Alright guys, I'm really grateful for all the advice and background knowledge. One thing I will say about the Sonic is the community is growing and dedicated. I put a similar post up on a few Honda forums and it pretty much disappeared.
So I guess I should have been a been a bit more specific about what I'm looking for but a good Bourbon train-wrecks my thought process more than I care to admit.
For the Sonic, I'm a fan of the Hatch 2LT. I like the 1.8 as much as the 1.4Turbo, but I've never been a huge fan of turbos. That might be due to me not being a car-lover/Freakazoid ($5 if you can sing the theme song). If I had the salary and a reasonable daily commute, I'd buy a Nissan Leaf as I love that little car and the possibilities it stands for.
As for now, I've started communications with several Chevy and Honda dealers seeking the best deal for each respective model.
As for the Sonic, a Crystal Red 2Lt w/Connectivity, Fogs and Wheels that I test drove came in at 17.7k plus tag/tax/title and a $99 dealer fee. So a thousand below MSRP, which is great, but they indicated before running my credit they would not be able to make a deal without a co-signer.
As for the Fit, I'm looking at the Stock Sport Automatic. My current job involves a lot of short hops across town and I eat my lunch on the road to avoid having to clock out. I know I can drive a stick, but I'd rather have the convenience of an auto with the occasional fun of manual shifting when I wanna screw around (same goes for the Sonic's manual mode). So far I've had one price sent back at 18.15k plus tag/title/tax and a ridiculous dealer fee of $699. Its a bit less than msrp, but that dealer fee is whack.
I love the Sonic because I see that it is built for my generation or people who think like my generation. They are the ones who go to a dealer knowing more about a car than the sales manager, due in part to intensive research. I love that it essentially secures American jobs, something that I respect as an under-employed person. I am a bit unsure of the future resale value as the Sonic has no track record to research but I feel somewhat confident Chevy is dedicated to this car more than the Cobalt. I'm just fearful of ever owing more than a car is worth. I know my dad owns a 02 Frontier that at one point early on he owed 13k on and it could only be sold outright for about 6.5k
However, as it come down to it, I think that the dealer & financier that is willing to take a risk on a part-time employed Master's student, who applies to about 5 Civil Engineer's positions a week, without the need for a co-signer, is the one that "wins" me over.
Family comes first to me and even though my mom has agreed to co-sign for me like she did for my sister and brother when they were in college, I fear that it could adversely affect her ability to buy a new car in a year or so when she seeks to buy a new car to replace her aging Camry. And I refuse to hurt or affect her in such a way after everything she has been through. If I really must, I'll drive my truck until it goes down in a blaze of fiery glory, Again (...sigh lol). Though that moment seems to be about 4 weeks away.
Honda has a College graduate program which i pre-qualify for in every way except its monthly income ( seeks $1600, currently average $1200 part time). I have no expenses outside of car insurance and gas costs so that might help me if I go talk to them in person. And its not that my credit is too terrible - I have a 770avg across the three bureaus with a current 1K CC balance of truck repairs/xmas presents that'll be auto-paid at the end of the month after about a three-month carry. For 23 yrs old with a <3yr old history, I'm slightly proud of my score. What'll kill me at the financial table is an acceptable student loan debt ( 25% below national avg) and an income below what I could be earning as a entry-lvl CE.
I love the Sonic. I love the Fit. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. In the end, I believe I'll be happy either way. I guess its encouraging to hear positive stories about Chevy after a life of more problems than I realized. Earlier today, mom reminded me of the - 89 Caprice - Failed AC and transmission. 87 Astro - Failed AC (twice) and transmission. 92 S-10 - Failed AC. 95 Blazer - Failed Transmission.
As for the one who suggested a good used car, you're suggestion is a lot like my brother. He suggested it but I'm more than a bit burnt by the used market. My Ranger was 4 yrs old when we bought it at 66k for $5k. About 2000 miles in, I knew the 2nd gear had a problem but it wasn't until 10k miles that I convinced my father to let me take it in (Title was in his name) and I paid to have it fixed. In that time frame, the hood paint began to peel. Turns out the seller ( a small time dealer) acid washed the car to give it a new car shine. But he didn't give it a bath in a proper solvent and the paint began to crack and peel in select spots. Then a few years ago the dash burst into flames from an electrical short inflamed by flammable dash polish. In putting it out, I temporarily lost half an eyebrow. fun fun.
I guess we'll see what happens.
And sorry for going a bit essay writer-spastic. I'm crazy shy in person but when I post online, typing away my thoughts seems almost therapeutic and organizational.