Switching from my VX to a Chevy Sonic?

[IndyFetch]

Car and Driver tested a Sonic recently, and I believe it was in the 2,800-lb range. That would make it heavier than 7 of the 9 vehicles I've owned. My Civic Si would be about 100 pounds heavier, and the other is a truck...

I think that the aerodynamics of the Cruze would give it superior MPG to the Sonic given the same powertrain. The Sonic is taller and blockier. Also, the Cruze Eco has shutters in the grille that close at speed for better aero.

I also note that a Civic (non-Si) gets much highway better mileage than a Fit, even though the Civic has a larger engine. The Civic has taller gearing and a slipperier shape. I assume the same for the Chevys.

[trollbait]

Did C and D actually put it on a scale? Besides, it seems they had pre-production models.

Aveo is 2568#, and I've read the Sonic is actually shorter overall. It does have an iron(designed for cooling and weight savings) engine, but can't account for all weight.

The drivetrain is pretty well sorted out, so I wouldn't be too hesitant to buy one if you are looking for a car that will average around 35-37mpg combined.

Mysterious suspension noises and water leaks are and were my problem, but the HHR was assembled in Mexico.

[hondaguy72]

New article to bump this thread.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/2...-drive-review/

2685 curb weight. They like it as a driver's car.

[VetteOwner]

Originally Posted by tradosaurus

With a 1.8L, 138 HP engine the only time I see this car going sonic is if its dropped out of a plane.

i dunno i got the chevette up to 88 mph and i swore i went back im time haha (least i assume it was 88.. gauge stops at 85 but needle was buried haha)

[IndyFetch]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Hmm...

Chevy Sonic: 28?30/37?40 mpg, ???? lbs, $14,###, ? interior volume unknown, 138hp
Hyundai Accent: 30/40mpg, 2400 lbs, $14,195, 89.7/13.7 ft^3 volume, 138hp
Toyota Yaris: 30/38mpg, 2300 lbs, $14,115, 84.4/15.3 ft^3, 106hp
Ford Fiesta: 29/38mpg, ???? lbs, $14,000, 85.1/12.8 ft^3, 120hp
Mazda2: 29/35mpg, 2306lbs, $15,635, 87.1/13.3 ft^3, 100hp
Honda Fit: 27/33mpg (or 28/35 auto), 2500 lbs, $15,175, 90.8/20.6 ft^3, 117hp
Kia Rio: 28/34mpg, 2,365 lbs, $12,300, 92.2/11.9 ft^3, 110hp
Nissan Versa Sedan: 27/36mpg, 2350 lbs, $11,000, 94.3/13.8 ft^3, 109hp
Nissan Versa Hatchback: 26/31mpg, 2700 lbs, $14,380, 94.3/13.8 ft^3, 122hp

Note: I skipped other manufacturers due to lack of participation in this market segment...unless I missed some models, which is possible. Chrysler and Dodge don't seem to have anything remotely similar. Mitsubishi and Subaru don't seem to have anything with a competitive price or fuel economy. Suzuki doesn't come close to these MPG numbers.

Whatever the weight, Sonic's FE is on par with the other cars in the segment. Depending on how accurate those provided estimates are, it may be near the top or may be middle of the pack. Horsepower shares the top spot with Hyundai. Sounds respectable enough to me.

That Nissan Versa sedan's price is surprising, and its interior space somehow equals that of the Versa hatchback.

To answer your question about the Versa: It doesn't even come with a radio. Instead of the 1.8L and a 6-speed manual, it comes with a 1.6L and a 5-speed. Car magazines have universally panned it, stating that it is big inside (it's the size of a 1986-1989 Accord), but the materials feel like absolute sheep dip.

[theholycow]

Interesting. That's pretty cool that you can get a basic transportation car that truly has no frills, I thought those were extinct. Don't want to pay for things like a stereo or nice interior materials, Versa Sedan is your car.

Tangent: On the interior materials issue, I've never quite understood why that seems to be the largest concern reviewers and forum users have. It seems that they're usually talking about the materials on the dash, not even the materials they actually touch while driving. I guess when all manufacturers have upped the ante on everything else, that's all that's left that might remain deficient.

[trollbait]

It's beyond me too. Except for the steering wheel, it's just plastic to me.

[VetteOwner]

lol i hate all plastic steeringwheels... ever get burger grease on one? your screwed haha. either the old rubber ones or the foam rubber stuff for me. leather aint too bad either

[GasSavers_JoeBob]

Having just spent a week with a Chevy Aveo, the rental I drove after the Geo lunched a valve, I have to say I was actually impressed with the Aveo. Decent handling, decent MPG, and more power than an '80s V8. A hill on my daily commute that held my Lincolns and Cadillac to a little under 55, and the Geo to 45 with a tailwind, was easy for the Aveo to take at 60, and I had more power available.

Now, I see from the articles I have read, and other comments on this website and others, that the Aveo is considered pretty hopeless. The articles on the Sonic claim it is a whole lot better than the Aveo. If so, then it sounds like a wonderful car. It might be fun to rent one sometime...

[VX_Arky]

Originally Posted by trollbait

I would avoid the first year.

No advice ever dispensed has been better than this.

Wait. Read the reviews. Then make your decision.