regfootball

Oh, I would have been happy in the Cobalt SS's seats.......BUT THERE IS NO ARMREST IN THE SS I have never driven the GTI but (sidebar here) that Kizashi I drove the other day is more fun and a better car than the 5 cylinder Jettas I have been in. Much better. I'd like to flog a WRX sometime. I have never liked the Impreza much though. The Lancer Ralliart intrgues me too, but I know how much you like the Dodge Lancer. I looked at a Nissan Juke the other day. Aside from the front end, it really is cool looking and I would love to try one of those, but the interior looks so small in it, I am not sure I would fit. The rear seats are toys in the Juke, and the front looks very tight as well.

so its curious why the regal gets a pansy turbo motor

my cobalt turned 6 months old this weekend, the love affair has long since gone. i wish the i had the opportunity to flip it and get something else. it's not a bad car, but the things that are not nice about it are sorta getting to me. don't drive a cruze and try to get back in your cobalt.....much better seats in the cruze....

I'm a big Ford guy, and I still cannot get jacked about the Fusion. I know I would prefer the Kizashi to the Fusion myself, having driven them. The problem is, the car is good, but is that enough? Suzuki desperately needs to build some brand equity, and get its ducks in a row.

it's pretty amazing when you consider how far the 'taurus' has come. taurus now, is a quality ride, it's come a looooooooong way. great writeup.

if it requires technology and manufacturing investment, it might as well be a whole new engine. you are talking about switching materials, finishing processes, specifications. generally in manufacturing engines, it sometimes is based on the bore centers and such. you mess with the metalurgy of an engine, and the cam drives / valvetrain, it pretty much is a new engine. From an operations perspective.....once you have divergent parts numbers, its a whole new engine too, especially for the people who need to stock parts. .............15-20 years ago............. these days i doubt it matters. people want what is consistent with the times. and then one idiot pumps 87 in his tank and all hell breaks loose. the engine must run fine on 87, if it performs better on 91 than so be it. America has too many idiots to trust them to put 91 in consistently or willingly.

as long as the engine is not a wheezer at 6500 rpm and still has automotive viagra at higher speeds..... in line six is a large engine, for a lot of engine bays. it only works mostly for the rare rwd chassis....

Hyundai's price sensitive approach is ripe for the times. If their ascendency (sp) had been in 2004, it may not have been as relevant. Regardless of that, what they have achieved is credible, and no doubt their relentless onslaught to gain share cannot be dismissed. Now is when I remind everyone of when Mitsubishi had a huge push and business increase on our soil........."a car for everyone"

Tested - blue 2010 Suzuki Kizashi AWD SE 23,800 MSRP +/- HIGHS 'very good' driving dynamics CVT! 'more power than you can expect' 'right size' packaging big trunk soft touch interior surfaces quality touch points MEMORY SEATS at 24k? syling including interesting exhaust features comfortable seats cabin audio (SE system is good, adding the rockford fosgate sub allows for mirror shaking bass) dual zone climate paddle shifters on the SES, responsive manual shifting price, warranty nice trunk back seat is surprisingly accomodating unique in the crowd steering tightens up nicely at speed engine has unexpected grunt! (will put you in your seat if you work the throttle right....seriously) optional AWD easy mp3 navigation off USB excellent steering wheel and stalks keyless entry and one touch start dual zone climate control USB in a convenient location behind a flip up panel delightful engine SNARL on the boil tidy looks LOWS front end felt too heavy (not sure if this is only on AWD models or not) center stack display could look less cheesy steering take too long to firm up to a nice level (and at that speed, its really good afterwards) paddle shifters only on top end model the car itself is more accomplished than the brand not as large as the other midsizers (if that is what you want) lacks 'swagger' the 'WTF' you get from friends and relatives that berate you for buying a ---Suzuki----- life's too short. Sometimes you need to stick your neck out. This car is one of those chances to do that. For rational reasons, you would not drive this car. 'Brand won't be around' 'they make $h!ty cars'. Here is an instance where the car eclipses the brand, in the US at least. This car did not blow me away. The steering was not as good as I was expecting, but I felt it was because I had an AWD version that no doubt had some extra weight on the front end. I could never get over the sensation that the front end was too heavy on this car. At the same time, it still was more enjoyable that just about every ---midsize---- car that is out there right now. It wasn't like that was immediately apparent. You gotta play with it some. This is a car you have to commit to. It does not fall into line with the Fusions and Camry's and even Sonatas of the world. You first have to commit to saying you want a FWD based car, but then you have to say its ok to have something different. You don't have Honda or Toyota or Nissan behind you. A quick test drive in this car to me did not reveal all I wanted to find out. What I can say is the sum of the parts seemed worth more than the sticker and the car appealed to me more than anything sedan wise I can think of at 24k in recent memory. If Suzuki fails in the US, it won't be because of hardware. The Kizashi is a pleasing car. No, its not AUTOJESUS.....but, it is a 'representation' of a car in its class that goes a bit outside the middle and tips the scale a little to making things interesting. I might draw the line at 'sport sedan' because the front end is so heavy and the steering was not light and responsive enough to me at low speeds. Don't sweat passing on the manual. the manual might be the most pure form to enjoy this car in, but the CVT in this car is well done, too. I have grown to like CVT's recently, and in the Kizashi (once you learn how to work the gas pedal) it can literally put you in your seat. It's an odd thing to proclaim, because praised cars are usually because of good handling. The ride on the Kizashi I had zero fault with. The steering was very good, except at low speed I didn't think it was light enough. Perhaps I was wrong or maybe it will get tweaked. Who doesn't like holding on to the Kizashi's steering wheel? I almost want to give an incomplete on this car only because I wanted more time in it. I refuse to overstate it and say it's a luxury car or something.. No, it just seems like people paid attention to making it just a bit better than you think a midsizer should be. I drove this car the same day as the new Cruze. I liked the Cruze, and I know the cars are not in the same class. But the Cruze is not much cheaper. I think there are a lot of shoppers in the high end of compacts and many points of the mid size class that really should be exposed to this car. This car may struggle to find sales, but it won't be because its not a good piece. It does not have the complete skill set of a 'sports sedan' but as it is, its a nice find in the sea of benign midsizers. It would be nice if just a few more folks could find this thing. The interior despite its pleasing qualities had a slightly cheesy aura in the center stack. I hope they fix a little of that in the future. By no means is it dificient to the rest of the market. I think a turbo version and sport version are due on this car in the future. You have a nice option of fully enjoying it as current, or waiting for some real fun. After experiencing this car, and knowing fully well how the Jetta is, I see no rational argument to buy a Jetta over the Kizashi. This is a strange review to conclude, because the brand will always hold back the car here in the US. The Kizashi is a nice, new, welcome option and it really at the core, a nice partner. There were some things about the car that were nitpicks, but the individuality of the car really endeared itself to me. Im my mind, its easily in the top tier of midsizers and feels every bit of and more than its list price. Once you get inside, the cabin is more than a positive reinforcement of any impressions you have going in. I will give it a B+ for now. If the brand behind the car were stronger it would hit A- easily. I am just not sure enough folks will appreciate the differences in this car. And maybe that's ok. It just may not guarantee survival of the brand. I leave this review confused because the car is solid and worthy of a look. Just knowing the brand is touch and go makes one leery..... There are no big gripes about the car. Just do your homework and research all the implications before you commit to the 'brand'. I can just say that this car is among the top 2-3 now in the cars I would buy in the midsize class.

tested - red 2011 Cruze LT1 sticker 20,600 +/- 1.4 turbo, 6 sp auto HIGHS Fantastic cockpit, dash layout, ergonomics, displays, and controls including yummy leather wrapped steering wheel and dash buttons Interesting interior design with pretty good material quality all around Gauges and display in particular are a huge upgrade Really good visibility (as opposed to bunker mode like so many cars including the Malibu) Power seat is handy Great front row space and cabin width Lots of thoughtful convenience features including remote start Quiet interior, especially at highway speeds Frisky little turbo! (except....see below) Much improved steering feel over the Cobalt I pulled up into the lot with -------sidebar--------- It's really painful getting back in a Cobalt after driving a Cruze. Seriously. ------back to programming---------- good trunk space nice engine sounds, decent snarl out of it once the turbo spools up low cruzing rpm at highways speeds (about 2500 rpm at 65 mph) power (once on the boil, see below) is quite "sprite" and is "just fine" for what I would consider most drivers on a morning commute. no real noticeable or glaring NVH issues when studied in the context of the compact competition Power seat was handy! (except......) Seats are very supportive, unusual for a GM product in this class For the most part the car felt 'nicely put together'. Dare I say, there is a 'slight import feel' about the car yet it still 'has a bit of the Chevy personality'. To most folks, they would never know this car is a turbo. There is no whine and technically, no 'lag' (see below) This car has the personality that is 'very competently a mainstream driving partner' LOWS Back seat room, seriously, they really should have an extra two inches. The seat cloth really is not up to par of the rest of the interior. Go for the LEATHER. The driver's seat shape didn't initially agree with me, perhaps i need adjustment. The seat bottom felt chintzy and lumpy. The seat recline lever is in a really stupid place. ( we can just simply say its retarded ) It will take you a bit of effort to get the steering wheel where you want it so it doesn't block the gauges. The trunk trimming is a bit cheap. The car is a low rider. I'd like it an inch or two higher. The roof on the car is low so it feels like head room is a bit sparse, especially in back. The exterior styling, when you see a few of them together on the lot, well, its dull and blends in. Hate to say it, but it already looks old....at the same time it's at least upbeat and tidy. Perhaps if the car has 18" alum wheels we are better off. This one had steel wheels and cheap hubcaps. Suspension, ok the car was quiet and ride was decent...but I never got the impression the suspension was highly composed and well developed. There seemed to be some bump harshness there. Steering, at speed was good......a godsend for Chevy but not 'Germanic'. At the same time probably better than a Corolla. biggest issue Once on the boil, the car has sufficient pep for whatever you need it to do. I was surprised by the spunk it had in many situations. And, its smooth. There is not really any way to pick on the car for refinement for a compact. The big problem is in many situations at low speed and from a dead stop the transmission is too slow to react and maybe its taking too long for the turbo, too. Again, you do not know the car is a turbo, its just that it seems like the car is not responding like it should. This ought to be corrected. I don't care if its tranny programming or whatever. It's not herky jerky, or abrupt. Its just like waking up a computer from a screen saver.....it's not immediate. If you can figure out how to drive it to minimize that....then you are fine. Lastly I will add, the car I drove with the steel wheels felt undertired. With nice 18" alum wheels and some HQ michelins on the car I bet it remakes the car into a really nice ride. I will finish this later. The car drives fine with the automatic but After experiencing the low speed delay on the shifting I would be curious to know how the 6 sp manual compares. Because I think the miniturbo would be a good match. Again too, the car would be even better with a 1.6 or 1.8. SUMMARY often times its about expectations and meeting them. It sort of depends how much hype you have been exposed to in regards to the Cruze vs. past GM efforts. I was a fan of the Saturn Astra that GM brought over from across the pond so I always knew GM had the ability to have an improved small car product and at the same time that there is a lot about GM cars that are universal that are always appreciated. What that means in the context of the Cruze is that the car will please long time GM owners and traditionally non GM owners alike. Clearly the car has a lot going for it and within the confines of reasonable expectations for a car in the compact class, the Cruze is really an accomplished piece. I do not feel there will be too many people that will have any strong major exceptions towards anything about the car. Compared to previous GM product in this class, its on the next level and in my mind is competitive with nearly if not all in the class it competes in. The tiny asterisk I throw in here is I think those looking to downsize from a midsize sedan and larger should be cautioned that this is still a compact and as such still does not have the space and comfort and refinement of those ilk. At the same time it means driving a compact is not at all a punishment. I have driven a few of VW's most recent products (not as of yet an '011 Jetta, but may soon) and I see no reason why someone would need to get a VW to have a esteemed small car. As it stands, the Cruze is competitive, and if they address the powertrain, minor suspension issues, and rear seat space issues, in my mind, they will be in the top group of cars in the class. A little sizzle on the styling steak in an MCE cannot hurt, either. At the end of the day, unless the bland styling turns you off, I don't think there is anything major that would give you buyer's remorse here. I think a Cruze intender should first determine if a midsize sedan at a slightly higher price is a better decision, but within the compact class, you could enjoy owning a Cruze. Before I had said I didn't think the visual personality of the car would warrant the investment of a sports model, but after getting a taste of it, I really would welcome a version of this car with the LNF turbo like the Cobalt SS, and suspension, braking, and steering upgrades. I think it would be a hoot for this car. What is disturbing here is that this car in the context of the world is like 3 years old already. So is it worth the investment? Is a hatchback worth it? Chevy can really build on the competency of this car, and the user friendliness of it should add esteem to the brand. Even though the target keeps moving, Chevy finally made a car that makes time stand still for a brief moment, and make you take a look. B+ (A- if they add power and work out the suspension a bit)

i still don't trust Hyundai's sonata enough to BUY one, but leasing, no prob. Thrown them the keys back if its a lemon. I doubt there are much in the way of issues with the Genesis. I would buy a current gen Elantra in full confidence because its not too pricey.

I am actually damn bored with the Sonata. But i see so many of them, they are popular. I like the Optima better. I could forgive Chrysler for not fixing the hump on this thing if they would have DRAMATICALLY revised the front end on this car. Its a very upright, plain, blocky face that needs some aggression and modernizing. I think a Mitsubishi Charger front beak on the thing might have been ok.

first off, for GM to call a DOHC engine 'premium' is laughable since most of the rest of the competition had been making them and putting them in garden variety cars for quite awhile. For GM to say its premium was them putting their own band aid spin on why they kept shoving boat anchor 6's on the car buyers when they were clearly showing not a love of love for GM's motors anymore. 2nd, why the expense for a rare engine that only uses premium? Some dip$h! will put 87 in it and you are back at square one. If you are gonna blow money on ANOTHER new engine for GM, do a DOHC v8 OR a couple diesels.

there are tons of them out there. it's connecting with a lot of buyers. but the regal doesn't get great mpg sure, its called "2011 Jetta"

power space style fuel economy warranty. yeah go to other web sites and read comments there are DEFINITELY people cross shopping the higher trim sonatas against other cars. and if the sonata won't do, the genesis sedan certainly can. take off those GM blinders again. There are as many non fanbois saying 'why is a Buick attempting to compete with cars like this?' what are A4 prices these days? Is Audi getting greedy?

well the exterior styling still is repellent so i probably have no need to get into the car unless i am either at Avis or i see it says '10 grand off sticker' or they slap a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty on it or that new v6 posts surreal acceleration times. they didn't fix 'the hump' on the outside, so it's almost immaterial what its like inside. kind of like if i heard oprah waxed her bikini line, it still don't make me wanna get indoors.....

MKZ hybrid FTW! lol actually the MKZ AWD v6 would be pretty speedy in this bunch. but it's just a tarted up Malibu....oops, i mean Fusion.

There is not much that does bode well for the new 9-5, at the prices they are asking for it.

Yes but the Passat at 32k wins the comparo. a 38K GS will probably not have NAV or leather i am guessing. And it will be two tons, I don't think it will be much faster than this turbo front drive one. If one studies the numbers a bit, the quarter mile on the Regal turbo is not far off the others. The way it sucks gas is what is more disturbing to me. I know some groups in the world think pork is unclean, on the Regal its just heavy, the pork really ruins the dynamics, power, and gas mileage. Those Opel engineers really love their pork, don't they? (Vue, Regal, .....) The grille on the Acura can slice the pork. I'd still buy the Regal. I bet its a lot faster with the stick. If we do actually get it. I think its a bit sleazy that the v6 Acura at 38k is in this test, too...... It seems to me like if the Regal wee 200 pounds less, had some better combustion efficiency, and a bit of chassis attention, I'd would be in much better shape. Some folks don't mind a heavy feeling car actually. It feels more solid and like its worth closer to what they paid.

the chrysler dealer i was at the other day had a new 010 Avenger R/T with leather stickered at 18k ......... when i saw that and compare it to this, I think I'd go back and get the deal on that 010 before its gone and not waste the money on the 011. That said, suspension improvements and the v6 are the big draw for 011. The interior is different, black is apparently not a good color for it. Like the Caravan, it's not a huge improvement, but any is welcome.

exactly why the Equus is a head scratcher

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q4/2010_acura_tsx_v6_vs._2011_buick_regal_cxl_turbo_2010_volkswagen_cc_2.0t_r-line-comparison_tests Before you guess the winner, second, and third, the Acura MSRP was 38k+, the Regal was 35k+, the CC was 32k+. And just to interject some additional info, there was also a writeup in Dec 2010 Car and Driver for the Sonata turbo. 27K sticker, praised the road manners, and it did 0-60 in 6.2. CHeck the Regal's performance for yourself and the others and then compare all three to the Sonata turbo.......

maybe Opel comes into the Buick dealers with the Astra and Corsa and Meriva.

the length of that parking brake lever is quite excessive. CRX, one of the few Hondas I really dig. Love the pics. Glad its turning out to be a good purchase. Imagine if GM had a car like the CRX with the ecotec turbo from the cobalt SS in it.....