Sonic sales taking a dive

[Natesriv]

Agreed, the fit is not as nice inside...but they sell lots of them each year!

 

[JTee2017]

I bought and sold more cars than I like to think about over the years from many brands, including, Dodge, Toytota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and more in both cars and trucks.

Whenever one was a "first year" or two vehicle there usually were some things that needed to be improved. Some minor and some more concerning. There are always part revisions as years in production go on for one reason or another.

When considering the number of parts that come from numerous vendors, the fitment and function of parts is amazing that it comes out as good as it does.

Yes, you would think that this would all be discovered because most car companies do many "pilot builds" of a new model to verify these things. Often things are found and they address the most important things first like safety related items. Others, they need significant time to work with a part vendor to redesign or tweak a part to get it acceptable.

Build a house sometime and see how that goes. No matter the price, there will always be something that is not quite right or could be better. Usually, unless it is some multi million $ mansion, the builder will simply state that it meets such-and-such building standards. I know one instance where a brick on a fireplace was somewhat askew and a front door was somewhat skewed (by a few 10ths of an inch) and the builder apologized, but would do nothing to correct a minor, yet annoying, cosmetic issue.

Yes, some things on cars and their engines are more significant, and just like a leaky or malfunctioning gas furnace in a home, those things would need attention now or eventually.

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

Owning a first year is like having a mechanical wife. Give her what she needs when it's asked of and she stays happy. Because you kept her happy, she'll let you continue to pound her all night until she needs another round of maintenance. You fix all the problem area's and behold a happy relationship. Don't give the car it's required love when it's asking, She'll leave you stranded like how a wife kicks the man to the couch for the night. The later models don't require as much attention, but still like being married to a mechanical wife.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Having bit parts made in Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, or China, does not make an entire assembly like an engine from one of those countries.
If that were the case, then Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and even Lexus should also be called Korean or some other parts maker from another country. All car companies get their parts from many different country part sources these days.

Perhaps yours, being a 2012, was one with an engine made in Bupyeoung, Korea, since that is one of 4 plants where the engine could have been made. So back then, it could have one or more parts made by Daewoo.

My Sonic engine was made in Hungary. The current 1.8L Sonic engine is an Opel design. The previous was Daewoo. These are the historical facts not assumptions or opinions.

But, whatever. . .you obviously have an axe to grind so you can believe what you want. The facts prove otherwise.

Have a nice night. . . .

I'm pretty sure the window sticker for my year Sonic only listed 47% US content, and that would be the Hydramatic 6T30 (if I remember the model # right) transmission. The engine was clearly listed as being made in Korea.

I don't know, just about everything powertrain (excepting the transmission) has had Korean made parts, and considering that GM Korea was the lead on the Sonic design, I'd say it's mostly Korean by origin......

Call it Daewoo, call it Opel, call it what you want, but the 1.8L engine in this Sonic has been far from stellar. The transmission except for some reprograms of the TCM hasn't caused any problems in 58,500 miles, but the engine and the rest of the Korean made parts have been the problem.

For instance, if you pull up the GM# for the drive belt for this car, you also get the Daewoo part # for it. I believe the same for the coolant recovery reservoir too. Either way, Daewoo had their hands in it in some way, some fashion, and it hasn't been good.

I have less of an "axe to grind" in the sense that higher quality parts would have probably resulted in a better quality car. The small car market is very crowded and GM doesn't seem to do them well at all, as I have said on multiple occasions. Some like their Sonic, and for that, I'm happy for you. For me, the car has been lackluster at best.

If I didn't have the CAC coverage letter making these GM's problems and not mine, the car would have been gone long ago. If I didn't have another car as a backup, I'd be in big trouble.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Owning a first year is like having a mechanical wife. Give her what she needs when it's asked of and she stays happy. Because you kept her happy, she'll let you continue to pound her all night until she needs another round of maintenance. You fix all the problem area's and behold a happy relationship. Don't give the car it's required love when it's asking, She'll leave you stranded like how a wife kicks the man to the couch for the night. The later models don't require as much attention, but still like being married to a mechanical wife.

That's a funny way of putting it . The car has received maintenance at or better than the manufacturer's stipulations. For instance, the engine oil was changed with Delco filters and full synthetic Dexos 1 oil at 5,000 miles or less and the OLM never hit below 35% at any time.

I don't feel this has been a good quality car, first year or not. Your experiences differ, that's fine. I expected more from this car. Technology is supposed to improve reliability not go backward with making it need repairs (even if they are covered) that shouldn't have to happen.

 

[Ponchoguy]

I don't think so either but I still would never buy a first year car from any manufacturer.

I'm not saying you're not right, but if you don't sell enough in the first year and show people it's something worth buying, how will there be a second, third, fourth, fifth or even 10th year? Yes, I don't think GM would have pulled the plug after a year or two, but some models are better than others and carry on.

 

[skurtov]

That black on black looks pretty good. But the two tone with the gray has been no bueno.

 

[Papasonic]

I'm not saying you're not right, but if you don't sell enough in the first year and show people it's something worth buying, how will there be a second, third, fourth, fifth or even 10th year? Yes, I don't think GM would have pulled the plug after a year or two, but some models are better than others and carry on.

We gambled, and bought two 2012's. Both Inferno Orange LTZ's: One a 1.4 manual hatch, one a 1.8 auto sedan. Fortunately we had very few issues with either. The sedan was traded for a new Malibu in August; nothing wrong with it, wife just wanted something new. I still have my hatch, drive it daily, and still very pleased with it.

I believe the goal with the Sonic was to finally produce a better quality small car. Just because it is smaller doesn't necessarily mean it should be less reliable or of inferior quality. I believe they did improve upon the previous version, the Aveo.

 

[Ponchoguy]

We gambled, and bought two 2012's. Both Inferno Orange LTZ's: One a 1.4 manual hatch, one a 1.8 auto sedan. Fortunately we had very few issues with either. The sedan was traded for a new Malibu in August; nothing wrong with it, wife just wanted something new. I still have my hatch, drive it daily, and still very pleased with it.

I believe the goal with the Sonic was to finally produce a better quality small car. Just because it is smaller doesn't necessarily mean it should be less reliable or of inferior quality. I believe they did improve upon the previous version, the Aveo.

We gambled too and didn't get such a reliable car. Luck of the draw unfortunately.....

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

Rather take a gamble on a new, but questionably reliable vehicle than taking my chances trying to find a used sports car that was more than likely beat on, neglected and abused. Did that once with the mustang, never again. I'll take my near bullet proofed sonic any day, because I'm the first and it's last owner it'll ever have.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Rather take a gamble on a new, but questionably reliable vehicle than taking my chances trying to find a used sports car that was more than likely beat on, neglected and abused. Did that once with the mustang, never again. I'll take my near bullet proofed sonic any day, because I'm the first and it's last owner it'll ever have.

We bought one sports car new ('80 Trans Am, still have it), and then one used ('79 Trans Am, still have it too). My mom drove the Pace Car demo with the parking brake on at the time, smoking up the block. We didn't take that one. LOL.

But in the modern era, we shouldn't have to "gamble" with our money as to whether we are going to get a reliable car or not. The stakes have raised and just because it's a $17,000 or $20,000 car, it shouldn't be laden with troubles as if we bought a 1982 used car in 2018.

 

[JTee2017]

And, overall, the Sonic has proven to be a good car.

Daughter has a 2014 with 74,000 miles and other than a new set of tires, maintenance, and one recall under warranty she is happy as are most other owners. Only 2,000 miles on our 2017 HB so time will tell. I bought the Sonic because it is relatively simple to maintain, fun to drive, lot's of room, and better than most in it's class.

You want real problems and slug like performance? Buy a sub compact with a CVT. The newer Honda HR-V comes to mind. They took the Fit chassis, made it worse, and other than the "Magic Seat, the car is a dog and no fun to drive. .. plus issues. The Honda Fit CVT issues are ongoing plus wonky interior electronics.

https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+fit+transmission+problems+site:www.fitfreak.net&client=firefox-b-1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjUiJ3kn5nYAhVqiFQKHeTfAAMQrQIIRSgEMAM&biw=1152&bih=628

A Forum, by it's nature, attracts more of a minority who may have issues, whereas the satisfied ones with little or no problem are the silent majority.

Any brand of car can have the occasional problem child. Very disappointing when it is you, but certainly not valid to carry on over and over repeatedly that it shouldn't have any problems. Of course not.

I think that has been established. As well as those with ongoing reliable experiences.

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

The way I see it in todays society. Anytime you purchase a vehicle new or used, It's a gamble. the MFG just wants to make money so they can continue to pump out more. They cut corners where they can or have flawed engineered parts because of rushed timelines. It's just like in the video game industry. Flawed programming with dumb bugs that break the game because of rushed timelines or there were corners cut to try and save time in development.

In the case of used. Most people don't even take care of the vehicles they own/owned. So while it may seem like it was well maintained according to service records. It's usually not maintained like how it should've been. I've had to deal with this a few times before. Doesn't matter if CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) or not.

 

[MartyH]

I have had more than my share of problems. I am not a lead foot driver. The fuel economy readout has never been reset since new 116,700 miles ago and reads 36.6mpg. Really disappointed in the poor durability of this little car. Since trade in is only $3000 according to KBB, I'll keep it to the planned 200,000 miles or until it scatters to the cost of about $3000 and then donate the carcass to auction and will be buying a Honda after this. I already have one picked out and built on paper.

So far I've had to have the dealer replace:

front sway arm bushings
Transmission
thermostat outlet
cam adjusters
Valve Cover
Water Pump (in 3 times before4 they believed I had a leak)
Oil Pan
Something with the intake manifold that required the turbo to come off for the repair.

I am currently enjoying an engine tick that started a few weeks ago the dealer claims their best Tech of 35 years says is normal!

Just replaced $30 in parts myself in response to OBD2 code P0496.

I know I've missed some dealer work. It's been ridiculous. My now ex wife has our 2007 Honda CR-V that we bought used with 52,000 miles. It now has 212,000. it runs like new and never needs anything but gas, oil, 2 sets of tires, 1 set of brakes and 30,000 mile auto transmission fluid changes.

I don't think a first year buyer should be stuck with a bad year bill of goods because the manufacturer can't get things right. I just got my car back from the dealer and I'm looking at three pages of parts with the car having 58,500 miles:

Oil cooler
Oil pan gasket (which I think is sealer, not a gasket).
Various seals
Valve cover gasket (again....was replaced at 35,000 miles when the head gasket was done)
Right front power window service again (four times at least)
Outlet hose to the throttle body. I'll give this one a pass as the last technician that replaced the air intake duct had the clamp wedged against the hose causing rub through.
Serpentine belt (which from what I remember GM doesn't recommend changing until 100k.)

Not only that, but I had to add coolant because after they did the work, the level dropped again, so I had to top it off. Plus the prop rod was laying in the engine compartment and not in the holder. Yes, that's the technician not the car, but when I work on my cars, I make sure things go back like they are supposed to and it should almost look like you were never in there.

Either way, I think the repairs (even if they are under warranty) for this car have been excessive. Every day you don't have use of the vehicle it's just as good as being a paperweight, does you no service.

Thank goodness I have a back up vehicle to get around. If the Sonic was my only vehicle, I would have to have a NYC Metrocard to make sure I could get to work.....

I don't really see that they did this car right at all. I think the use of the Daewoo 1.8L engine was a very bad choice. I liked when GM was partnered with Toyota better. I think better quality cars came out of NUMMI.

 

[JTee2017]

Well, anytime a car has significant problems is a disappointment and can sour a person. All it takes is for your particular car to have issues and it can result it all kinds of blanket opinions.

BTW -- - it seems Honda CR-v isn't immune. Here are a couple examples and there are many from - - -

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/honda_crv.html?page=3

vladimere of Irondale, AL Verified Reviewer
Original review: Aug. 9, 2015

Today my wife was on her way back home. And the CRV just cut off in the middle of the highway. We had called Honda about the truck cutting off. And then I learned about the recall. After speaking with Honda they instructed us to bring it in. I was going to take the truck tomorrow. BUT it caught on fire after my wife pulled off the highway. If you have a CRV DO NOT under any circumstances drive these vehicles. You and your family are in great danger. By the grace of God a lady saw the smoke before the car blew up... I've contacted every news station and I'm calling my lawyer to start a class action law suit...
*************

Susan of Forest Hill, MD Verified Reviewer
Original review: Aug. 9, 2015

I purchased my 2015 CR-V in last October. I noticed the vibration within days, then the shudders on acceleration, and lack of acceleration on a highway merge (seems to occur after a turn or corner after slight deceleration). I have been through the dealer, American Honda, and the dealer's corporate service personnel; all of whom deny the shudders and acceleration problems exist, and give me the same line about Honda looking into the vibrations, trying to get me to accept that it is only an annoyance. Today presented a new problem. At 14,000 miles, the serpentine belt completely broke while I was 3 hours away from home. Of course the belt is under warranty, but after 25 years as a loyal Honda owner, I am done, and I am trading the car in next week for anything but a Honda. The whole situation is deplorable. Shame on Honda.

 

[gnonne]

Total cost

The total cost of the Sonic is low. Parts are cheap, its easier to fix than many other cars, and insurance is not bad. This is a big deal in Michigan, where we have the highest auto insurance rates in the US.

Other cars (maybe some hondas) are nicer in some ways, but they cost more. I drove a Fit, Civic before buying my second Sonic, they do NOT drive as nicely as the Sonic - and its not even close.

Next, I drove some Priuses (my sister had 3 of these.) Costs $10k+ more than a Sonic and does not drive as well... so I bought a third Sonic with the turbo for a bit better mpg.

Somewhere in there I also drove some Kia's and Hyundai's as a test. Not worth a second look - road noise and handling were vastly sub-par.

I don't know why certain posters have had so much trouble, but the three Sonics I have yielded no major issues in about 120k combined miles.

As for the first-year stuff, two of the three Sonics I own are 2012's. The reason I bought the first one was good reviews by trusted online sites AND it was NOT really a brand-new model. They had been selling this car on other continents for a few years - just like Honda and Toyota ALWAYS do. We had no real problems with the car in 3 years, then I found a deal on another 2012 that came out of an estate with only 2k miles on it, so I bought it. When recalls or minor issues have come up, the local GM dealer has been excellent.

Frankly, with my level of income (and age) most people would say that I should be driving more expensive cars... But I'm giving 20-25% of my income to charity and watching the other guys in the parking lot at work throw their money away on expensive cars... I guess it all comes down to priorities.

 

[Sailurman]

....cuz new sonic butt ugly

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

 

[JTee2017]

Your opinion .. . we know. You already posted that earlier in this same thread. Post #44.

- - and what are you? Like. . 14 or something with the bananas?

 

[gnonne]

Bananas

Don't be too hard on him - maybe his Sonic is custom-painted bright yellow.

 

[Sailurman]

Don't be too hard on him - maybe his Sonic is custom-painted bright yellow.

Not according to my signature.... you know, what you didn't put in your profile.:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: