Topic: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: More Compact Car for the Money

[Shnak]

Uh oh, more Hyundai SPAM from fanboy.

How is it spam when I'm providing an informed opinion piece that contradicts what he said? Do you know what spam is?

[Bubba]

Uh oh, more Hyundai SPAM from fanboy.

How is it spam when I'm providing an informed opinion piece that contradicts what he said? Do you know what spam is?

Calling the Cruze a guzzler is just, well, ignorant.

[Jaeger]

Uh oh, more Hyundai SPAM from fanboy.

How is it spam when I'm providing an informed opinion piece that contradicts what he said? Do you know what spam is?

Calling the Cruze a guzzler is just, well, ignorant.

And saying that Hyundai STOLE the idea for the "Automatic Air Shutter System" from GM is just, well...... what?
Jaeger

[Shnak]

Uh oh, more Hyundai SPAM from fanboy.

How is it spam when I'm providing an informed opinion piece that contradicts what he said? Do you know what spam is?

Calling the Cruze a guzzler is just, well, ignorant.

Ok, sure, using the word guzzler was an exageration... but in relation to the Elantra, it kind of is...

Fuel economy with automatic transmission:
Elantra 1.8L:      6.9  4.9
Cruze Eco 1.4L:  7.8  5.1  
Corolla 1.8L:       7.8  5.7
Civic 1.8L:         8.2  5.7
Cruze 1.4L:        8.5  5.5
Cruze 1.8L:        9.2  5.6

Quite a difference between the Elantra and Cruze, even the Cruze Eco.

[CatsEye68]

How is it spam when I'm providing an informed opinion piece that contradicts what he said? Do you know what spam is?

What it is, is a far-too-typical fluff piece that such outfits tends to publish upon the introduction of almost any new model. It is not an objective piece, it is not a comparison piece, it is just a "Oh! This is the next cool thing!" promo piece.

You say that they indicate it is quiet. Compared to what? A Civic? Or a Cruze, which in turn has been described as comparable in sound level to a Lexus? We don't know. Until we get objective comparison testing, we need to hold off on the anointment.

[rrocket]

You say that they indicate it is quiet. Compared to what? A Civic? Or a Cruze, which in turn has been described as comparable in sound level to a Lexus? We don't know. Until we get objective comparison testing, we need to hold off on the anointment.

Which is funny.  The Cruze is neither as quiet as our Lexus'...and I consider the IS350/IS300 to be among the loudest of the Lexus.  Of course, the Cruze was a loaner, so it may have been beat to daylights already.  FWIW, the engine sound/noise of the Cruze was quieter than our Lexus'.  But given it's a small 4 banger, not unexpected.

[Shnak]

How is it spam when I'm providing an informed opinion piece that contradicts what he said? Do you know what spam is?

What it is, is a far-too-typical fluff piece that such outfits tends to publish upon the introduction of almost any new model. It is not an objective piece, it is not a comparison piece, it is just a "Oh! This is the next cool thing!" promo piece.

You say that they indicate it is quiet. Compared to what? A Civic? Or a Cruze, which in turn has been described as comparable in sound level to a Lexus? We don't know. Until we get objective comparison testing, we need to hold off on the anointment.

In that case, since car reviews stating opinions isn't enough, please show me objective proof that shows just how quiet the Cruze really is, because, you know, all car reviews are fluff pieces.

[rrocket]

Cruze:

Db @ Idle: 35.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 67.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 67.1

To be fair, Sones is a better way of measuring noise in a car than dB. 

[Shnak]

Cruze:

Db @ Idle: 35.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 67.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 67.1

To be fair, Sones is a better way of measuring noise in a car than dB

Those are the numbers for the Cruze, or the Elantra? And how do they compare to the other?

[rrocket]

Cruze:

Db @ Idle: 35.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 67.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 67.1

To be fair, Sones is a better way of measuring noise in a car than dB

Those are the numbers for the Cruze, or the Elantra? And how do they compare to the other?

You can see where it says "Cruze:".  So they're for the Cruze.   

I don't have new numbers for the new Elantra. I don't think it's been officially tested.  FWIW, the "old" Elantra Touring scored a 64.2 dB @ 70 Mph.

[Shnak]

Cruze:

Db @ Idle: 35.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 67.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 67.1

To be fair, Sones is a better way of measuring noise in a car than dB

Those are the numbers for the Cruze, or the Elantra? And how do they compare to the other?

You can see where it says "Cruze:".  So they're for the Cruze.   

I don't have new numbers for the new Elantra. I don't think it's been officially tested.  FWIW, the "old" Elantra Touring scored a 64.2 dB @ 70 Mph.

Oops, sorry, I obviously missed the 'Cruze:' up there!

And correct me if I'm wrong, and I don't think I am, but isn't 64.2 dB significantly quieter than 67.1 dB? Of course, this is the old Elantra Touring and not the new Elantra, but I would think that the new Elantra would be as quiet, if not even moreso.

So, can we please stop with the BS that the Cruze is overweight by 300lbs because it has better sound insulation than all its competitors. It's overweight because GM has no clue how to make light cars, that's why.

[Shnak]

Right - it's not like GM makes the Corvette or anything.....oh wait 

I'm talking about mainstream vehicles... In recent months, they came out with quite a few overweight vehicles... Equinox, Regal and Cruze come to mind.

[Jaeger]

While it has some faults I think GM has made a small car they can be reasonably proud of.

I'd certainly agree with that.

Jaeger

[Shnak]

FWIW I think you're making too big a deal over the Cruze. While it has some faults I think GM has made a small car they can be reasonably proud of.

I can agree with that. It's just that listening to some people, you'd think the Cruze was the second coming, when, well, it's not. It's just another competitive car with some qualities and some flaws. And it's my duty to remind everyone that this car isn't that incredible and that it's just another one in the bunch, damnit!  

[dougjp]

FWIW I think you're making too big a deal over the Cruze. While it has some faults I think GM has made a small car they can be reasonably proud of.

I can agree with that. It's just that listening to some people, you'd think the Cruze was the second coming, when, well, it's not. It's just another competitive car with some qualities and some flaws. And it's my duty to remind everyone that this car isn't that incredible and that it's just another one in the bunch, damnit!  

Yup all that's true. New car launches are filled with optimism, excessively positive comments and subtle (or blatant) hiding of the weaknesses. The Elantra is just another example of this launch madness, as evidenced by the initial reviews and some of the posters in here. We need to wait for the true test drives, the "first drives" being pretty much unreliable.   

[Shnak]

FWIW I think you're making too big a deal over the Cruze. While it has some faults I think GM has made a small car they can be reasonably proud of.

I can agree with that. It's just that listening to some people, you'd think the Cruze was the second coming, when, well, it's not. It's just another competitive car with some qualities and some flaws. And it's my duty to remind everyone that this car isn't that incredible and that it's just another one in the bunch, damnit!  

Yup all that's true. New car launches are filled with optimism, excessively positive comments and subtle (or blatant) hiding of the weaknesses. The Elantra is just another example of this launch madness, as evidenced by the initial reviews and some of the posters in here. We need to wait for the true test drives, the "first drives" being pretty much unreliable.   

And really, I'm as guilty as anyone else of being excited when new cars come along that I think will be great, Elantra, Sonata, whatever. But then, I have plenty of people reminding me that those cars aren't as great as I'm saying they are, and that's perfectly fine. It goes both ways, and I'm okay with that.

[Shnak]

Shnak - I know where you're coming from - the posters in the Hyundai threads are trying to do the same thing and we keep ending up with these derailed threads.

The Cruze may not be the second coming but it is an exciting product coming from the General and there is a lot on the line with this one. Compared to the Cavalier and Cobalt they've done a lot of things the right way. Is the Cruze a class-beater....probably not. However, it legitimately belongs in the discussion with the best cars in this class. Sad as it is....this is big news for GM.

As I mentioned previously, I don't think there's anything wrong with GM or their fans being proud of this car. Compared to some of the that has come out of this company this car is proper step forward (this may or may not be saying much). I look at the Regal in the same light....not the second coming and lots of faults....but a proper step forward and a car that can be mentioned with the competition without snickering.

Producing a car that will actually be cross-shopped with the perennial class leaders is a big step forward for GM. The question becomes is it too late for this now?

See, that's another problem I have with the Cruze... a huge part of all the excitement is because it's made by GM, who, for once, doesn't bring a totally crappy car to this segment. If it was Honda or Toyota that's bringing the Cruze as it is to market, you'd have a ton of people complaining it's not very fuel efficient, it's heavy, it's this, it's that... but because it's GM and because it's better than what they've done before (hard not to be, really), it's great!! How about we judge a car on its own merits, uh? The Cruze is competent, appears comfortable, well equipped (and I've applauded GM for the 10 air bags before), and is certainly competitive, but it's not that exciting to drive, engines are barely sufficient, weighs a lot and as a result its fuel economy trails many of its competitors and it's really expensive for what it is, a compact car. Good, yes. Best thing since sliced bread? Not even close.

[dougjp]

Shnak - I know where you're coming from - the posters in the Hyundai threads are trying to do the same thing and we keep ending up with these derailed threads.

The Cruze may not be the second coming but it is an exciting product coming from the General and there is a lot on the line with this one. Compared to the Cavalier and Cobalt they've done a lot of things the right way. Is the Cruze a class-beater....probably not. However, it legitimately belongs in the discussion with the best cars in this class. Sad as it is....this is big news for GM.

As I mentioned previously, I don't think there's anything wrong with GM or their fans being proud of this car. Compared to some of the that has come out of this company this car is proper step forward (this may or may not be saying much). I look at the Regal in the same light....not the second coming and lots of faults....but a proper step forward and a car that can be mentioned with the competition without snickering.

Producing a car that will actually be cross-shopped with the perennial class leaders is a big step forward for GM. The question becomes is it too late for this now?

See, that's another problem I have with the Cruze... a huge part of all the excitement is because it's made by GM, who, for once, doesn't bring a totally crappy car to this segment. If it was Honda or Toyota that's bringing the Cruze as it is to market, you'd have a ton of people complaining it's not very fuel efficient, it's heavy, it's this, it's that... but because it's GM and because it's better than what they've done before (hard not to be, really), it's great!! How about we judge a car on its own merits, uh? The Cruze is competent, appears comfortable, well equipped (and I've applauded GM for the 10 air bags before), and is certainly competitive, but it's not that exciting to drive, engines are barely sufficient, weighs a lot and as a result its fuel economy trails many of its competitors and it's really expensive for what it is, a compact car. Good, yes. Best thing since sliced bread? Not even close.

I mostly agree with that and it doesn't make much sense, however its important to acknowledge there is nothing unusual about this behavior. The same psychology happens everywhere. For example, if a Company reports quarterly earnings that were poor, but it was better than analysts expected, their stock might go up. Meanwhile, a highly successful Company improves once again with its quarterly results, yet their stock tanks because it didn't meet analysts expectations or their own estimates 3 months ago.

[safristi]

...Hmmmmm  FREE WINTER TYRES    ...or .............I-PAD.............. ......... Tom CRUZE sez ..NIGHT & DAY... ....I ll take Cameron in a Daze fer 100 alex..............

[Jaeger]

Shnak - I know where you're coming from - the posters in the Hyundai threads are trying to do the same thing and we keep ending up with these derailed threads.

The Cruze may not be the second coming but it is an exciting product coming from the General and there is a lot on the line with this one. Compared to the Cavalier and Cobalt they've done a lot of things the right way. Is the Cruze a class-beater....probably not. However, it legitimately belongs in the discussion with the best cars in this class. Sad as it is....this is big news for GM.

As I mentioned previously, I don't think there's anything wrong with GM or their fans being proud of this car. Compared to some of the that has come out of this company this car is proper step forward (this may or may not be saying much). I look at the Regal in the same light....not the second coming and lots of faults....but a proper step forward and a car that can be mentioned with the competition without snickering.

Producing a car that will actually be cross-shopped with the perennial class leaders is a big step forward for GM. The question becomes is it too late for this now?

See, that's another problem I have with the Cruze... a huge part of all the excitement is because it's made by GM, who, for once, doesn't bring a totally crappy car to this segment. If it was Honda or Toyota that's bringing the Cruze as it is to market, you'd have a ton of people complaining it's not very fuel efficient, it's heavy, it's this, it's that... but because it's GM and because it's better than what they've done before (hard not to be, really), it's great!! How about we judge a car on its own merits, uh? The Cruze is competent, appears comfortable, well equipped (and I've applauded GM for the 10 air bags before), and is certainly competitive, but it's not that exciting to drive, engines are barely sufficient, weighs a lot and as a result its fuel economy trails many of its competitors and it's really expensive for what it is, a compact car. Good, yes. Best thing since sliced bread? Not even close.

That's actually a fair comment (though from what I have read, the handling is at least above class average).

Jaeger