Road Test: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic

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  • Опубліковано 27 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 175

  • @kcindc5539
    @kcindc5539 Рік тому +4

    I loved my 2013 Sonic RS. It was quick enough to be entertaining, featured leather seats and a more aggressive 6-speed, and was totally flingable. I miss “Sonny” to this day

  • @Tractionless
    @Tractionless 6 років тому +15

    37.2 mpg average?!?! Man, I need this car in my life as a daily commuter. My F-150 Supercrew is killing me at the pump.

    • @kaelobstewart1317
      @kaelobstewart1317 2 роки тому +3

      Trust me, it’s not worth it. They’re considered Throwaways, I bought one used at 104k thousand, got to 120k and having to get the engine replaced due to misfiring, there were so many mechanical and electrical issues

    • @jeff_9074
      @jeff_9074 2 роки тому +3

      @@kaelobstewart1317 I would think a lot of things can cause a misfire.. bad sensors. Spark plugs, timing issue.. did they say exactly why they determined the engine needed to replace, other than misfiring? I had a chevy cobalt that got me to 185k before someone hit me and totaled it. The engine was still going strong..

    • @SageSavage
      @SageSavage Рік тому

      It's closer to 33mpg, at least the way I drive. Still, it's not a bad little car.

    • @xiar5546
      @xiar5546 Рік тому

      @@SageSavage closer to 27 mpg with half highway and half city driving.

  • @maw4734
    @maw4734 9 місяців тому +1

    Have had my 2012 Sonic LS hatch (with the 1.8L NA and a 5-speed manual) for two years now (bought it January 2022). Solid car, hell of a lot of fun to drive, and the shifting on the 5-speed is still crisp. Have never had any issue putting whatever I want in it, and -- important for the upper Midwest -- it gets to operating temperature and heats up the cabin incredibly quickly. Chevy crushed it with this one.

  • @nicholaswildethethird
    @nicholaswildethethird 5 років тому +15

    The one GM compact car that actually succeeded...

  • @matt9759
    @matt9759 7 років тому +15

    I have a 2015 Sonic LT Sedan and I'm averaging 30.3 mpg (That's a combination of highway and city.) Overall, I'm satisfied with the Sonic. It's a sporty little car and so much nicer than most of its competitors, like the Fiesta and Rio.

    • @matt9759
      @matt9759 7 років тому +3

      Well fuck that Sonic. I traded it in 2 and a half months ago and I got a 2017 Chevy Cruze. So much nicer and even better gas mileage

    • @kylemas2005
      @kylemas2005 5 років тому +2

      @@matt9759 Lol bout to say....The Sonic has been getting bad reviews for reliability from owners. Remember its really a Korean Daewoo, part of a GM collaboration. Im glad I got the Mitsubishi Mirage instead, less fun but more reliable.

    • @matt9759
      @matt9759 5 років тому

      @@kylemas2005
      The Cruze has performed flawlessly. I plan on keeping it for a long time :D

    • @kylemas2005
      @kylemas2005 5 років тому

      @@matt9759 manual?

    • @matt9759
      @matt9759 5 років тому

      @@kylemas2005
      Automatic. 1.4L with a small turbo

  • @humanparody12
    @humanparody12 11 років тому +15

    I do genuinely like these cars. But... I'll stick with my Town Car.

  • @DMansLand
    @DMansLand 13 років тому +2

    Bought 2...great commuter car, nice handling. Who's racing to work anyway.

  • @MisterFlaherty
    @MisterFlaherty 11 років тому +6

    Drove a rental LTZ Turbo...beat the shit out of it...LOVED IT. BOUGHT ONE!

  • @jchasp
    @jchasp 12 років тому +1

    Depends on the terrain and speed. Automatics downshift, so of course you might have to downshift with a manual, as well. I've noticed nothing unusual or annoying. Actually a joy to drive (I'm 52yo, conservative driver). Engine has plenty of torque, easily merges with hwy traffic. Have read negative comments regarding the newly available 6 spd automatic, but I have no regrets with the 6 spd manual. A friend has the same Sonic as mine. He's racked up 7K miles in 6 weeks and loves his, as well!

  • @ChrisG-gl5st
    @ChrisG-gl5st 2 роки тому

    I'm not a big Chevy fan but they knocked it out the park with this one! The Aveo was in the rearview mirror when the Sonic came out

  • @jchasp
    @jchasp 12 років тому

    Actually the engine is an air pump. The turbo just forces more air in. The Sonic is designed to run on 87 Octane fuel. Oil impregnated filters can ruin the mass airflow sensor, which is an expensive fix, and not covered by warranty if you have such a filter. I learned the hard way with a new, 2004 Scion xB with dealer installed, K&N cold air intake. There are dry, high-flow/low restriction filters that provide the same benefits, but won't damage this sensor (because of the oil) that's in a K&N.

  • @camaroman101
    @camaroman101 13 років тому

    @nismofury the base price of the turbo is 16,400 with the sedan and 17,200 with the hatch. the auto is coming early in 2012, and if you want more hp there is a tune already out that bumps hp at the flywheel to 180hp.

  • @brandonwright2067
    @brandonwright2067 6 років тому +3

    Amazing car loving my 16 sedan

  • @zacharyfrieben1033
    @zacharyfrieben1033 5 років тому +1

    Just got a '15 Sonic Sedan LT. Very good car for a 20 year-old!

  • @brandonyoung1239
    @brandonyoung1239 12 років тому

    Just picked up a LT hatchback with the 1.4 turbo a few weeks ago and can't find a single thing to complain about. I'm 21 and have had a few cars, mostly turbo cars that make more power, but I still think this car moves for what it is, and when you look at what Chevy tried to accomplish with the sonic you can't argue they did a very good job. Great gas mileage, smooth ride and decent amount of cargo room. on the highway you have to drop two gears to quickly pass someone though.

  • @GJohnson7385
    @GJohnson7385 12 років тому

    Here is the exact words from the owners manual....
    Recommended Fuel
    Use regular unleaded gasoline with
    a posted octane rating of 87 or
    higher. If the octane rating is less
    than 87, an audible knocking noise,
    commonly referred to as spark
    knock, might be heard when driving.
    If this occurs, use a gasoline rated
    at 87 octane or higher as soon as
    possible. If heavy knocking is heard
    when using gasoline rated at
    87 octane or higher, the engine
    needs service.

  • @TheMadSyrupMaker
    @TheMadSyrupMaker 12 років тому +1

    I drove them all, Toyota, Honda, Ford, and this car hands down beat the rest. This review was not bad, but it doesn't really tell you how satisfying this car is to drive, I bought the LTZ. Driving my GMC Sierra all the time was just too expensive, I love this little car and am saving a bundle on gas.

  • @Omr_Tr
    @Omr_Tr 8 років тому +11

    very good car.

  • @rickreid81
    @rickreid81 9 років тому

    Nice to.see.u once again Mr.Davis. Thank u

  • @Slash116ricky15
    @Slash116ricky15 12 років тому +2

    the sonic is ment for a fun drive and economical if chevy wanted to the could crank up the boost and make it have much more hp and torque than it has now. its called comprimise between fun to drive, sporty, and fuel economy and for a car with that 0-60 time which isnt bad at all. and almost 40 mpg i would say they did a good job in the gas mileage department and sportiness.

  • @TheOzthewiz
    @TheOzthewiz Рік тому

    A KOREAN car "assembled" in US. It is probably the BEST car GM has ever had, thanks to the fact that it IS NOT American. John was REALLY impressed by the instrument panel, but forgot to mention that there is an "idiot light" in place of a temperature gauge. Nice to know that when that light comes on, the engine is ALREADY OVERHEATED! Nice touch, GM!

  • @derbydriver
    @derbydriver 12 років тому +1

    turbos doesn't always mean race car... it's added in this case to increase fuel mileage.

  • @maurice435
    @maurice435 12 років тому +1

    I believe the vehicle needs to be in motion and up to speed to see all 6 speeds. That happened on mine with only three speeds but I wasn't moving, after going down the road a bit and picking up speed the transmission shifted to all 6 gears (in manual mode of course).

  • @MrMosinNagant1937
    @MrMosinNagant1937 12 років тому +1

    i have the 2013 sonic, its an automatic it feels like a gas saver in automatic but switch it to manual mode and it comes alive some what. the engine gets louder and you feel like it has more power to it.

  • @TheUndergroundAce
    @TheUndergroundAce 12 років тому

    I sat in one and was amazed at the build quality. And its design isn't boring. Finally GM is making good cars again. USA

  • @GJohnson7385
    @GJohnson7385 12 років тому

    agreed, I enjoy my Sonic the more I drive it...I came from a 350whp car previously and can honestly say I dont miss the power.

  • @GJohnson7385
    @GJohnson7385 12 років тому

    Clutch is easy to engage and only takes a few drives to adjust to it from my old car....A turbo this size wont have much if any heat issues...I have had 4 turbo cars and one of them I swapped in a 50 trim turbo....This small garrett turbo do not draw enough heat to cause problems.

  • @Baasicstuff
    @Baasicstuff 12 років тому +1

    Nice looking car but I dig the New Abarth more

  • @jchasp
    @jchasp 12 років тому

    The Hyundai Sonata turbo also runs on 87 octane, but it has direct fuel injection.

  • @mb013962
    @mb013962 12 років тому +2

    really? im guessing you do a lot of low speed cruising to get that type of mileage

  • @necessaryevil101
    @necessaryevil101 13 років тому

    brilliant vehicle. built in america, 40+mpg capacity, a turbo, manual, honda fit space and room for tuning improvements to the hp all for under 20 grand :)

  • @thenixter101
    @thenixter101 12 років тому

    You had the same circumstance as my dad. He has a 2011 Silverado Dually. He needed another car to drive. It was getting expensive. He didn't buy a Sonic, though. He bought a Camaro. If gas prices are this crazy when I drive, I will get a Sonic or a Cruze.

  • @gio048
    @gio048 11 років тому +4

    THATS MY PUPPY,LOVE IT.

  • @frazierking8533
    @frazierking8533 11 років тому +1

    I wanted a 5 speed standard but after what I just heard I guess it's a good thing I chose the automatic.

  • @rudolphna54
    @rudolphna54 12 років тому +1

    Wrong. These 1.4T engines make 16 PSI of boost. These aren't low pressure turbo engines, these are full pressure, high boost. The trifecta tune bumps it to 22psi.

  • @416mcp
    @416mcp 12 років тому

    Another question. How is the shilfting. I read you have to downshift when passing for more power.Forgive my ignorance about cars. I dont care if its sporty.

  • @wellshii
    @wellshii 12 років тому

    i cant believe this dude still does this.

  • @gmdriverer
    @gmdriverer 12 років тому +5

    i have one and it gets 40+mpg avg and i live in washington so hills are present

  • @BReal-10EC
    @BReal-10EC 3 роки тому

    Where did all of these cars go? The earliest examples are just now a decade-old and yet I don't see any of these on the road..is that a sign that they were not very reliable?

  • @rudolphna54
    @rudolphna54 12 років тому

    I have the cruze with the 1.4T. You CAN run it on regular 87. But it will get better gas mileage, and have better performance on 91 or 93. Reason for that is that on lower octane the ECM really has to pull the timing to prevent knock. It has to do less of that on higher octane.

  • @Sanpedranoazul
    @Sanpedranoazul 12 років тому +1

    This model looks cool!

  • @TheUndergroundAce
    @TheUndergroundAce 12 років тому

    Wait till the rs comes out. Pretty nice hatch back.

  • @TUNEITTHENTALK
    @TUNEITTHENTALK 11 років тому

    im sure you got it by now but if not while in manual if you don't have enough speed you cant shift up watch the gear indicator when pressing + to see if it flashes

  • @autonathan
    @autonathan 13 років тому

    Big fan of this car although I think a 3-door SS version with a 260 HP 2.0T is necessary, I really don't like the rear door hinges in the C-Pillar.

  • @vermin1970
    @vermin1970 12 років тому

    Actually, I wasn't so impressed by the 0-60, but its not bad for the 138 bhp rating. For those who spend time at the strip though, 89 mph is quite a top end charge for a car that ran a 16.4 second 1/4 mile. Most cars running mid 16s are between 82 and 86 mph. 89 puts this car in mid to low 15 second territory if you can get it off the line. I'm guessing the stock tires aren't meant for drag strip duty. :-)

  • @416mcp
    @416mcp 12 років тому +1

    I had a couple of veh that were manual but for the last 10 plus i have driven auto. i do like the not shifting but i do remember when i first changed to automatic that i always wanted to shift,.

  • @MrMosinNagant1937
    @MrMosinNagant1937 12 років тому

    I don't know, i just press the + button and it shifts all the way up to 6 you might want to get it checked out by the dealership u got it from.

  • @416mcp
    @416mcp 12 років тому

    What kind do you have? Do you like it? I am considering a hatchback

  • @timmypstyle
    @timmypstyle 2 роки тому

    Not bad for acceleration. 16.4@89 in the 1/4 mile...my 06 monte carlo ran 15.7@93mph on an 85 degree day.

  • @austinfrazier7325
    @austinfrazier7325 9 років тому

    Lots of tuning options for this car now. Computer reflash alone will gain 30whp and 50lbft of torque on average. Apparently these cars are way under tuned from the factory and the engines can easily handle alot more boost.

    • @iDrive4fun93
      @iDrive4fun93 8 років тому +1

      Yeah, these cars are detuned for efficiency. There is definitely some potential for this engine yet. Gonna test one soon.

  • @jchasp
    @jchasp 12 років тому

    I drove and admire the Scion IQ. Impressed by front passenger room and the solidity/engineering. The back seat isn't roomy, but it can provide some utility. But the IQ is overpriced, especially when you can get a Fiat 500 (or Sonic), with more room, style, utility and many more features (and perhaps more safety) for the same $. The laughter from those salesmen will most cost them in the end. I have yet to meet a salesperson that is educated regarding the vehicles that they're selling!

  • @ranchurdhimster4955
    @ranchurdhimster4955 5 років тому +1

    Just wrecked mine yesterday. Car cut across the highway like a jackass. I was doing 65, I tboned them. I walked away. I'm even 6'3 only set belt bruises and hit my hand on something. Pretty safe front impact car.
    Edit: Sedan not hatch
    Edit 2: Turns out I'm 6'5

    • @natalie2070
      @natalie2070 5 років тому +1

      FatherBrown Dudeist I’m glad that you where ok after that. It’s nice to know this is a safe design.

    • @kakashi99908
      @kakashi99908 4 роки тому

      How much did you sue for

    • @ranchurdhimster4955
      @ranchurdhimster4955 4 роки тому

      @@kakashi99908 Don't use the lawyer I used.

  • @EGGINFOOLS
    @EGGINFOOLS 11 років тому

    In manual mode you cannot upshift past what the recommend speed is for that gear. Example u cant upshift to 6th gear and try to take off from a start.

  • @Jodo.
    @Jodo. 12 років тому

    Really? I own a 2013 LT and the little button on the shifter only goes up to 3 when I put it in manual.

  • @Jodo.
    @Jodo. 12 років тому

    Trust me, I believe you and I was on the forum too. But mine only goes up to 3, so what am I missing?

  • @moparmonster1965
    @moparmonster1965 13 років тому

    @coolgames14 Yeah, it doesn't look very safe, does it?

  • @EGGINFOOLS
    @EGGINFOOLS 12 років тому

    I think the sedan looks better. Especially with the wheel well arches over the tires. Looks set lower.

  • @jns9696
    @jns9696 3 роки тому

    It is developed by DAEWOO MOTOR in South Korea, now it's Gm korea.
    Predecessor is Daewoo kalos(Chevrolet aveo).

  • @osvst
    @osvst 12 років тому

    they only have like 4-5 psi of boost so its not alot for the ECM to really go crazy with timing. If it was like 8-10 then it would be a different story...

  • @adamtrombino106
    @adamtrombino106 7 років тому +2

    My neighbor's daughter has a 13 sedan. It has been in to the dealer twice for the keys getting stuck in the ignition, that wouldn't release when he car was shut off. It also ate at set of frt brake pads within 12k miles. She is very disappointed with this car.

    • @brandonwright2067
      @brandonwright2067 7 років тому

      Adam Trombino I have 16 sedan and have had no issues. that seems to me that that person is an idiot as their are no known ignition problems this is a great car good price

    • @mikedickerson7535
      @mikedickerson7535 6 років тому +3

      The problem with the ignition may actually be with the shifter, the front button actually gets stuck within the shifter body and the car has not disengaged the gear therefore what she is experiencing is actually a safety feature (this only applies to the automatic version) this has happened to me a few times and that’s been it all of them, I fixed the button and all was right

  • @timforsyth15
    @timforsyth15 13 років тому

    finally a sub compact chevy that does better in every way than the aveo. 10 seconds to hit 60 with the aveo? NO GO FOR THIS NEW CAR. I LOOOOOOOVE THE SONIC

  • @bubbauknow
    @bubbauknow 13 років тому

    What is the point of having two engines to select from that put up almost the same power ratings?

  • @DMS409
    @DMS409 12 років тому

    Actually, I have sat in both vehicles. I find both the Honda and Toyota's to be much higher in quality of build and performance. Been driving Hondas since the early 90's and both Honda and Toyota have become tons better than they used to far exceeding American manufacturers, not the other way around. I ignore the magazines, and go off of my own opinions, in the end, it is me buying the car, not consumer reports or motortrend.

  • @rocketlights.
    @rocketlights. 5 років тому +1

    I love my Sonic💁🏻‍♀️

  • @C8Z51Scott
    @C8Z51Scott 7 років тому

    I like my Sonic LT. great stereo, good pep, good braking and decent handling. Complaint: I have the auto and the gas mileage is not great for a 1.4L turbo. Gets 27-29mpg and that's not city driving. My 2016 Z06 (garage princess) gets 23.3mpg without beating on it. That has a 6.2l supercharger.

    • @codys2424
      @codys2424 7 років тому +1

      Scott S it's definitely the auto trans that's the problem. When I dropped my 13 hatch turbo manual in for service, they gave me a 17 hatch turbo auto to drive around and I was extremely disappointed with the mpg. Trying hard, I was barely able to average 30 , but in mine with a manual it's hard to go under 30mpg... usually averaging about 35 not even trying, 39 if I stay out of my turbo, and I've seen as high as 69 on roads with 60mph speed limits. It's crazy how much a difference the transmission makes.

  • @98MAzdaMilleniaS
    @98MAzdaMilleniaS 12 років тому

    @ 4:28 What's a "hell-hold" feature ??

  • @416mcp
    @416mcp 12 років тому

    please forgive my stupidity but what does the turbo mean. I can drive a manual transmission. I don't care about sporty. I want a car that has enough power to pass cars, go up hills and gets good gas milage. This clip makes it sound like the automatic is better than the manual. I am thinking about the hatchback.

  • @jchasp
    @jchasp 12 років тому

    I have the LTZ (1LZ) Hatchback. Was shopping for a 1LT with the same drivetrain, but am happy that I went up to the LTZ (1LZ) trim level. I'm enjoying the car very much and highly recommend the 1.4L and 6 spd manual. The front seats are a bit narrow, but there's plenty of room, even in the back seats (I'm 6'1", 180#.) Fun to drive, very quiet and solid. Overall I'm enjoying the car (and the mpg)! Notice the front seats when you take a test drive. Check out SonicOwnersForum. Good info!

  • @GJohnson7385
    @GJohnson7385 12 років тому

    The wrong is refering to MPG going to shit. I am at 200 miles halfway through this tank with 93 octane. No different then with the 87 and I have been babying it a lot.

  • @brandonwright2067
    @brandonwright2067 7 років тому +1

    I love my 16 sonic LT 1.8 sedan though I do hate the hatch

  • @techmaven5900
    @techmaven5900 13 років тому

    No braking test?

  • @IAPOD
    @IAPOD 12 років тому +1

    350 pounds 6'1 i sit comfortable in the one im buying tomorow

  • @avlisk
    @avlisk 12 років тому

    You had me all excited when you said that they changed the awful speedometer to a real, round one. But no, it's still just the tach that's round with a stupid, ugly, silly, hideous speedometer which probably will prevent me from buying the car in which I like everything else. Including the way the 1.8 with automatic transmission drives.

  • @TheVintagetamiya
    @TheVintagetamiya 8 років тому +1

    Best thing about the sonic it has an iron block.......tunning

  • @Kibz32
    @Kibz32 11 років тому +1

    Were u drunk when u drove this?

  • @timforsyth15
    @timforsyth15 13 років тому

    @soyntgo4it and it is assembled in the U.S. i agree with that and the parts were made in mexico still

  • @the66volks
    @the66volks 2 роки тому

    I own a 2014 it’s a very nice car!

  • @gmdriverer
    @gmdriverer 12 років тому +1

    interstate mostly but i do have a led foot

  • @xsbgtr
    @xsbgtr 12 років тому

    WOW it looks like it wants to powerslide!!!

  • @Jodo.
    @Jodo. 12 років тому

    The manual mode only gives you three gears. Doesn't seem like a viable option for driving anywhere longer distance.

  • @NuclearBlue
    @NuclearBlue 13 років тому

    That's a sharp car.

  • @syxepop
    @syxepop 12 років тому

    Yes, the next gen Daewoo Matiz... oops, Chevy Spark (the way the Sonic is deviating from their Daewoo origins [Lanos 2 gens ago] they finally might be worth much more than what GM paid for...) will be both smaller (almost as small as a MX-built US-spec Fiat 500 3-door) and less powerful (1.2L < 100hp I4 Stateside).
    To me the one car that's expensive is the Cruze (needs a ~ 160hp gas engine to complement its' similary-powered 2.2L TDi that'll be optional in '13 MY...).

  • @camaroman101
    @camaroman101 13 років тому +1

    DON"T FEED THE TROLLS!
    they are attention starved beings who live off getting as many youtube comments as possible

  • @MrMosinNagant1937
    @MrMosinNagant1937 12 років тому

    yes really. i have the 2013 LT as well. it goes all the way up to 6.

  • @mb013962
    @mb013962 12 років тому

    37.2 mpg, im impressed...but im also confused to how they only get 40.2 mpg in a civic hybrid and only 37 mpg in a scion iq

  • @koreymayo8884
    @koreymayo8884 4 роки тому

    Well made? Top of it's class? I think you mean the Honda Fit!!!

  • @416mcp
    @416mcp 12 років тому

    thank you so much. I was wondering about the manual transmission. They make it sound like of crappy. I havent driven a manual trans in about 10 years but I sure it will come back to me (i use to have a Saturn with manual that got 39 mpg)

  • @timforsyth15
    @timforsyth15 13 років тому

    @soyntgo4it i agree but i like the looks and the power of the sonic better than the aveo. i love the fiesta and the ford focus st

  • @MediPistol88
    @MediPistol88 12 років тому

    Somehow, chevy designed it to run on 87 octane. I don't know how it does.

  • @TJC450
    @TJC450 13 років тому

    @TechMaven its near the end.

  • @DrWells-qq1cc
    @DrWells-qq1cc 6 років тому +1

    I can 0-60 in just under 7 seconds. Yes, still on the slow side, but a lot more commendable than 8.1.

  • @techmaven5900
    @techmaven5900 13 років тому +1

    @thegoof529 Oops...pays not to skip around while watching the vid.

  • @moparmonster1965
    @moparmonster1965 13 років тому

    @coolgames14 Oops, I asked the question and missed where he said it was the replacement. Sorry, I missed it the first time around.

  • @moparmonster1965
    @moparmonster1965 13 років тому

    Is this the replacement for the Aveo? It sure looks like an Asian design, too.

  • @foxtrot685
    @foxtrot685 13 років тому

    @nismofury the chevy spark is coming and will undercut the sonic. it will top out at $15k-$16k, that is why this car is so expensive... even though its no more expensive than anything else its competing with...

  • @timforsyth15
    @timforsyth15 13 років тому

    FOR ALL OF THE CHEVY AVEO OWNERS OUT THERE SELL THOSE AVEOS AND GET THE CHEVY SONIC

  • @416mcp
    @416mcp 12 років тому

    thanks

  • @whoohaaXL
    @whoohaaXL 12 років тому

    HE said "Round speedometer, when its a round tachometer"

  • @fastindy
    @fastindy 12 років тому

    It's a round TACHOmeter, Motorweek. Tachometer.

  • @mechaniiix
    @mechaniiix 12 років тому

    Y U GUYS CAN'T STOP COMPLAINING ?
    IF U JUST DON'T LIKE IT ... JUST DON'T BUY IT ...
    FOR ME I DO LIKE IT ... STILL HAVE TO TEST IT !