Chev Cruz...42MPG Highway?

[GasSavers_GasUser]

An article I stumbled on. Seems like they added more aerodynamics/panels. Interesting but I havn't seen one yet.


http://content.usatoday.com/communit...game-changer/1

Looking for more info on it out of curiousity.

[civic94]

I hope its as reliable as civics or corollas. There will be a new crowd of people buying these because of the highway mpg, but some people will still buy a 36 mpg rated civic or corolla, because of reliability, resale value.

the best highway mpg non hybrid car that is halfway decent with sitting 4 passengers is the civic vx, at 50 mpg rated highway (I thought of the crx hf, with more than 50 mpg highway, but it seats 2, no airbags)

for the cruze, its bigger (compact vs the vx subcompact), more stable, more comfortable (3000 lbs vs 2100) more safety features, seats 5 vs 4 for the vx, has 2 more doors and a trunk, more power (130 is hp vs 90) and more standard features.

I think all of the pros listed above is worth the -8mpg that the cruze have. If its as reliable as hondas, it will be a hit.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Interesting, and its not a bad looking car either.

[IndyFetch]

The VX seats 5... just not as well. I had 5 people in mine on numerous occasions.

Since the Cruze is new, it would probably be better to compare it to another new (or more recent) car than the VX, though. The newer Corolla, Civic, Focus, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit, and Prius come to mind. The Fit, Mazda 2, Fiesta, and others may be a wee bit smaller, but would be cross-shopped by almost as many folks as the cars in the Cruze's own class.

[civic94]

this means the new civic has to be bigger than the last, and more efficient. on the rumors websites, they state that the civic has scaled down to make it smaller, to save gas. the cruze is bigger than the current civic as of right now.

I think in a few years 50 mpg highway would be common for non hybrids if this mpg war keeps on going on like this

[GasSavers_GasUser]

Originally Posted by civic94

this means the new civic has to be bigger than the last, and more efficient. on the rumors websites, they state that the civic has scaled down to make it smaller, to save gas. the cruze is bigger than the current civic as of right now.

I think in a few years 50 mpg highway would be common for non hybrids if this mpg war keeps on going on like this

Yes, I think you are right.

[theholycow]

I don't think there's enough motivation to fuel a sustained MPG war. I don't think demand will support it. The people who can afford brand new cars in such an awful economy are still buying SUVs and crossovers.

Originally Posted by civic94

I hope its as reliable as civics or corollas. There will be a new crowd of people buying these because of the highway mpg, but some people will still buy a 36 mpg rated civic or corolla, because of reliability, resale value.

There was a time when design and build quality were a major advantage for Honda and Toyota. However, these days it's about the owners...more people who buy a Honda or Toyota based on that reputation exercise the preventative maintenance and care that is necessary for reliability, while more who don't care about reliability buy non-Japanese brands and don't treat their car the same. Then, as the vehicle gets old lower market value means junking instead of fixing, which results in more high-mileage Civics on the road.

None of that really matters, though...perception is what matters, and if a much better warranty can't help then I think nothing can.

[dieselbenz]

40mpg highway across the entire lineup and it makes the Cruze look 10 years old.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/12/e...pg-on-highway/

[bowtieguy]

Originally Posted by theholycow

None of that really matters, though...perception is what matters, and if a much better warranty can't help then I think nothing can.

those higher mileage warranties actually hurt them as it brings down the pay of the auto techs. i've often said that there are 2 types of outstanding employees...those you take care of, and those that find a better job!

[theholycow]

How does a longer warranty bring down the pay of auto techs, and how does that affect perception of reliability?