Letting go of my pickup truck for a shiny new Sonic

[uber Sonic]

So after months of reserching new cars, I finally settled on the Chevy Sonic.
Last Sunday, I ended up purchasing a Victory Red Chevy Sonic 2LT Sedan.

This Sonic will replace my aging 2001 Ford Ranger XLT. I loved that truck, but in this day and age, a 4.0L pickup truck is not the smartest choice in a commuter vehicle.
My work commute is aprox 34 miles round trip freeway (5x a week) plus I plan to go back to school to work on my masters that will add another 28 miles round trip. I was getting tired of spending $55 a week on gas.

My main worry was transitioning from a large engine to a tiny 1.8L. So far, I really can't tell the difference since the Sonic has great torque. Im still trying to figure out the transmission, it shifts way different than my truck.

So far, the main wins of the Sonic are:
Its aggressive styling; doesn't look all girly or bland like other sub-compacts
Its roomy! I'm 6' and I have more room than in my compact truck
MPGs, though its not "best in class," it sure does beat my old truck
it can be both my commuter car and cruisin car

 

[wingman]

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome aboard!

 

[Sonic]

Welcome. Enjoy your better MPG.

 

[keto06]

I see you went with an Auto. Did you not want a manual? Is that why you avoided the turbo?

Check out the Real World MPG thread...

 

[Synapse]

I had the same Ranger before my ram and I bought the exact same sonic spec you did. The acceleration smokes my old 2.3 ranger and the 06 magnum ram. I love everything about the sonic besides the armrest, but Aftermarket options are coming down the line.

 

[uber Sonic]

I see you went with an Auto. Did you not want a manual? Is that why you avoided the turbo?

I decided against the manual beacuse I have not driven one in about 10 years, my Ranger was automatic. I didn't want to end up messing up my transmission or the clutch early due to me shifting stupidly.

 

[AndrewGS]

Welcome and congrats!