2010 Chevrolet Cruze Headed for L.A. Auto Show

The Cruze isn't a particularly inspiring looking vehicle, though I suppose neither is the Corolla. The Civic, like it or hate it, is at least interesting.

If history is any indicator, the "refinements" usually have something to do with complying with US regulatory requirements (which is fine), but also assembly changes that have to be made for the benefit of the US factory in Ohio that will be building the Cruze.

Instead of allowing the manufacturing engineer to decide what is the most efficient and cost-effective way to build a quality vehicle, accommodations will have to be made to ensure that the Lordstown Assembly facility employs the contracted ratio of "unskilled labor," painters, electricians, etc etc...

15k cruze looks better then 40k volt.

With GM, why am I not surprised!?

"book holder on steering wheel"

LOL! Good one, Ed!

"The Civic, like it or hate it, is at least interesting."

The civic was interesting the first 500 times I saw one on the road, not anymore. It looks overstyled and has nothing in common with other Hondas. The Cruze is conservative but it doesn't look contrived nor scream "I'm an economy car".

"15k cruze looks better then 40k volt. "

The Volt's shape is determined by wind tunnel testing and all the batteries- it looks like a hybrid. The car's design affects its shape so you shouldn't expect it to look like a conventional sedan. If you like hatchbacks the Volt looks better. Many small car fans like hatches better.

"Instead of allowing the manufacturing engineer to decide what is the most efficient and cost-effective way to build a quality vehicle, accommodations will have to be made to ensure that the Lordstown Assembly facility employs the contracted ratio of "unskilled labor," painters, electricians, etc etc..."

Any basis for all of that nonsense? Of course not. The current generation of GM global vehicles can be assembled in plants in various countries. The refinments are probably changes for regulatory purposes, ride quality enhancements, Onstar, etc. The car will fundamentally be the same as what they have elsewhere.

Good to see you back again Bob. Ever actually gone downstairs to see the factory floor or work at a UAW facility?

acbayard,

Congratulations! You aren't an IL Charter Member until 1487 calls you and/or one of your posts stupid.

1487 is here to defend the defenseless and heart broken giant conglomerate. I mean, do you think they could compete with their product alone? Thats just crazy stupid.

The brilliance of 1487's posts is lost until the inevitable comments pile on. 'DAMN 1487'S HERE TIME TO START HATING GM AGAIN'

Say what you will of the man, he's nothing if not consistent. And there's more to be said of his ... passion than just anything half of you clods post.

Also when he tore Mcwhatshis name and Sadlier a new cavity for the wrongass SRX review it was really quite an embarrassment for IL.

You mean his blind comittment to a faceless corporation that does not care anything about him? Is that what you call passion? His utter failure to understand that car companies dont need him to defend them? Give me a break, wrinkle, he had not tore anybody a new anything.

1487: I guess I'm just hoping the SS version looks a little more interesting. I'm sure it will. The SS cobalt, after all, was a bug improvement over the lower models. You're right that the above shown cruze does not look cheap.

Ok I take back what I said about the Cruzbalt, that fascia (grille) looks stupid.

Re: Volt. GM needs to start under-promising and over-delivering.

"Congratulations! You aren't an IL Charter Member until 1487 calls you and/or one of your posts stupid."

Never called his post stupid. Perhaps you are thinking of your own posts. If the shoe fits.......

"1487 is here to defend the defenseless and heart broken giant conglomerate. I mean, do you think they could compete with their product alone? Thats just crazy stupid."

Actually, I just don't think any compact sedans on the market really look better than this. I eagerly await your list of far superior compacts in the market today.

Thanks.

"You mean his blind comittment to a faceless corporation that does not care anything about him? Is that what you call passion? His utter failure to understand that car companies dont need him to defend them? Give me a break, wrinkle, he had not tore anybody a new anything."

You haven't been around long so I will forgive your ignorance. Shockingly it would probably be smart if you actually read the exchange that wrinkebump referred to before telling him he is wrong. In spite of all the predictably absurd commentary from my fan club you wont find any statements verifying this oft discussed allegiance to "faceless" GM. I point out facts that others want to gloss over to propagate their jaded and poorly formed opinions. While I'm not a fan of Toyota or Honda products there are plenty of Mazdas, Audis and BMWs (mainly 3 series) that I do like. Never said otherwise- not that such facts should get in the way of your flaming. I understand that you are a one trick pony so I don't want to take away your claim to fame. Carry on.

Cruze is an attractive car, with a difficult job to do--convince Americans that US-branded small cars can be fully competitive. Early reports are encouraging, but I (and many others) will reserve judgment until the production models have been on the road in the US for a year or two.

There are bright signs from GM in recent years.
--The Malibu is among the best in class, by most accounts.
--2010 LaCrosse seems to have the potential to take down the much more expensive Lincoln MKS.
--The new Equinox, too, seems to have great potential.
--Enclave/Traverse/Acadia are well executed, and Enclave in particular has a nice interior.

But GM does, as bimmerjay points out, have a history of overpromising, only to have the real car fail to live up to the promises. Quality control continues to be a problem with the Camaro, and several models are still uncompetitive in their segment.

This isn't necessarily the Cobalt market--Cobalts were often sold on price alone, to customers with few options, little credit, and often little education--essentially the same folks who bought Cavaliers. Those people will probably gravitate elsewhere now (Accent, Rio, Versa) as the Cruze moves slightly upmarket. Likely customers for the Cruze will be a bit more discerning--they either (a) don't have a lot of money to spend on a car, or (b) don't want to spend recklessly. Thus, they will be very cautious--they're the same folks who buy Corollas and Elantras today.

As acbayard points out, it remains to be seen whether the conditions of GM's bankruptcy and the political pull of the UAW may draw production toward plants with an uneven quality record, or otherwise provide unearned job security for underperforming/overpaid workers. These are not "nonsensical" concerns for likely Cruze customers, because they work hard for their money and would like to think that they are purchasing a car that will provide good value for 100k miles and more--a car that will remain solid and appealing, and will hold its value long enough to be worth fixing when things begin to break.

"Never[sic] called his post stupid."

My mistake. What you actually said was:

"Any basis for all of that nonsense? Of course not."

"Perhaps you are thinking of your own posts. If the shoe fits......."

Ah, now THAT'S the 1487 we all know and love; no one can exemplify arrogance, bitterness and condescension better than you.

And -who would have thought?- you went on to give us multiple examples just to prove that you haven't lost your touch:

"You haven't been around long so I will forgive your ignorance."

"In spite of all the predictably absurd commentary from my fan club..."

"I point out facts that others want to gloss over to propagate their jaded and poorly formed opinions."

"I understand that you are a one trick pony so I don't want to take away your claim to fame. Carry on. "

It's no wonder that you have a "fan club"...

What Stephen987 said ^^^^^^^^^

And one for the road.....

1487 ummmmm, never mind it is just not worth the typing.

I, for one, really liked the looks of the Cobalt SS coupe, and I hope this Cruze can be dolled up to a similar performance trim.