Price your Cruze! OUCH!

[Robert Hall]

Here's an unexpected development. I guess we're going to go look at a Cruze at some point. Albert just saw a commercial for one and declared that he really liked it.

Not my cup of tea, but he can have anything he wants as long as it's a GM or Ford.

No more Hondas for Albert?

[Paolino]

Okay, it's twice recently people here have mentioned GM's upcoming 2.5L 4-cyl engine... can anyone enlighten me about it or point me to a source of more info? Is it just a bored out 2.4 or entirely new?

[Drew Dowdell]

No more Hondas for Albert?

Actually, every car lately that he's really like (and brought up again later) has been a GM. He *really* wanted a red Astra 3-door, but we couldn't do it at the time. He *really* likes the new SRX, but both of us are too cheap to spend that kind of money. And he *really* liked the Equinox we had as a GM tester.

My guess is that we'll end up with an Equinox to replace the CR-V some day. I'm sure he'll like the Cruze well enough, but I don't think he'll part with having a CUV and AWD.

[smk4565]

I think the Cruze goes too high in price, I am all for upgraded interiors and equipment like bluetooth, nav and a hard drive for music, but that stuff shouldn't cost that much. An iPhone does that for $300. Plus the Cruze engines are weak. The Chevy Cruze I think still needs to be about value and be affordable.

A Buick version of a Delta 2 car could be in the $23-27k range and offer a comfortable, more luxurious interior with leather and some wood trim, kind of like the current Jetta does, minus the stiff suspension. There are a lot of 55-65 year olds with the kids gone that are downsizing, and would like a car like that. But for a Cruze to be $25,000, that prices out people with a lower income looking for a starter car.

[ocnblu]

For THOSE people, Chevy can show them a beautiful Aveo, or an even prettier Spark.

[regfootball]

lol

the dealer i got my cobalt from is showing a Cruze LS manual in their inventory....

question, i am honestly not sure on this.

does the Cruze LS manual come with......wait for it......

cruise control?

it would seem to me that a Cruze with no Cruise would really be a stupid proposition.

[SAmadei]

lol

the dealer i got my cobalt from is showing a Cruze LS manual in their inventory....

question, i am honestly not sure on this.

does the Cruze LS manual come with......wait for it......

cruise control?

it would seem to me that a Cruze with no Cruise would really be a stupid proposition.

Manual tranny doesn't preclude cruise control. Sister's '91 Firebird has cruise control with a stick.

[regfootball]

my cobalt has cruise and a stick, so, i know that.

what my question is, is cruze standard on the cruze LS manual. i believe i have seen conflicting info on that.

[Robert Hall]

my cobalt has cruise and a stick, so, i know that.

what my question is, is cruze standard on the cruze LS manual. i believe i have seen conflicting info on that.

I was curious...looking at the 'Build Your Own' site on the Chevy website, it looks like the LS is not available w/ cruise at all....on the LT, there is a $525 'Connectivity Plus Cruise' package that has it; cruise does not seem to be a standalone option on either the LS or LT.

Also, the manual is only available in the LS trim level.

BYO

Edited September 30, 2010 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[cavalier36]

If I Get a cruze im going to get a red LT with the RS package. I think that combo looks the best.

[SAmadei]

I was curious...looking at the 'Build Your Own' site on the Chevy website, it looks like the LS is not available w/ cruise at all....on the LT, there is a $525 'Connectivity Plus Cruise' package that has it; cruise does not seem to be a standalone option on either the LS or LT.

Wow.

I think the only vehicle newer than 1981 I've driven in the last 20 years without cruise control is the '89 Chevy work van. The '88 Safari has cruise, but it didn't function right due to the 403 engine swap... unless "functioning right" means "Wide Open Throttle".

I find it surprising any car with a drive by wire would NOT have cruise control... especially one that is a supposedly "premium compact" car... but GM has already worked against the "premium compact" idea by putting drum brakes on it.

I don't feel I need cruise control, rear disc brakes or any of the other extraneous crap... but it seems to me that with the general public brainwashed into thinking these are required items, I would think GM would see fit to make them standard in a car being marketed as this one is.

[regfootball]

no cruise on the cruze even standalone = epic fail

[MyerShift]

I must say, I do not like the Cruze.

I hate the lack of detailing in the headlamps, the lame plastic panel aft of the rear door glasshouse, the saggy taillamps, apparently drum brakes, weak if efficient engines, no coupe body, and cruise not being a stand alone option and the manual only being on the base model.

This is one car I would NEVER purchase. Same goes for the dumbed down new Jetta. Drum brakes, fewer features, torsion beam rear suspension, cheaper interior, AND goose neck hinges for the trunk instead of the multilink strut set up on the Mark V. I've noticed that even the new Audi A4 has goose necks, and it's a crying shame.

[A Horse With No Name]

Wow.

I think the only vehicle newer than 1981 I've driven in the last 20 years without cruise control is the '89 Chevy work van. The '88 Safari has cruise, but it didn't function right due to the 403 engine swap... unless "functioning right" means "Wide Open Throttle".

Hey, I like racing...wide open throttle IS operating right...

I must say, I do not like the Cruze.

I hate the lack of detailing in the headlamps, the lame plastic panel aft of the rear door glasshouse, the saggy taillamps, apparently drum brakes, weak if efficient engines, no coupe body, and cruise not being a stand alone option and the manual only being on the base model.

This is one car I would NEVER purchase. Same goes for the dumbed down new Jetta. Drum brakes, fewer features, torsion beam rear suspension, cheaper interior, AND goose neck hinges for the trunk instead of the multilink strut set up on the Mark V. I've noticed that even the new Audi A4 has goose necks, and it's a crying shame.

Hey, if someone can get rich building a cheaper, crappier product.....

Agree on the new Jetta....

[smk4565]

The new Elantra isn't even here yet, and it looks better and better every day. Cruze is too expensive, Jetta is all cheaped out and plain looking.

[MyerShift]

The new Elantra isn't even here yet, and it looks better and better every day. Cruze is too expensive, Jetta is all cheaped out and plain looking.

I must say, I agree. The new Elantra's interior is spectacularly styled. If the features and quality are right, I would definitely prefer this Korean to a fake German, Mexican built compact.

[regfootball]

I must say, I do not like the Cruze.

I hate the lack of detailing in the headlamps, the lame plastic panel aft of the rear door glasshouse, the saggy taillamps, apparently drum brakes, weak if efficient engines, no coupe body, and cruise not being a stand alone option and the manual only being on the base model.

This is one car I would NEVER purchase. Same goes for the dumbed down new Jetta. Drum brakes, fewer features, torsion beam rear suspension, cheaper interior, AND goose neck hinges for the trunk instead of the multilink strut set up on the Mark V. I've noticed that even the new Audi A4 has goose necks, and it's a crying shame.

any turbo gas jetta will be way too expensive.

fast fun cars with any sense of real quality are quickly becoming extinct.

[Robert Hall]

For an appliance/rental car, it seems adequate. The lack of a manual transmission in anything but the base model is disappointing, but given Genericans preference for automatics, not surprising.

[hyperv6]

The Cruze is good for what it is targeted for. This car at this point is not an Enthusiast car and does not claim to be.

We can complain that here is no manuel for the 4% that would want it and the Torsion Beam Axle or the lack of a Coupe. While some things like the I beam look weak on paper they work really well on this car. GM has proven the pushrod is not washed up and Ford has proven a car with a live axle can challange even a BMW on the track.

The bottom line is this is a cofident small sedan that rides good and meets the needs of the majority that it targets.

In time there will be a SS version to meet the needs of a Gear Head and we may also see a coupe or hatch. GM has made it clear just because we see only one version of a model release it is not the end of the different versions we will see.

The fact is there is a lot more we don't know on this car then we do know.

I think we can all admit the LTZ in the TV comercials looks good and is well presented. The reviews have all been very positive and most agree this is a very good car.

We will see changes and upgrades to it in the near future to keep it competitive per GM's statment a while back they will not let things get stale.

I have a friend who has driven a Cruze and had very positive things to say. I await for my first test drive to see it the reviews are correct in what they say.

GM may not donminate the market with this car but they will do no harm and if anything build on what they need to to regain lost ground. GM is not going to come back on one car or 5 cars but a series of cars over 5-10 years. This is only another brick in the wall. [sorry Roger Waters was just here a few days ago.]

[smk4565]

I must say, I agree. The new Elantra's interior is spectacularly styled. If the features and quality are right, I would definitely prefer this Korean to a fake German, Mexican built compact.

Funny stuff, but the Cruze is made in Ohio. I think the execution on the Cruze is good, aside from the anemic engines, but $24-25k for a small Chevy is too much.

[ocnblu]

Funny stuff, but the Cruze is made in Ohio. I think the execution on the Cruze is good, aside from the anemic engines, but $24-25k for a small Chevy is too much.

He's talking about the Jetta!

[A Horse With No Name]

any turbo gas jetta will be way too expensive.

fast fun cars with any sense of real quality are quickly becoming extinct.

Bingo...you would be correct, sir.

For an appliance/rental car, it seems adequate. The lack of a manual transmission in anything but the base model is disappointing, but given Genericans preference for automatics, not surprising.

Talked to a guy yesterday that sells Hyundai's. He said he's sold one manual tranny car in eleven years.

[daves87rs]

lol

the dealer i got my cobalt from is showing a Cruze LS manual in their inventory....

question, i am honestly not sure on this.

does the Cruze LS manual come with......wait for it......

cruise control?

it would seem to me that a Cruze with no Cruise would really be a stupid proposition.

True....

[Satty]

Remember the good 'ol days when you could get a fun, reliable, high quality Cavalier with AC/PW/PL/Auto for $9,995?

[ZL-1]

Remember the good 'ol days when you could get a fun, reliable, high quality Cavalier with AC/PW/PL/Auto for $9,995?

Is my sarcasm detector malfunctioning?

[Satty]

No sarcasm at all, I genuinely believe 1996 was the best year ever for compact cars. Lets start with the fantastic Escort, with its rocking 88 horsepower and 4(!) body styles, each one as beautiful as the last. Then we have the Escort's sexy twin sister, the Mercury Tracer. I sport wood every time I think about this car. The 1996 Mercury Tracer makes life worth living. 1996 was also one of the years the Cavalier was available as a convertible. I dont see why anyone wouldn't want one, I know that if in 1996 I had the cash to drop on something as fine as a Cavalier, I would have needed the convertible because then everyone would be able to see my stylin' in my fly-ass ride. Then, of course, there is the Sunfire, which was the Cavalier's more athletic sibling. It was a muscle car, but with style. I would compare it to the most gorgeous each volleyball player you've ever seen.

[ZL-1]

No sarcasm at all, I genuinely believe 1996 was the best year ever for compact cars. Lets start with the fantastic Escort, with its rocking 88 horsepower and 4(!) body styles, each one as beautiful as the last. Then we have the Escort's sexy twin sister, the Mercury Tracer. I sport wood every time I think about this car. The 1996 Mercury Tracer makes life worth living. 1996 was also one of the years the Cavalier was available as a convertible. I dont see why anyone wouldn't want one, I know that if in 1996 I had the cash to drop on something as fine as a Cavalier, I would have needed the convertible because then everyone would be able to see my stylin' in my fly-ass ride. Then, of course, there is the Sunfire, which was the Cavalier's more athletic sibling. It was a muscle car, but with style. I would compare it to the most gorgeous each volleyball player you've ever seen.

Sorry but is the only possible reaction to your post.

Edited October 3, 2010 by ZL-1

[Satty]

Yeah the whole "Fast, fun quality care are going extinct" thing is insane, especially when talking about the domestics. Its like saying Bigfoot has gone extinct. Something that never existed cant disappear. The Cruze, for all its faults, is the best compact GM has ever produced relative to the competition and GM can finally price a compact along with the Civic because it can sell on its own merits instead of on "$4,000 Off!".

BTW, that was supposed to say "beach volleyball player"

[ZL-1]

Yeah the whole "Fast, fun quality care are going extinct" thing is insane, especially when talking about the domestics. Its like saying Bigfoot has gone extinct. Something that never existed cant disappear. The Cruze, for all its faults, is the best compact GM has ever produced relative to the competition and GM can finally price a compact along with the Civic because it can sell on its own merits instead of on "$4,000 Off!".

BTW, that was supposed to say "beach volleyball player"

I know what you mean. And I agree re the Cruze.

[ocnblu]

Took mummy out for lunch yesterday, stopped by the Chevy dealer to show her the Cruze. She says it's a cute little thing. She likes it better than the Fiesta. And she thinks it's smaller than the Cobalt. She's gotta be off her meds.

[daves87rs]

Yeah the whole "Fast, fun quality care are going extinct" thing is insane, especially when talking about the domestics. Its like saying Bigfoot has gone extinct. Something that never existed cant disappear. The Cruze, for all its faults, is the best compact GM has ever produced relative to the competition and GM can finally price a compact along with the Civic because it can sell on its own merits instead of on "$4,000 Off!".

BTW, that was supposed to say "beach volleyball player"

+1

[regfootball]

at those wheel of fortune prices, chevy will need 4 grand off the higher buck versions of the cruze.

Edited October 4, 2010 by regfootball

[Drew Dowdell]

Why? you don't get $4k off a Civic, and that can be optioned up over 27k.

[regfootball]

because its a chevy (chevy still don't have brand cred for pie in the sky pricing) and because the cruze doesn't have the powertrain worthy for a 27k pricetag.

Civic EXl with Nav is under 25k, not sure why you are misleading on the price of the civic. It you are thinking Si model, that is a performance version with more power which the cruze does not have. Not sure why you would mislead people like that.

A Kizashi top of the line with NAV and memory seats is a tad pittance more than the fully loaded cruze.

Edited October 4, 2010 by regfootball

[Robert Hall]

Problem is buyers still equate Chevy to Wal Mart. Low Prices Everyday.

[Z-06]

because its a chevy (chevy still don't have brand cred for pie in the sky pricing) and because the cruze doesn't have the powertrain worthy for a 27k pricetag.

Civic EXl with Nav is under 25k, not sure why you are misleading on the price of the civic. It you are thinking Si model, that is a performance version with more power which the cruze does not have. Not sure why you would mislead people like that.

A Kizashi top of the line with NAV and memory seats is a tad pittance more than the fully loaded cruze.

Problem is buyers still equate Chevy to Wal Mart. Low Prices Everyday.

That is not the case with the new Equinox, which is gaining approx. $3,500 over the previous model. Why can't the Cruze have that same gain against the Cobalt?

I find Cruze to Cobalt update parallel with the Equinox 2 to Equinox 1 update. The only thing not working against the Cruze is its exterior looks 3 years too old, but there is no reason to trash the car when it comes to quality, ergonomics, standard equipment and options. I think we should wait to see the result before letting the runaway jury post a verdict.

[Drew Dowdell]

because its a chevy (chevy still don't have brand cred for pie in the sky pricing) and because the cruze doesn't have the powertrain worthy for a 27k pricetag.

Civic EXl with Nav is under 25k, not sure why you are misleading on the price of the civic. It you are thinking Si model, that is a performance version with more power which the cruze does not have. Not sure why you would mislead people like that.

A Kizashi top of the line with NAV and memory seats is a tad pittance more than the fully loaded cruze.

Because when I loaded it up with basic stuff like fog lights and 16" alloys, I end up at $26,768.

[Robert Hall]

With compacts, $25k is now about the bottom line for anything decently equipped.

[daves87rs]

With compacts, $25k is now about the bottom line for anything decently equipped.

Pretty much...issue is that people may have gotten to used to the "let's buy a chevy compact around 10 grand" that went on for years...

Now you can't even find a Kia compact (not counting the Rio), for less than 15 grand....

[frogger]

Oh well the Sonata 2.0T SE looks like a pretty good deal at $24K and change in comparison, but also cures cancer and ends famine as well.

[Drew Dowdell]

Oh well the Sonata 2.0T SE looks like a pretty good deal at $24K and change in comparison, but also cures cancer and ends famine as well.

So kinda like Mother Teresa.... does good things, but you wouldn't want to look at her every day.

[hyperv6]

Yeah the whole "Fast, fun quality care are going extinct" thing is insane, especially when talking about the domestics. Its like saying Bigfoot has gone extinct. Something that never existed cant disappear. The Cruze, for all its faults, is the best compact GM has ever produced relative to the competition and GM can finally price a compact along with the Civic because it can sell on its own merits instead of on "$4,000 Off!".

BTW, that was supposed to say "beach volleyball player"

Could not have been said better.

Everyone is dwelling on the top sticker price when most of the Cruze purchased will be 19-20k or less.

The Malibu can sticker over $31K if you load up a LTZ. But how many does GM sell in relation to the LS stickered much less.

This will be a competitive car that few who are interested in buying it will complain about price or engine HP.

[balthazar]

Problem is buyers still equate hyundai to Wal Mart. Low Prices Everyday.

fixed. Local dealer is running radio spots offering $10K off "every hyundai".

[cavalier36]

Remember the good 'ol days when you could get a fun, reliable, high quality Cavalier with AC/PW/PL/Auto for $9,995?

yeah I bought a few of them. I currently have a 2003 Cavalier just to drive to work/extra car. just hit 117,000 miles today. it still never lets me down. people rag on the Cavaliers, but tell you what I owned FIVE of them. 96 coupe, 97 convertible, 98 coupe, 04 coupe, and the 03 sedan that I currently own. I never had any problems with any of them. I am going to give my 2006 Pontiac G6 to my girlfriend and I am going to buy a new car in January. I like the Cruze but seems like I can get a Malibu or even a Regal for not much more money. Last time I was getting an oil change I looked at a new Regal. it was $26,000 and it was fully loaded with leather and everything. Id be happy to pay 2 Grand more for a Regal.

[cavalier36]

Pretty much...issue is that people may have gotten to used to the "let's buy a chevy compact around 10 grand" that went on for years...

Now you can't even find a Kia compact (not counting the Rio), for less than 15 grand....

well atleast you can get an Aveo cheap still. probably pick one of those up for around 11 or 12 grand. I kicked around the idea of buying one to replace the 03 cavalier, but I dont really care for them. you can get a really nice 08-09 cobalt for 9 grand. which is probably what ill end up getting when i replace it.

[A Horse With No Name]

because its a chevy (chevy still don't have brand cred for pie in the sky pricing) and because the cruze doesn't have the powertrain worthy for a 27k pricetag.

Civic EXl with Nav is under 25k, not sure why you are misleading on the price of the civic. It you are thinking Si model, that is a performance version with more power which the cruze does not have. Not sure why you would mislead people like that.

A Kizashi top of the line with NAV and memory seats is a tad pittance more than the fully loaded cruze.

Kizashi is also made by a brand that may soon be leaving us shores, and isn't as fuel efficient as a Cruze. Given a choice, I think I'd take a Cruze over a Kisashi, but a Focus or a GTI over wither the Kisashi or the cruze.And if Vee dub pulls it's head out of it's arse and gets the HPFP issues taken care of with the TDI...ding ding ding, we will have a winner.

fixed. Local dealer is running radio spots offering $10K off "every hyundai".

Hmmm...that means I could buy a Genesis coupe for about 13K.

Interesting....

So kinda like Mother Teresa.... does good things, but you wouldn't want to look at her every day.

Mother Theresa is in a lot of ways not that good....

Yeah the whole "Fast, fun quality care are going extinct" thing is insane, especially when talking about the domestics. Its like saying Bigfoot has gone extinct. Something that never existed cant disappear. The Cruze, for all its faults, is the best compact GM has ever produced relative to the competition and GM can finally price a compact along with the Civic because it can sell on its own merits instead of on "$4,000 Off!".

BTW, that was supposed to say "beach volleyball player"

Actually....I really liked the 85 Cavalier type 10 coupe that I owned. five speeds and lots of fun.

Depends on what you mean by affordable small cars....

[regfootball]

Problem is buyers still equate Chevy to Wal Mart. Low Prices Everyday.

precisely and the cruze is not the car that will change it from the gate. it doesn't have enough wow factor in person or on the spec sheet.

Edited October 4, 2010 by regfootball

[regfootball]

Because when I loaded it up with basic stuff like fog lights and 16" alloys, I end up at $26,768.

honda website says alloys are standard on EX and EXL

and hate to tell ya, but the honda will have better resale

Pretty much...issue is that people may have gotten to used to the "let's buy a chevy compact around 10 grand" that went on for years...

Now you can't even find a Kia compact (not counting the Rio), for less than 15 grand....

but new 010 Optimas can be had for under 15 grand right now if you are lookin for a deal

new altimas, 16 grand....

So kinda like Mother Teresa.... does good things, but you wouldn't want to look at her every day.

slamming mother theresa.....nice

Edited October 4, 2010 by regfootball

[regfootball]

Kizashi is also made by a brand that may soon be leaving us shores, and isn't as fuel efficient as a Cruze. Given a choice, I think I'd take a Cruze over a Kisashi, but a Focus or a GTI over wither the Kisashi or the cruze.And if Vee dub pulls it's head out of it's arse and gets the HPFP issues taken care of with the TDI...ding ding ding, we will have a winner.

Hmmm...that means I could buy a Genesis coupe for about 13K.

Interesting....

Mother Theresa is in a lot of ways not that good....

Actually....I really liked the 85 Cavalier type 10 coupe that I owned. five speeds and lots of fun.

Depends on what you mean by affordable small cars....

suzuki is not leaving the states. Japan Inc. will guarantee it stays, especially now that it is linked to VW. the thing in comparing compacts to midsize when looking at mpg you should really be looking at combined epa numbers.....which is what you will get most times. if you have a midsize like the sonata that gets i think 26 combined and you compare it to a cruze which is probably 28 that difference is sometimes offset by cheaper insurance on the larger car in terms of money. unless you really want the small car for the fun factor (the kicker is the small car you pick HAS to be fun...i.e. engine and handling) then you can't really justify a small car purchase on economic factors unless the price or car payment is significantly less. the only way to reason it then is to say you just want a smaller car.

in the suzuki's case at least from what i have read on owner reviews, they love the car, great road dynamics, and if you compare physical dimensions cruze vs kizashi your wheelbase and other dimensions are pretty close. but the kizashi has a nicer interior with more space and the powertrain has more power. it then depends on level of trim. no doubt there will be trim comparisons where the Cruze will have a good advantage in MSRP at least but in some instances the spread is not so much.

COuple in the fact that Chevy pretty much never has attractive leases on the compacts unlike a lot of the other competition, the first year of the Cruze is more of a motivator to push people up into the outgoing Malibus than anything while they work out the defects building them here, since the extra 2-3 years it took for them to get it to the states they still probably won't have the line issues figured out.

Edited October 4, 2010 by regfootball

[occupant]

That's fairly disgusting.

$17,000 for the base base model with a stick and no cruise.

$19,500 to get cruise on an LT1.

$21,000 for the LT2 with cruise standard.

I'll take a 3-year-old Cobalt instead. Thanks but no thanks.