Swordsmith
242hp/252 ft-lbs BNR EFI
I'm assuming left testicle and left kidney. He's clearly keeping his left brain.
Why did you buy a Sonic?
- Thread starter barch88
- Start date
photoman475
New member
While the bunge jump in the 2012 Super Bowl commercial was an attention getter, that's not why we bought a Sonic.
Our daughter was planning on going to college 800 miles from home. Oops, the 2000 Fix or Repair Daily was not going to survive the first trip, much less any more after that.
Since the car was going to be for the spouse when not going to and from Missouri, it was her decision on what to get.
We compared the Fix or Repair Daily Focus to the Sonic. The legroom was much better in the Sonic, both front and rear. The killer for me was the battery placement in the Focus. DUMB!!! I have no idea how you'd replace a battery in that car.
The killer for the spouse was the lack of space between people sitting in the front seat. We're not big people, but our arms still virtually touched in the Focus. And while the sales guy at the Fargo Ford dealership was inexperienced, neither he nor his bosses could tell us how a Focus that they said did not exist was sitting on their lot (too long to tell for this post).
The Fargo Chevy dealer wasn't really interested in selling us a Sonic, but man did they want to sell us a Cruz. No go on that. Not to mention the fact that they had one Sonic on the lot, and it had been sold. The sales guy said they'd get another one in "next week", but we never heard from the guy again.
So the wife hits the internet the next Monday, finds four or five Sonics in Detroit Lakes, Minn., about 50 miles east, we go out and they have one on the lot that was close enough to what we wanted. Deal made, car picked up on Friday.
One of my coworkers saw me driving the car about 10 days after getting it and she said she'd never seen me so happy before. And that is why I try and drive it every chance I get!
Our daughter was planning on going to college 800 miles from home. Oops, the 2000 Fix or Repair Daily was not going to survive the first trip, much less any more after that.
Since the car was going to be for the spouse when not going to and from Missouri, it was her decision on what to get.
We compared the Fix or Repair Daily Focus to the Sonic. The legroom was much better in the Sonic, both front and rear. The killer for me was the battery placement in the Focus. DUMB!!! I have no idea how you'd replace a battery in that car.
The killer for the spouse was the lack of space between people sitting in the front seat. We're not big people, but our arms still virtually touched in the Focus. And while the sales guy at the Fargo Ford dealership was inexperienced, neither he nor his bosses could tell us how a Focus that they said did not exist was sitting on their lot (too long to tell for this post).
The Fargo Chevy dealer wasn't really interested in selling us a Sonic, but man did they want to sell us a Cruz. No go on that. Not to mention the fact that they had one Sonic on the lot, and it had been sold. The sales guy said they'd get another one in "next week", but we never heard from the guy again.
So the wife hits the internet the next Monday, finds four or five Sonics in Detroit Lakes, Minn., about 50 miles east, we go out and they have one on the lot that was close enough to what we wanted. Deal made, car picked up on Friday.
One of my coworkers saw me driving the car about 10 days after getting it and she said she'd never seen me so happy before. And that is why I try and drive it every chance I get!
Swordsmith
242hp/252 ft-lbs BNR EFI
And the Cruze they tried to steer to instead IS the same class as the Focus.
But I agree, to hades with all of them, the Sonic is the clear choice among the four.
But I agree, to hades with all of them, the Sonic is the clear choice among the four.
Dirt55
Senior Member
Long story that started with trying to buy my wife a convertible Beetle. That back fired (Stupid Carmax) and I already sold my car, so I needed a new one fast. I remember seeing a Sonic a year ago so I looked into it.
Went to the dealer and test drove a RS and was hooked. I really wanted a car that made it fun to drive again and the Sonic did just that. Plus always wanted to try out a Turbo'd car.
Well needless to say, we now have 2 Sonics in our garage!
And to quote SX Sonic--this is a Race Car! It has brought me passion back to driving, seriously. I will just go out for a drive now cause it is a fun car to drive.
Went to the dealer and test drove a RS and was hooked. I really wanted a car that made it fun to drive again and the Sonic did just that. Plus always wanted to try out a Turbo'd car.
Well needless to say, we now have 2 Sonics in our garage!
And to quote SX Sonic--this is a Race Car! It has brought me passion back to driving, seriously. I will just go out for a drive now cause it is a fun car to drive.
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T-BONE
New member
Well this is the first car I have purchased that was not meant for me. My Oldest child was driving our 18 year old saturn. It had 195K on the ODO parts were a-falining, and a long-distance school relocation meant I was not within an hours drive to fix it.
My objective was a reasonably priced safe Hatch that would fit a 19 year olds needs
-room in back for a wedding cake
-good milage
-safe, reliable
I got a super sweet deal on a 2012 LT 1.4L T 6sp manual loaded to the hilt with only 5.2 K on the ODO for a steal.
Car is great it is loved by the person who counts and that is my story. Might get a second one when my youngest hits college and needs a reliable ride.
My objective was a reasonably priced safe Hatch that would fit a 19 year olds needs
-room in back for a wedding cake
-good milage
-safe, reliable
I got a super sweet deal on a 2012 LT 1.4L T 6sp manual loaded to the hilt with only 5.2 K on the ODO for a steal.
Car is great it is loved by the person who counts and that is my story. Might get a second one when my youngest hits college and needs a reliable ride.
photoman475
New member
We did look at the Fiesta. As far as we were concerned, it had the same problems as the Focus, so thus endeth consideration of any Fords!
thatchickk
Member
I had a 2009 Chevy Cobalt LT, and got into a really bad accident and had to total her. I had my eye on the sonic before hand to purchase after my cobalt was paid off.. And needless to say, got my sonic. And I don't regret it in the least!
I was out test-driving a Hyundai Veloster and was disappointed. A Chevy dealer just happened to be next door, so I figured I'd see what they had. All I knew about the Sonic was seeing ads online, and I just thought it was another Aveo. That, and I had no respect for post-bailout GM. The Veloster was just that bad, that I gave the Chevy dealer a shot.
They didn't have any turbocharged Sonics at this dealer, so the only stick I could drive was a 1.8L 5-speed. I was very impressed with the build quality and the feel of driving the car. First impression was that it felt solid like a brand-new 2003 VW 10 years ago. Didn't feel cheap at all. The interior was also very surprising in its quality, especially with me having plenty of experience owning 80's and 90's GMs. What really sold me though was how it drove: no understeer or torquesteer (I hated FWD cars before this), nice sharp turn-in and lift-off oversteer, good braking feel and response, and an easy (yet responsive) shifter and clutch. It felt like a very good car, and a lot more than I expected from a FWD economy sedan.
Even so, that didn't really convince me to buy it. What did was finding out it had a higher-powered turbocharged model that got better fuel economy than the base model, and was only offered with a 6-speed manual. I hated GM for years for producing high-end sedans/etc and only offering them with automatics. I swear I would've bought a Grand Prix GTP new years ago if they offered them with a 5 or 6-speed. Anyways, it surprised me enough and convinced me they had a smart enough design for once to get me to buy it.
They didn't have any turbocharged Sonics at this dealer, so the only stick I could drive was a 1.8L 5-speed. I was very impressed with the build quality and the feel of driving the car. First impression was that it felt solid like a brand-new 2003 VW 10 years ago. Didn't feel cheap at all. The interior was also very surprising in its quality, especially with me having plenty of experience owning 80's and 90's GMs. What really sold me though was how it drove: no understeer or torquesteer (I hated FWD cars before this), nice sharp turn-in and lift-off oversteer, good braking feel and response, and an easy (yet responsive) shifter and clutch. It felt like a very good car, and a lot more than I expected from a FWD economy sedan.
Even so, that didn't really convince me to buy it. What did was finding out it had a higher-powered turbocharged model that got better fuel economy than the base model, and was only offered with a 6-speed manual. I hated GM for years for producing high-end sedans/etc and only offering them with automatics. I swear I would've bought a Grand Prix GTP new years ago if they offered them with a 5 or 6-speed. Anyways, it surprised me enough and convinced me they had a smart enough design for once to get me to buy it.
attrapereves
New member
I bought mine because it looks cool, gets good fuel economy, and I wanted a hatchback. I didn't care for the Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, or the Ford Fiesta. I considered the Kia for a while, but I liked all of the features in the Sonic for the price (remote start, MyLink, etc.)
It's a lot of car for the money.
It's a lot of car for the money.
ungawd
New member
The power steering had just gone out on my Taurus for the 2nd time after having the rack and all replaced less than two months earlier. That car was dead to me and I needed something fast.
I browsed my local dealership intending to buy any used Cruze I found. In short order I found just what I was looking for; a White 2011 Cruze LT with 40k miles for just over $8k. As I walked to the showroom my eye caught a beautiful blue Sonic LTZ. A salesman spied me checking it out and I told him my main interest was the Cruze I'd found. We took a look at the Cruze and I was already sold on it, but that Sonic was still stuck in my head.
As we made our way back to the building I had to pass it again. The saleman noticed me still checking it out and asked if I wanted to take it for a test drive while he got everything ready for the Cruze. I told him yes and after I got the seat and mirrors adjusted I told him to hold off on the Cruze. He said to drive up to Athens, OH and back and let him know if I was still interested. Well, it didn't take more than 10 minutes driving and I fell in love with everything the car had to offer.
I browsed my local dealership intending to buy any used Cruze I found. In short order I found just what I was looking for; a White 2011 Cruze LT with 40k miles for just over $8k. As I walked to the showroom my eye caught a beautiful blue Sonic LTZ. A salesman spied me checking it out and I told him my main interest was the Cruze I'd found. We took a look at the Cruze and I was already sold on it, but that Sonic was still stuck in my head.
As we made our way back to the building I had to pass it again. The saleman noticed me still checking it out and asked if I wanted to take it for a test drive while he got everything ready for the Cruze. I told him yes and after I got the seat and mirrors adjusted I told him to hold off on the Cruze. He said to drive up to Athens, OH and back and let him know if I was still interested. Well, it didn't take more than 10 minutes driving and I fell in love with everything the car had to offer.
Chevrolet Customer Care
New member
It's nice to read about why you all purchased your Sonic's and that you are loving them and satisfied with them. I like this thread. 
Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care
Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care
Compare to Mazda 3
I was originally going to buy a Mazda 3, but when I shopped around, I found that I liked the feel of the Sonic and it was cheaper by a few thousand dollars. I'm hoping it'll be cheaper to maintain too, because it's a domestic.
I was originally going to buy a Mazda 3, but when I shopped around, I found that I liked the feel of the Sonic and it was cheaper by a few thousand dollars. I'm hoping it'll be cheaper to maintain too, because it's a domestic.
Compare to Taurus
I used to drive a Ford Taurus too, and although I loved it, it was 13 years old, had rust, and after $1,000 in repairs it needed more work. So I bought a Sonic and , no disrespect to my Taurus, 'cause I loved it, I really like the Sonic! It's much smaller, which makes it easier to park, and yet my 6' tall son gets the legroom he needs (sits in the front with the seat pushed back and my other child can sit in the back seat behind me because I don't need to push the seat back so far).
The biggest difference to the Taurus is the gas mileage. Not comparing apples to apples, but I use exactly half as much gas now!
Can I expect my Sonic to give me 13 good years? (OK, I'd be happy with 10)
I used to drive a Ford Taurus too, and although I loved it, it was 13 years old, had rust, and after $1,000 in repairs it needed more work. So I bought a Sonic and , no disrespect to my Taurus, 'cause I loved it, I really like the Sonic! It's much smaller, which makes it easier to park, and yet my 6' tall son gets the legroom he needs (sits in the front with the seat pushed back and my other child can sit in the back seat behind me because I don't need to push the seat back so far).
The biggest difference to the Taurus is the gas mileage. Not comparing apples to apples, but I use exactly half as much gas now!
Can I expect my Sonic to give me 13 good years? (OK, I'd be happy with 10)
I have tons of GM points and I was looking for a second car since moving across the country. Orginally I was shoping for a curze. I like the 1.4 turbo with the 6 speed manual. My wife wanted to check out a sonic because it was a little smaller and cheaper. The 2014s where on the lot and they where really trying to get ride of the 2013. I was able to get a nice LT with the 1.4 turbo M6 that I wanted for a very low price.
My 2000 BMW 323 died on me. Again. An hour from home. Trying to leave town for a weekend away with my wife. $1000 fuel pump. $300 tow.
My wife, who had been making a (clearly valid) case to get rid of that car for over two years, said nothing. Not a peep. Total silence on the subject.
So, obviously, I knew it was time for a change.
I only own German cars. And I always buy used. Both of these traits are non-negotiable for me. I like how those cars feel and sound and smell. So I started thinking about what used Audi or VW or Mercedes I would be buying next.
But a funny thing happened. Trying to complete our short weekend away, I wound up renting the cheapest car I could find the next morning. It was a Sonic LT 1.8 automatic sedan. I hopped in, put on my very best holier than thou sneer, declared the car to be a cheap POS, and drove it for the next two hours...
...and the impossible became possible. I liked it. It wasn't a POS at all. In fact, I kind of couldn't stop thinking about it even as I was supposed to be admiring the scenery. Now, don't get me wrong. It was no BMW. But it really liked going around curves. The steering was tight, and the handling quite nimble. And the mileage was pretty good. Finally, even though I am a hatchback person (my bimmer is a wagon) I really liked the way the car looked. Especially the nose. Reminded me of the little Volvo s40 mixed with some mid 80's BMW.
Well, it all kind of fell apart for me from then on. I looked for a reasonable used car but my heart wasn't into it. I spent a lot of time reading up on the Sonic even though I had no intention of buying one. I lurked here for a bit and then starting asking questions.
Then one weekend I test drove a bunch of cars. One by one they fell to the Sonic. The Fit was too buzzy and loud, the Fiesta too cramped. The Focus (slightly used at 3K miles) had a really clunky front suspension and was already rattling and flexing over railroad tracks. The Golf... well I liked the Golf the best but it couldn't compete price wise with the Sonic.
Finally, I am originally from Detroit and my folks still live there so the idea that it is built in MI with union labor was another big plus. Now I will buy the car that appeals to me the most, but if I can find one built domestically, then double win for me.
So I bought a 2013 Inferno Orange LTZ 1.4T 6MT 5 door with 23 miles on it for an unbelievably low price (special shout out to Maita Chevrolet who were simply amazing and easy to work with). I put about 200 miles on it and then my brother in law came out to visit and has it for the week (I never drive during the week anyway and now he is breaking it in for me - and he is a super considerate gear head so I know he will do it right).
My BMW will leave this car in the dust in a straight line and around corners. My BMW is more comfortable. My BMW has a lot higher quality materials in it. But I can't wait to sell it because the Sonic is more fun to drive, easier to park, better looking, safer, gets better gas mileage, WAY more exotic here in San Francisco (people have stopped and asked me what I am driving), doesn't make me feel like I am a total douche because of the car I drive, and won't keep "cheating" on me by spending more time with my mechanic than with me.
And in about 7 years when it comes time to trade it in, after I will have only put just about 36K miles on it, it should have a decent enough resale.
Well done Chevy. Hope this is a fruitful, long, and enjoyable relationship.
My wife, who had been making a (clearly valid) case to get rid of that car for over two years, said nothing. Not a peep. Total silence on the subject.
So, obviously, I knew it was time for a change.
I only own German cars. And I always buy used. Both of these traits are non-negotiable for me. I like how those cars feel and sound and smell. So I started thinking about what used Audi or VW or Mercedes I would be buying next.
But a funny thing happened. Trying to complete our short weekend away, I wound up renting the cheapest car I could find the next morning. It was a Sonic LT 1.8 automatic sedan. I hopped in, put on my very best holier than thou sneer, declared the car to be a cheap POS, and drove it for the next two hours...
...and the impossible became possible. I liked it. It wasn't a POS at all. In fact, I kind of couldn't stop thinking about it even as I was supposed to be admiring the scenery. Now, don't get me wrong. It was no BMW. But it really liked going around curves. The steering was tight, and the handling quite nimble. And the mileage was pretty good. Finally, even though I am a hatchback person (my bimmer is a wagon) I really liked the way the car looked. Especially the nose. Reminded me of the little Volvo s40 mixed with some mid 80's BMW.
Well, it all kind of fell apart for me from then on. I looked for a reasonable used car but my heart wasn't into it. I spent a lot of time reading up on the Sonic even though I had no intention of buying one. I lurked here for a bit and then starting asking questions.
Then one weekend I test drove a bunch of cars. One by one they fell to the Sonic. The Fit was too buzzy and loud, the Fiesta too cramped. The Focus (slightly used at 3K miles) had a really clunky front suspension and was already rattling and flexing over railroad tracks. The Golf... well I liked the Golf the best but it couldn't compete price wise with the Sonic.
Finally, I am originally from Detroit and my folks still live there so the idea that it is built in MI with union labor was another big plus. Now I will buy the car that appeals to me the most, but if I can find one built domestically, then double win for me.
So I bought a 2013 Inferno Orange LTZ 1.4T 6MT 5 door with 23 miles on it for an unbelievably low price (special shout out to Maita Chevrolet who were simply amazing and easy to work with). I put about 200 miles on it and then my brother in law came out to visit and has it for the week (I never drive during the week anyway and now he is breaking it in for me - and he is a super considerate gear head so I know he will do it right).
My BMW will leave this car in the dust in a straight line and around corners. My BMW is more comfortable. My BMW has a lot higher quality materials in it. But I can't wait to sell it because the Sonic is more fun to drive, easier to park, better looking, safer, gets better gas mileage, WAY more exotic here in San Francisco (people have stopped and asked me what I am driving), doesn't make me feel like I am a total douche because of the car I drive, and won't keep "cheating" on me by spending more time with my mechanic than with me.
And in about 7 years when it comes time to trade it in, after I will have only put just about 36K miles on it, it should have a decent enough resale.
Well done Chevy. Hope this is a fruitful, long, and enjoyable relationship.
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MrsSlinky
New member
Last year we had a 2005 Mazda 3, that we loved so very much. I think we only owed about 5,000 on it (27,000 loan) when we decided to move to Ohio and start a new life. Needless to say, things got rough and we got the car repoed, family issues, and decided to come back to California. We ended up getting a 95 Ford Escort from a family member, with no heating, no a/c, bad radiator, among other issues. It ended up dying on us after 2 months. For the rest of the year we were without a car, my dad ended up donating our car so he could get a tax break.
Good luck finally struck us, my husband got a good job, and we had been trying to save to get another car. Anything really, we had even visited a lot of "buy here, pay here" places. Then last week I decided to try for a loan, and we actually got approved (I was kind of doing it for fun, expecting a NO!)... We started looking, and ended up deciding to go with CarMax. We had wanted to get a Fiesta (They get better mileage :/), but when his sister came up to visit she had rented one, and they were SO TINY. So uncomfortable, and just not what we liked.
So then he told me about the Chevy Sonic, while I wanted a Kia Soul. The more research we did, the more we ended up falling in love with the Sonic. Then as luck would have it they got one in that only had 7k miles on it that was right in our price range. We went down, test drove it, and I feel madly in love.
We took it to the beach the first day, and let me say going from using my dad's Ford Explorer to the Sonic I was just so happy. All I want to do is talk about this car. We got the 2012 Hatchback LT with the 1.8, and I drive it as much as I possibly can!!!
Sorry for the long story... Just wanted to share!
Good luck finally struck us, my husband got a good job, and we had been trying to save to get another car. Anything really, we had even visited a lot of "buy here, pay here" places. Then last week I decided to try for a loan, and we actually got approved (I was kind of doing it for fun, expecting a NO!)... We started looking, and ended up deciding to go with CarMax. We had wanted to get a Fiesta (They get better mileage :/), but when his sister came up to visit she had rented one, and they were SO TINY. So uncomfortable, and just not what we liked.
So then he told me about the Chevy Sonic, while I wanted a Kia Soul. The more research we did, the more we ended up falling in love with the Sonic. Then as luck would have it they got one in that only had 7k miles on it that was right in our price range. We went down, test drove it, and I feel madly in love.
We took it to the beach the first day, and let me say going from using my dad's Ford Explorer to the Sonic I was just so happy. All I want to do is talk about this car. We got the 2012 Hatchback LT with the 1.8, and I drive it as much as I possibly can!!!
Sorry for the long story... Just wanted to share!
attrapereves
New member
Glad to hear you got things turned around! Enjoy your Sonic!