (rather, the 48217 ZIP code used).
Dodge products are out. Not brand bashing, just don't like the cars. Diesel is out, just don't want it. Not knocking it, just don't see the return on investment.
It's between the Cruze and Focus. Ideally the MT. I want to hear from the guys that have owned/driven the Cruze since I'm leaning in that direction.
I've mentioned earlier, I really like my 2 year old Cruze Eco MT. 73k miles on it, and it runs like new. It's a very good car, and for me it's been quite reliable and economical to own.
I did a search on cars dot com, and found 115 manual transmission Cruzes within 50 miles of Detroit (rather, the 48217 ZIP code used).
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Originally Posted By: ram_man
Personally if someone tried to single me out for driving a foreign car I would drive nothing but just to [censored] them off. We live in America you shouldn't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot drive
True in general, but you're oversimplifying things. Many employers are very adamant about their employees' use of competitor's product. My wife used to work for Pepsico. Unless you were in R&D, if you were seen drinking Coke at work, you'd be fired. So, yes, it's a free country, meaning, if you want to drive a Civic, you're free to quit your job at GM.
While the OP's employer will probably not fire him for driving a competitor's product, his promotion and future career with the company can be negatively affected. They won't officially state that it was "due to driving a Civic" as they would open themselves up to a lawsuit, but in the end you'll never really know why you did not get that promotion.
Eat your own dog food kind of a thing...
Personally if someone tried to single me out for driving a foreign car I would drive nothing but just to [censored] them off. We live in America you shouldn't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot drive
True in general, but you're oversimplifying things. Many employers are very adamant about their employees' use of competitor's product. My wife used to work for Pepsico. Unless you were in R&D, if you were seen drinking Coke at work, you'd be fired. So, yes, it's a free country, meaning, if you want to drive a Civic, you're free to quit your job at GM.
While the OP's employer will probably not fire him for driving a competitor's product, his promotion and future career with the company can be negatively affected. They won't officially state that it was "due to driving a Civic" as they would open themselves up to a lawsuit, but in the end you'll never really know why you did not get that promotion.
Eat your own dog food kind of a thing...
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
True in general, but you're oversimplifying things. Many employers are very adamant about their employees' use of competitor's product. My wife used to work for Pepsico. Unless you were in R&D, if you were seen drinking Coke at work, you'd be fired. So, yes, it's a free country, meaning, if you want to drive a Civic, you're free to quit your job at GM.
I don't understand why this is so complicated to some people? Besides, if one company pays my bills, why would I support the competition?
True in general, but you're oversimplifying things. Many employers are very adamant about their employees' use of competitor's product. My wife used to work for Pepsico. Unless you were in R&D, if you were seen drinking Coke at work, you'd be fired. So, yes, it's a free country, meaning, if you want to drive a Civic, you're free to quit your job at GM.
I don't understand why this is so complicated to some people? Besides, if one company pays my bills, why would I support the competition?
Next friday my Mom & I are going to get a 2014 Cruze, 1.6L gas no turbo.
She has a 2003 Saturn Ion quad coupe with the CVT tranny that is working itself out of functionality.
So GM ok'd a $5000 rebate on a new GM. So the dealer made it happen and now they're pulling the trickery out.
the latest one is, since she's getting the $5k, she doesn't qualify for ANY incentive or rebate. Well, I want to see that in writing.
They're pulling all the sales tactics on her and she's called me & I told her to keep them in the dark, sign NOTHING and just tell them they'll see her Friday. They aren't aware I'm going to go with her and make them suffer for the unprofessionalism they've shown towards her and the waste of everybody's time pushy sales tactics that aren't working.
I don't like negotiating with car dealers/sales because while I put up a good front, I usually find myself wondering what they have in store that I might miss, or they'll tweak a number and I won't catch it.
I plan on talking price and getting that locked in, my strategy is to start at 1 1/2% above dealer cost, then go up to 2% and then walk. 2% is fair IMHO. Especially when I know they're making a lot more off the car than they let you believe.
We'll start with price first, get it locked in with tax & licensing, then we'll talk how to pay for it. My Mom has a check ready to fill out. I know dealers hate cash. But I don't want them to have an upper hand, although I know they already will.
The Cruze will go about 5000 miles a year, on the high side, it will never be on the freeway (unless I drive it) and it'll never go over 45mph, (unless I drive it).
So once a year oil changes would be sufficient I assume!
She has a 2003 Saturn Ion quad coupe with the CVT tranny that is working itself out of functionality.
So GM ok'd a $5000 rebate on a new GM. So the dealer made it happen and now they're pulling the trickery out.
the latest one is, since she's getting the $5k, she doesn't qualify for ANY incentive or rebate. Well, I want to see that in writing.
They're pulling all the sales tactics on her and she's called me & I told her to keep them in the dark, sign NOTHING and just tell them they'll see her Friday. They aren't aware I'm going to go with her and make them suffer for the unprofessionalism they've shown towards her and the waste of everybody's time pushy sales tactics that aren't working.
I don't like negotiating with car dealers/sales because while I put up a good front, I usually find myself wondering what they have in store that I might miss, or they'll tweak a number and I won't catch it.
I plan on talking price and getting that locked in, my strategy is to start at 1 1/2% above dealer cost, then go up to 2% and then walk. 2% is fair IMHO. Especially when I know they're making a lot more off the car than they let you believe.
We'll start with price first, get it locked in with tax & licensing, then we'll talk how to pay for it. My Mom has a check ready to fill out. I know dealers hate cash. But I don't want them to have an upper hand, although I know they already will.
The Cruze will go about 5000 miles a year, on the high side, it will never be on the freeway (unless I drive it) and it'll never go over 45mph, (unless I drive it).
So once a year oil changes would be sufficient I assume!
Originally Posted By: whip
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
True in general, but you're oversimplifying things. Many employers are very adamant about their employees' use of competitor's product. My wife used to work for Pepsico. Unless you were in R&D, if you were seen drinking Coke at work, you'd be fired. So, yes, it's a free country, meaning, if you want to drive a Civic, you're free to quit your job at GM.
I don't understand why this is so complicated to some people? Besides, if one company pays my bills, why would I support the competition?
well he didn't say who he worked for so if he works for GM why is a focus on his mind and if he is a ford worker why would he consider a cruze. he is already not brand loyal so what's the difference between a civic and a focus or cruze? its not like one is more American than the other.
if he works hard for his money and wants a civic he should buy one. if the company doesn't like it build a car that's better. that's like saying since I work in retail I shouldn't shop anywhere but where I work. which is fine except I wouldn't be able to get all of what I needed. being loyal is fine screwing yourself in the process of being loyal is imo foolish.
If you work for a car company they give you big discounts to buy their product. so that makes sense. however if a chevy or ford is ok then any should be because they are bigger rivals than anyone else.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
True in general, but you're oversimplifying things. Many employers are very adamant about their employees' use of competitor's product. My wife used to work for Pepsico. Unless you were in R&D, if you were seen drinking Coke at work, you'd be fired. So, yes, it's a free country, meaning, if you want to drive a Civic, you're free to quit your job at GM.
I don't understand why this is so complicated to some people? Besides, if one company pays my bills, why would I support the competition?
well he didn't say who he worked for so if he works for GM why is a focus on his mind and if he is a ford worker why would he consider a cruze. he is already not brand loyal so what's the difference between a civic and a focus or cruze? its not like one is more American than the other.
if he works hard for his money and wants a civic he should buy one. if the company doesn't like it build a car that's better. that's like saying since I work in retail I shouldn't shop anywhere but where I work. which is fine except I wouldn't be able to get all of what I needed. being loyal is fine screwing yourself in the process of being loyal is imo foolish.
If you work for a car company they give you big discounts to buy their product. so that makes sense. however if a chevy or ford is ok then any should be because they are bigger rivals than anyone else.
Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
Dodge products are out. Not brand bashing, just don't like the cars. Diesel is out, just don't want it. Not knocking it, just don't see the return on investment.
It's between the Cruze and Focus. Ideally the MT. I want to hear from the guys that have owned/driven the Cruze since I'm leaning in that direction.
I drove one recently and found it cramped and all-around unimpressive...but I would still choose it over a DSG Focus.
Dodge products are out. Not brand bashing, just don't like the cars. Diesel is out, just don't want it. Not knocking it, just don't see the return on investment.
It's between the Cruze and Focus. Ideally the MT. I want to hear from the guys that have owned/driven the Cruze since I'm leaning in that direction.
I drove one recently and found it cramped and all-around unimpressive...but I would still choose it over a DSG Focus.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: ram_man
Personally if someone tried to single me out for driving a foreign car I would drive nothing but just to [censored] them off. We live in America you shouldn't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot drive
True in general, but you're oversimplifying things. Many employers are very adamant about their employees' use of competitor's product. My wife used to work for Pepsico. Unless you were in R&D, if you were seen drinking Coke at work, you'd be fired. So, yes, it's a free country, meaning, if you want to drive a Civic, you're free to quit your job at GM.
When I toured the Corvette plant, I saw several Hondas, a PT Cruiser, a Tundra, and what looked like an older Jetta in the employee lot.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
Personally if someone tried to single me out for driving a foreign car I would drive nothing but just to [censored] them off. We live in America you shouldn't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot drive
True in general, but you're oversimplifying things. Many employers are very adamant about their employees' use of competitor's product. My wife used to work for Pepsico. Unless you were in R&D, if you were seen drinking Coke at work, you'd be fired. So, yes, it's a free country, meaning, if you want to drive a Civic, you're free to quit your job at GM.
When I toured the Corvette plant, I saw several Hondas, a PT Cruiser, a Tundra, and what looked like an older Jetta in the employee lot.
If North Korea and Iran acted friendly towards the USA in 50 years and they made cars that were very competitive with US makes...would you buy them? Sorry but I would not. My Grandpa hated the Germans, even though he grew up in a German household here in the USA. He told me that Mercedes made German tools of war and they tried to kill him. When he was in Berlin after the war he was in a bar and overheard some German men cursing in German about how the occupation troops were treating German citizens. Little did they know my Grandpa was fluent in German, they found out after he kicked the [censored] out of one particularly mouthy one. He had to be dragged off of one of them while screaming at them, you started this &%$# and now you are complaining about me being here away from my family in a DMZ, weeks after Luftwaffe planes were strafing my boat? He apparently told them where he was staying that night and for them to come on over. Of course my Grandpa was armed and the Germans were not allowed to be. Grandpa also lost a cousin, best friend, and uncle in the pacific so you can imagine his love of the Japanese was not really there either. I still remember driving home my new 97 civic and he would not even come out of the house to look at it. It took me a few years, but now I understand why after all of those years he felt that way. He was darn proud that his parents moved to the greatest country in the world. He fought hard for the freedoms we take for granted. He would rather be run over by a Ford than sit in a BMW. I have adopted his feelings for a few reasons. #1 they tried to kill the man who was my best friend. #2 America builds as good of a car or truck as any other manufacturer. I know I know, but I really believe it. #3 America needs executive level jobs to stay here, not in foreign countries. You can tell me all about parts content or labor rates, but where do the profits go? Where is the R&D?
Anyways, I understand why people want to drive an American car. If you do not, then hopefully you understand a little more now.
Anyways, I understand why people want to drive an American car. If you do not, then hopefully you understand a little more now.
Originally Posted By: Oil Changer
Without getting in to details, buying foreign would not be a good career move. If you do not live in Michigan, you will not understand. I own a CR-V and think the car is awesome. The wife drives it.
I understand; I bought my Wrangler in order to short-circuit a possible line of attack from a political adversary. As it turned out I liked the TJ and decided to keep it even after it had served its electoral purpose.
As for the Cruze, I drove an Eco with the manual transaxle a couple of years ago and I thought that it was a relatively nice car. While I'd rather have a Mazda3 hatch the Cruze is far from being a penalty box.
Without getting in to details, buying foreign would not be a good career move. If you do not live in Michigan, you will not understand. I own a CR-V and think the car is awesome. The wife drives it.
I understand; I bought my Wrangler in order to short-circuit a possible line of attack from a political adversary. As it turned out I liked the TJ and decided to keep it even after it had served its electoral purpose.
As for the Cruze, I drove an Eco with the manual transaxle a couple of years ago and I thought that it was a relatively nice car. While I'd rather have a Mazda3 hatch the Cruze is far from being a penalty box.
Originally Posted By: Barkleymut
If North Korea and Iran acted friendly towards the USA in 50 years and they made cars that were very competitive with US makes...would you buy them? Sorry but I would not. My Grandpa hated the Germans, even though he grew up in a German household here in the USA. He told me that Mercedes made German tools of war and they tried to kill him. When he was in Berlin after the war he was in a bar and overheard some German men cursing in German about how the occupation troops were treating German citizens. Little did they know my Grandpa was fluent in German, they found out after he kicked the [censored] out of one particularly mouthy one. He had to be dragged off of one of them while screaming at them, you started this &%$# and now you are complaining about me being here away from my family in a DMZ, weeks after Luftwaffe planes were strafing my boat? He apparently told them where he was staying that night and for them to come on over. Of course my Grandpa was armed and the Germans were not allowed to be. Grandpa also lost a cousin, best friend, and uncle in the pacific so you can imagine his love of the Japanese was not really there either. I still remember driving home my new 97 civic and he would not even come out of the house to look at it. It took me a few years, but now I understand why after all of those years he felt that way. He was darn proud that his parents moved to the greatest country in the world. He fought hard for the freedoms we take for granted. He would rather be run over by a Ford than sit in a BMW. I have adopted his feelings for a few reasons. #1 they tried to kill the man who was my best friend. #2 America builds as good of a car or truck as any other manufacturer. I know I know, but I really believe it. #3 America needs executive level jobs to stay here, not in foreign countries. You can tell me all about parts content or labor rates, but where do the profits go? Where is the R&D?
Anyways, I understand why people want to drive an American car. If you do not, then hopefully you understand a little more now.
so if in 50yrs if N korea is allies with us and builds a darn good car would I buy it well maybe. just because their govt is nuts doesn't make all the people bad. same thing with germans Japanese and everyone. their govt is the issue not necessarily the people. if the govt changed and were on our side then yes I would look at their car. and to be completely honest I would rather support blue collar Honda workers than white collar American execs that sent American jobs overseas. I support who ultimately A. build a good product and B. benefits the American work force. if Honda and Toyota are allowing working Americans to put food on the table then I am all for it. it would be easier in my opinion to support American companies if they would actually compete and were actually American.
American cars are definitely making a come back and its about darn time.
If North Korea and Iran acted friendly towards the USA in 50 years and they made cars that were very competitive with US makes...would you buy them? Sorry but I would not. My Grandpa hated the Germans, even though he grew up in a German household here in the USA. He told me that Mercedes made German tools of war and they tried to kill him. When he was in Berlin after the war he was in a bar and overheard some German men cursing in German about how the occupation troops were treating German citizens. Little did they know my Grandpa was fluent in German, they found out after he kicked the [censored] out of one particularly mouthy one. He had to be dragged off of one of them while screaming at them, you started this &%$# and now you are complaining about me being here away from my family in a DMZ, weeks after Luftwaffe planes were strafing my boat? He apparently told them where he was staying that night and for them to come on over. Of course my Grandpa was armed and the Germans were not allowed to be. Grandpa also lost a cousin, best friend, and uncle in the pacific so you can imagine his love of the Japanese was not really there either. I still remember driving home my new 97 civic and he would not even come out of the house to look at it. It took me a few years, but now I understand why after all of those years he felt that way. He was darn proud that his parents moved to the greatest country in the world. He fought hard for the freedoms we take for granted. He would rather be run over by a Ford than sit in a BMW. I have adopted his feelings for a few reasons. #1 they tried to kill the man who was my best friend. #2 America builds as good of a car or truck as any other manufacturer. I know I know, but I really believe it. #3 America needs executive level jobs to stay here, not in foreign countries. You can tell me all about parts content or labor rates, but where do the profits go? Where is the R&D?
Anyways, I understand why people want to drive an American car. If you do not, then hopefully you understand a little more now.
so if in 50yrs if N korea is allies with us and builds a darn good car would I buy it well maybe. just because their govt is nuts doesn't make all the people bad. same thing with germans Japanese and everyone. their govt is the issue not necessarily the people. if the govt changed and were on our side then yes I would look at their car. and to be completely honest I would rather support blue collar Honda workers than white collar American execs that sent American jobs overseas. I support who ultimately A. build a good product and B. benefits the American work force. if Honda and Toyota are allowing working Americans to put food on the table then I am all for it. it would be easier in my opinion to support American companies if they would actually compete and were actually American.
American cars are definitely making a come back and its about darn time.
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