drove a Cruz tonight...

Base model, 6-speed, I thought it drove pretty well. Rev matching was no problem, pedals were ok for heel/toe, pretty tight car (granted, it's brand new), steering seemed nice and linear (maybe a little light on "feel").

Granted, I've not driven any of the competition, and my points of reference are a bit dated, but not a bad car.

Power felt not bad with three adults in the car, so losing two of them should make it feel a bit peppier (is that a word?).

I'll drive a Focus next, maybe a Fusion too. Not sure on the Elantra, but much compelling evidence here, so I need to at least drive one.

New job started, so the purchase is probably more imminent now (notwithstanding previous arguments to be wary of doing so, from my other thread "ugly commute").

Don't know that I can warm up to a Fit, or even the Fiesta or the 2 (yes, I'm dumb, aesthetics play a role in what I wish to drive - but if I were all that practical, I wouldn't be on this board...).

Have you driven the Fit yet? Even putting practicality aside, the Cruz can't hold a candle to the Fit in driving dynamics. I'm shopping the same market you are...though I'm starting to lean heavily towards a used Mini instead. We just test drove the 2012 Fit a few days ago, and we own a 2008 Fit (previous gen). I was very pleasantly surprised how much fun the 2012 Fit is. It's got a transmission that shifts as good as a Miatas, the engine feels really lively and the steering is real quick and real sharp. Then you have to factor in Honda's track record vs. GMs on reliability.

The Cruz is a little bigger than the Fit and really isn't direct competition (the Sonic is Chevy's answer to the Fit). But even that said, I'd think you really need to check out the Fit if you haven't yet. I doubt you'll look at the Cruz again afterwards.

I really think an off lease/used Cruze Eco is going to be my next car...

Klayfish wrote: I'm shopping the same market you are...though I'm starting to lean heavily towards a used Mini instead.

Funny you should mention that, as we drove towards home, I spotted a MINI in a lot across the street....

We'll be looking some more in the next couple of days, I'll give the Fit a look.

Klayfish wrote: Have you driven the Fit yet? Even putting practicality aside, the Cruz can't hold a candle to the Fit in driving dynamics. I'm shopping the same market you are...though I'm starting to lean heavily towards a used Mini instead. We just test drove the 2012 Fit a few days ago, and we own a 2008 Fit (previous gen). I was very pleasantly surprised how much fun the 2012 Fit is. It's got a transmission that shifts as good as a Miatas, the engine feels really lively and the steering is real quick and real sharp. Then you have to factor in Honda's track record vs. GMs on reliability. The Cruz is a little bigger than the Fit and really isn't direct competition (the Sonic is Chevy's answer to the Fit). But even that said, I'd think you really need to check out the Fit if you haven't yet. I doubt you'll look at the Cruz again afterwards.

When shopping for a small DD, we checked out the Fit and found it to be a noisy, plasticky rattle box. Hard to believe it was a Honda. Driving dynamics are nothing to write home about either and are easlily surpassed by the Focus, the Mazda and even the Koreans. Its slow and with Honda's recent slide into mediocrity, doubtfull its any more reliable than its competition. The cheesy hubcaps over steel wheels? no thanks. The one area that the fit excells is its ability to carry a lot of stuff.

OldGray320i wrote: Base model, 6-speed, I thought it drove pretty well. Rev matching was no problem, pedals were ok for heel/toe, pretty tight car (granted, it's brand new), steering seemed nice and linear (maybe a little light on "feel"). Granted, I've not driven any of the competition, and my points of reference are a bit dated, but not a bad car. Power felt not bad with three adults in the car, so losing two of them should make it feel a bit peppier (is that a word?). I'll drive a Focus next, maybe a Fusion too. Not sure on the Elantra, but much compelling evidence here, so I need to at least drive one. New job started, so the purchase is probably more imminent now (notwithstanding previous arguments to be wary of doing so, from my other thread "ugly commute"). Don't know that I can warm up to a Fit, or even the Fiesta or the 2 (yes, I'm dumb, aesthetics play a role in what I wish to drive - but if I were all that practical, I wouldn't be on this board...).

I fully understand what you are talking about with aesthetics. I used to not care much, but the older I get the more I want to also appreciate the way a car looks. I've owned a lot of Honda's, and I do put driving satisfaction above aesthetics to a point, but every time I see a Fit I think to myself that there's no way I can drive something that looks like that. Just plain too dorky. I drove a Focus rental recently. I thought it was a really nice car, but hated the auto trans and thought the controls were extremely non-intuitive. But with a manual and some time to get used to it, it would be a pretty nice car. Driving dynamics were very good, and it was solid and quiet. Overall I was impressed. I haven't driven a Cruze, so I can't comment on that one.

The more I see Cruz on the road the more I likes 'em

OldGray320i wrote: drove a cruz tonight

Klayfish wrote: The Cruz is a...

fasted58 wrote: The more I see Cruz on the road the more I likes 'em

Only one Cruz I'd care to drive.

Oh wait, we're talking about the CRUZE? Nevermind then!

I've not driven a Cruze yet, but, if you care in the least about driving dynamics, I strongly encourage you to disregard the existence of the Sonic. The steering is so over-boosted and numb that it feels broken.

bravenrace wrote: ...every time I see a Fit I think to myself that there's no way I can drive something that looks like that. Just plain too dorky.

What is it about the Fit that makes it dorky?

ShadowSix wrote:

bravenrace wrote: ...every time I see a Fit I think to myself that there's no way I can drive something that looks like that. Just plain too dorky.

What is it about the Fit that makes it dorky?

Have you seen it? It's kind of like the crosstour....when you have full bore Honda lovers that can't stand it you know Honda got it wrong.

When shopping for a small DD, we checked out the Fit and found it to be a noisy, plasticky rattle box. Hard to believe it was a Honda. Driving dynamics are nothing to write home about either and are easlily surpassed by the Focus, the Mazda and even the Koreans. Its slow and with Honda's recent slide into mediocrity, doubtfull its any more reliable than its competition. The cheesy hubcaps over steel wheels? no thanks. The one area that the fit excells is its ability to carry a lot of stuff.

It really is interesting how different people interpret the same vehicle dynamics differently. That's why I love reading the boards and even all the different car magazines. We actually felt the opposite. We felt the Fit was quiet (that's all relative...we're comparing it to other econoboxes), tight and drove like a tall go cart. Agree the interior was plastic fantastic in spots, most notably the HVAC controls. Also agree the hubcaps are pathetic. Other cars use hubcaps (see the base Mazda 2, etc...), but the ones on the Fit are horrid. However, that's easily remedied. Beyond that, I think it's the best B segment car out there. I don't agree they've slid to mediocrity. They're still dead nuts reliable. Haven't driven the Focus, so don't know much about it. The first car we test drove was the Kia Rio (sister to the Accent), and we found it to be a decent car, but nothing close to the Fit.

By the way OP, do yourself a favor and shop the Mini. It's not a true apples to apples comparison to B segment cars, but damn they're fun to drive. That's the discussion my wife and I are having now. Take the smart, practical, reliable safe bet Fit/Mazda2 or go for something with more "personality" like the Mini.

In reply to ShadowSix:

Small tires, tall roof, narrow body, etc... It looks like a shoe box turned sideways on roller skates. Don't get me wrong, it's fine for what it is, but stylish it's not.
For further explanation, google "dorky honda fit".

If the Cruze held your interest, I would definitely give the Sonic a look. Same engines, less weight, and assembled in the USA.

I bought one back in October to take over daily duties from my Scirocco. With aftermarket software, my Sonic is making just under 180hp with the little 1.4T engine.

Googling...

Wow, yeah, you are not alone. LOTS of people think they are dorky.

When I think "dorky" I think Honda Element/Scion xB/Maybe Nissan Cube... but I actually like all those cars anyway.

99% of cars are just look sort of neutral to me, very few inspire real feeling in either direction I guess. (Exceptions: Bad: Pontiac Aztek, Good: 2013 Ford Fusion)

When I think of the Fit and the Cruze I don't really think they look particularly good or bad, I just think they look like cars.

In reply to ShadowSix:

Yeah, well there's nothing wrong with it, I just don't at this time want a dorky looking car.

Then you have to factor in Honda's track record vs. GMs on reliability.

No. Apparently you can't, as it will make you a HONDUH FANBOIYEEE WHO HATES URRMURRICUHHHH!!!

I don't find anything "Dorky" looking about the Fit. Then again, I love 3rd gen. Civics and 1st gen. CRX's. Corvettes aside, I can't remember a Chevy made in the last 30+ years that I thought was particularly good looking. Sure as E36 M3 not the "Cruze."

I won't deny that the interior sucks, but the seats are comfy, and it's a $16,000 car that will last forever.

forzav12 wrote:

Klayfish wrote: Have you driven the Fit yet? Even putting practicality aside, the Cruz can't hold a candle to the Fit in driving dynamics. I'm shopping the same market you are...though I'm starting to lean heavily towards a used Mini instead. We just test drove the 2012 Fit a few days ago, and we own a 2008 Fit (previous gen). I was very pleasantly surprised how much fun the 2012 Fit is. It's got a transmission that shifts as good as a Miatas, the engine feels really lively and the steering is real quick and real sharp. Then you have to factor in Honda's track record vs. GMs on reliability. The Cruz is a little bigger than the Fit and really isn't direct competition (the Sonic is Chevy's answer to the Fit). But even that said, I'd think you really need to check out the Fit if you haven't yet. I doubt you'll look at the Cruz again afterwards.

When shopping for a small DD, we checked out the Fit and found it to be a noisy, plasticky rattle box. Hard to believe it was a Honda. Driving dynamics are nothing to write home about either and are easlily surpassed by the Focus, the Mazda and even the Koreans. Its slow and with Honda's recent slide into mediocrity, doubtfull its any more reliable than its competition. The cheesy hubcaps over steel wheels? no thanks. The one area that the fit excells is its ability to carry a lot of stuff.

Drive a Sport model. 16" Alloys and a rear sway bar make a difference. No, they don't make it any faster. 117hp is what it is.

has anyone considered the fiat 500, or is it too small/not really similar to the other choices mentioned?

poopshovel wrote:

Then you have to factor in Honda's track record vs. GMs on reliability.

No. Apparently you can't, as it will make you a HONDUH FANBOIYEEE WHO HATES URRMURRICUHHHH!!! I don't find anything "Dorky" looking about the Fit. Then again, I love 3rd gen. Civics and 1st gen. CRX's. Corvettes aside, I can't remember a Chevy made in the last 30+ years that I thought was particularly good looking. Sure as E36 M3 not the "Cruze." I won't deny that the interior sucks, but the seats are comfy, and it's a $16,000 car that will last forever.

I just don't know why you'd want it to last forever. I'll admit I don't get the appeal, but I'm not a fan of appliance cars in general.

In reply to Cotton:

Those of us with limited budgets appreciate cars that rarely break and are cheap to fix when they do.

I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking the Fit's styling is not up to par - I've seen a fair amount of postage on here that likes them.

Fiat 500 is just too darned tall.

I didn't get out to do any test drives tonight, so I hope to post up on a Focus and Elantra tomorrow. I do want to drive the MINI as well - time will tell.

And, my wife walked in just as I was scrolling to the "other" (and frankly, MUCH better looking) Cruz... "What the h-e-double hockey sticks are you looking at?" I 'splained and she laughed.

In reply to ShadowSix:

You're implying only appliance cars are cheap to fix and rarely break. All of our current DDs cost much less than a new appliance, but are reliable, cheap to fix, and interesting.

ShadowSix wrote: In reply to Cotton: Those of us with limited budgets appreciate cars that rarely break and are cheap to fix when they do.

That applies to my '88 CRX and '90 Civic, and they are much cheaper and better looking than a Fit.

Only tangentially related, but there is a dad in the car rider line at school that started driving a Sonic sedan about a month ago. That car is far and away the most attractive of the b segment sedans.