Drove: 2012 Civic EX and Cruze LT - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Stew · 04-25-2011, 11:18 AM

OK, because of fuel prices and my long drive i am looking at getting a new car with high gas mileage. This weekend I pulled into the Honda dealership and to my surprise they already had 2 2012 Civics on the lot. Honda just introduced these at the NY auto show last week. One an EX, one an EXL (leather, etc). I drove the EX (pretty loaded with bluetooth, sunroof, etc). I then went to the Chevy store to test out a Cruze. LT model with bluetooth package, 16 inch alloys (instead of wheel covers). The 2 cars were pretty evenly matched as far as options.

Civic EX:

I really wanted to dislike this car, but it was really good.

The good: The highway gas mileage at 39MPG was a good start. The looks are improved for the 12 model. Pictures don't do it justice. In person the new sculpting, especially on the sides and rear, though the overall shape is certainly familiar. The interior is a drastic change from more rounded to a more squared off look. Everything falls into hand, and secondary functions: Cruise, phone, bluetooth, radio controls are all included on the steering wheel. t still runs the dual tiered dash design with a normal tach and dummy lights in the lower tier and speedometer, secondary gauges, and computer in the upper tier. i really like this design as everything is easy to see and the digital readouts have a very vibrant, almost 3d effect. The seats are extremely comfortable. Leg room is great, mainly because of the center console design. This is the only small car I have found where my leg does not have to rest on the center stack while driving. I had plenty of headroom even with the EXs stock moonroof. Thanks to the light weight and en extremely responsive transmission, it was very peppy. Part and full throttle downshifts were quick and precise. Yes, the auto is only a 5 speed but unlike may 6 speeds, it does not feel neutered for the sake of gas mileage and still runs at the top of the gasoline fuel mileage heap. Handling was confident. It soaked up potholes and pumps, yet did not feel floaty or imprecise. Steering had a very good feel. The cabin was extremely quiet.

The bad:The only real con is that the interior dash area is pretty plasticky.

Overall: A surprising great small car, with lots of room, lots of features, and an engine and transmission that speak the same language.

2011 Cruze LT:

The Good: This is one handsome car inside and out. The interior is extremely sharp and has very good materials. The footwell was a little tight on room, but that is true of most smaller cars. Headroom was good, but the Civic with a sunroof was a bit roomier in this area than the Cruze without one. Still not bad for a small car. The turbo engine had decent pep to it also. The drive was very solid and very quiet.

Cons; the gauges were hard to see, it seemed almost as if the pointed towards the floor. Lucking I located the digital Speedo as part of the computer and was good to go, so no real issue. There was some turbo lag, the engine certainly took a moment to get into the power and then power was pretty adequate. The biggest con is how the engine/transmission worked together. Part throttle acceleration was met with slow shifting and was reluctant to downshift at times. Now, from stop at full the shifts were crisp and quick, so this is a tuning issue for the sake of fuel mileage. The seats could be little more comfortable, just can't explain, I couldn't get completely comfortable somehow.

Overall: A really good car in need of some fine tuning to be a great car.

I still have quite a few I want to try The 12 Focus, the 12 mazda 3 with it's new engine, The Kia Forte, and the Hyundai Elantra. may try out a 12 Impreza once they hit the lots and a VW Jetta, if I can find a decently close dealership for either.

FenwickHockey65 · 04-25-2011, 11:23 AM

Like someone said on GMI...

That interior looks like it's ready to collapse.

Stew · 04-25-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Like someone said on GMI...

That interior looks like it's ready to collapse.

All I can say is get behind the wheel of one, it really works. I wasn't a fan until I jumped in and started driving. yes it is plasticy, but in person it doesn't look bad and everything falls into hand very well. Looks and quality, I will say the Cruze blew it out of the water. I will say warts and all i really liked the Cruze, but overall there were less issues FOR ME with the Honda. I am not a fan of it just because of it being a Honda, on the Contrary, i have owned Fords, Chryslers, and GMs. I did have a couple DSMs, but they were junk and the only non-domestics I have owned.

TaylorRyanSS · 04-25-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Like someone said on GMI...

That interior looks like it's ready to collapse.

It does look like its falling down and sliding off the dash. My mom has a 2010 Civic. I am trying to get her into a Regal or something similar lol. The thing about Hondas though is the good lease deals. $200 a month for 36 months with $0 down.

Scrappy Doo · 04-25-2011, 02:06 PM

I picked up a Cruze LT the other day. The mrs drives 90 miles a day so it will be a throw away car. 1LT with connectivity package, remote start and sensing package, pioneer and alloys.

I really like it. And I drove 200 miles the other day in it, got 40.3 mpg,

Lauryn200 · 04-25-2011, 06:13 PM

If you are going to test drive a VW...test drive the Golf and than test drive the Jetta........Golf is probably way better on gas than the Jetta.

Honda-interior (NYC Auto show 2011)
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VW Golf R (2012)
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VADR_H8R · 04-25-2011, 06:32 PM

I work at Honda and we make the Civics. I am pretty proud of these cars actually. The Japanese really stand by their work and quality! If we still made the NSX I would have gotten it instead

kbui · 04-25-2011, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Like someone said on GMI...

That interior looks like it's ready to collapse.

Honda was trying too hard? It looks like it has already been thru a side impact at least once and the deformed configuration was used in the final design

Russo · 04-25-2011, 07:13 PM

i like the new civic, but it's time Honda threw away all the 5 speed autos and make 6+ speed auto cars! the new Odyssey has an optional 6 speed, but come on..

Number 3 · 04-25-2011, 08:03 PM

Both good cars for sure. The 2011 Civic was the segment benchmark and GM surpassed it in many, many ways. The 2012 Civic clearly has some of Honda's learnings and it is from everything I've read an equal or better car than the 2011 Civic it replaces.

But the 2012 Cruze will get you 38 MPG, with the ECO resulting in 42. And it is a tremdonusly solid car with a lot to offer.

2010 SS RS · 04-25-2011, 08:43 PM

I also picked up a Cruze 1lt RS for a high milage daily driver. Former civic owner myself as well.

Here is my take after 4000 miles.

Average fuel economy is 33 mpg city and highway with usual to heavy loads.
The turbo does in fact have lag if you are really driving it failry hard but if you are just Cruising around (no pun intended) it does not become very noticable. The ease of use of the trunk is fantastic with plenty of room. Folding the seats down does require the relocation of the front seats which are usually in their rearward position which is a pain but now becoming expected. The location of the temp knob seems to be right where my leg rests and somehow my leg does not like the temp i select and does its own thing with it. Fit and finish is great with a very nice selection of products not normally found in this segment of vehicle. Great sound system for a stock set up. Good visibility and rear sensors are a nice find. I would have liked a little larger front door opening but perhaps it is because I am used to a two door model. One of the surprises was how quiet the Cruze is inside while driving. Great job on sound deading! For a commuter car this is a very nice choice. Parking is easy and I was able to find a comfortable seat position after learning the way the seats adjust up/down/tilt rear recline forward and backward. I feel safe in it for a small car with ample ride hieght. Steering wheel controls are well placed and of course the bluetooth system works very well.

So in a nutshell I would give the Cruze a 8 out of 10 but I would be putting it in competition with cars a step up when giving it that. Its a small car that acts much larger than it really is. Fix the location of the heating knobs and I would rate it even higher. Makes me wonder if the engineers even sat in one after they drew it up or not... Everyone I know that has one says the same thing about the location.

I think you will find the Elantra to be well styled outside but truly feels like a small car on the road when you are driving it. Not much to slam about the Civic as it will be dependable and what you see is what you get. Ford..Well its not really even in the same league with similar small car Pinto like feel with some technology and smoke and mirrors. But looking forward to your write up after you go check them out as well.

FenwickHockey65 · 04-25-2011, 09:03 PM

The new Focus is nothing to scoff at. Very nice car.

Cruze, Focus, and Elantra are ready to own this segment. The Corolla and Civic have both been caught with their pants down IMO.

a_Username · 04-25-2011, 09:05 PM

IMO, Honda was way to conservative with this model; it is barely a departure from the previous generation. You can't go wrong with either car though.

JETG · 04-25-2011, 09:44 PM

I chose the Honda as a dd because of it being a great car for reliability and also resale. So in the end you lose less money in the end of ownership. I actually bought a used 06 and is a great car. The funny thing is they treat me better at the Honda dealer than they did for my Camaro which cost 3x's as much.

04-25-2011, 11:18 AM	#1
Stew Drives: 92 Luminadead/01 Dakota/97 F150 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Eastern, Ky Posts: 3,789	Drove: 2012 Civic EX and Cruze LT OK, because of fuel prices and my long drive i am looking at getting a new car with high gas mileage. This weekend I pulled into the Honda dealership and to my surprise they already had 2 2012 Civics on the lot. Honda just introduced these at the NY auto show last week. One an EX, one an EXL (leather, etc). I drove the EX (pretty loaded with bluetooth, sunroof, etc). I then went to the Chevy store to test out a Cruze. LT model with bluetooth package, 16 inch alloys (instead of wheel covers). The 2 cars were pretty evenly matched as far as options. Civic EX: I really wanted to dislike this car, but it was really good. The good: The highway gas mileage at 39MPG was a good start. The looks are improved for the 12 model. Pictures don't do it justice. In person the new sculpting, especially on the sides and rear, though the overall shape is certainly familiar. The interior is a drastic change from more rounded to a more squared off look. Everything falls into hand, and secondary functions: Cruise, phone, bluetooth, radio controls are all included on the steering wheel. t still runs the dual tiered dash design with a normal tach and dummy lights in the lower tier and speedometer, secondary gauges, and computer in the upper tier. i really like this design as everything is easy to see and the digital readouts have a very vibrant, almost 3d effect. The seats are extremely comfortable. Leg room is great, mainly because of the center console design. This is the only small car I have found where my leg does not have to rest on the center stack while driving. I had plenty of headroom even with the EXs stock moonroof. Thanks to the light weight and en extremely responsive transmission, it was very peppy. Part and full throttle downshifts were quick and precise. Yes, the auto is only a 5 speed but unlike may 6 speeds, it does not feel neutered for the sake of gas mileage and still runs at the top of the gasoline fuel mileage heap. Handling was confident. It soaked up potholes and pumps, yet did not feel floaty or imprecise. Steering had a very good feel. The cabin was extremely quiet. The bad:The only real con is that the interior dash area is pretty plasticky. Overall: A surprising great small car, with lots of room, lots of features, and an engine and transmission that speak the same language. 2011 Cruze LT: The Good: This is one handsome car inside and out. The interior is extremely sharp and has very good materials. The footwell was a little tight on room, but that is true of most smaller cars. Headroom was good, but the Civic with a sunroof was a bit roomier in this area than the Cruze without one. Still not bad for a small car. The turbo engine had decent pep to it also. The drive was very solid and very quiet. Cons; the gauges were hard to see, it seemed almost as if the pointed towards the floor. Lucking I located the digital Speedo as part of the computer and was good to go, so no real issue. There was some turbo lag, the engine certainly took a moment to get into the power and then power was pretty adequate. The biggest con is how the engine/transmission worked together. Part throttle acceleration was met with slow shifting and was reluctant to downshift at times. Now, from stop at full the shifts were crisp and quick, so this is a tuning issue for the sake of fuel mileage. The seats could be little more comfortable, just can't explain, I couldn't get completely comfortable somehow. Overall: A really good car in need of some fine tuning to be a great car. I still have quite a few I want to try The 12 Focus, the 12 mazda 3 with it's new engine, The Kia Forte, and the Hyundai Elantra. may try out a 12 Impreza once they hit the lots and a VW Jetta, if I can find a decently close dealership for either.

04-25-2011, 11:23 AM	#2
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Like someone said on GMI... That interior looks like it's ready to collapse. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

04-25-2011, 06:13 PM	#6
Lauryn200 I Pity The Fool Drives: Jeep Wrangler '06 & VW GTI 09 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 873 View My Garage	If you are going to test drive a VW...test drive the Golf and than test drive the Jetta........Golf is probably way better on gas than the Jetta. Honda-interior (NYC Auto show 2011) VW Golf R (2012) __________________ ........"Is custom faded?" Jeep Wrangler 06 & VW GTI 09 "My Fast"-

04-25-2011, 08:03 PM	#10
Number 3 Hail to the King baby! Drives: '19 XT4 2.0T & '22 VW Atlas 2.0T Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 12,306 View My Garage	Both good cars for sure. The 2011 Civic was the segment benchmark and GM surpassed it in many, many ways. The 2012 Civic clearly has some of Honda's learnings and it is from everything I've read an equal or better car than the 2011 Civic it replaces. But the 2012 Cruze will get you 38 MPG, with the ECO resulting in 42. And it is a tremdonusly solid car with a lot to offer. __________________ "Speed, it seems to me, provides the one genuinely modern pleasure." - Aldous Huxley

04-25-2011, 08:43 PM	#11
2010 SS RS Drives: 2010 2SS/RS IBM Black Polished Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,106	I also picked up a Cruze 1lt RS for a high milage daily driver. Former civic owner myself as well. Here is my take after 4000 miles. Average fuel economy is 33 mpg city and highway with usual to heavy loads. The turbo does in fact have lag if you are really driving it failry hard but if you are just Cruising around (no pun intended) it does not become very noticable. The ease of use of the trunk is fantastic with plenty of room. Folding the seats down does require the relocation of the front seats which are usually in their rearward position which is a pain but now becoming expected. The location of the temp knob seems to be right where my leg rests and somehow my leg does not like the temp i select and does its own thing with it. Fit and finish is great with a very nice selection of products not normally found in this segment of vehicle. Great sound system for a stock set up. Good visibility and rear sensors are a nice find. I would have liked a little larger front door opening but perhaps it is because I am used to a two door model. One of the surprises was how quiet the Cruze is inside while driving. Great job on sound deading! For a commuter car this is a very nice choice. Parking is easy and I was able to find a comfortable seat position after learning the way the seats adjust up/down/tilt rear recline forward and backward. I feel safe in it for a small car with ample ride hieght. Steering wheel controls are well placed and of course the bluetooth system works very well. So in a nutshell I would give the Cruze a 8 out of 10 but I would be putting it in competition with cars a step up when giving it that. Its a small car that acts much larger than it really is. Fix the location of the heating knobs and I would rate it even higher. Makes me wonder if the engineers even sat in one after they drew it up or not... Everyone I know that has one says the same thing about the location. I think you will find the Elantra to be well styled outside but truly feels like a small car on the road when you are driving it. Not much to slam about the Civic as it will be dependable and what you see is what you get. Ford..Well its not really even in the same league with similar small car Pinto like feel with some technology and smoke and mirrors. But looking forward to your write up after you go check them out as well. __________________ 418 Stroker, 621RWHP 648 lbs TORQUE Built by Laramie GM Auto Center Tuned by Nick at Mac Autosport. EForce SC, 2 3/4pulley,LPE dual fuel pump, JRE Twin fuel rail upgrade, posi clutch kit, RX oilcatch can and breather, Callies Compstar crankshaft and rods, Racing bearings, CP -13.8 race pistons, steel rings, Comp Cams X6 blower cam, Springs, HD timing chain and tensioner, Doug Thorley Tri Y LT headers, 89.7lb injectors, RPM rollbar, DSS1400 shafts, Simpson 5 pt harness, BMR Toe rods and trailing arms, led lights, RPM input and output shafts

04-25-2011, 02:06 PM	#5
Scrappy Doo Drives: Callaway Rogue Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: W8n 4 Snow, Minnesota Posts: 4,731	I picked up a Cruze LT the other day. The mrs drives 90 miles a day so it will be a throw away car. 1LT with connectivity package, remote start and sensing package, pioneer and alloys. I really like it. And I drove 200 miles the other day in it, got 40.3 mpg,

04-25-2011, 06:32 PM	#7
VADR_H8R Drives: 2011 camaro 1ss synergy green Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: greensburg Posts: 444	I work at Honda and we make the Civics. I am pretty proud of these cars actually. The Japanese really stand by their work and quality! If we still made the NSX I would have gotten it instead

04-25-2011, 07:13 PM	#9
Russo Unofficial Glass Tech Drives: 2014 Ford F150 FX2 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Raceland, LA Posts: 1,376	i like the new civic, but it's time Honda threw away all the 5 speed autos and make 6+ speed auto cars! the new Odyssey has an optional 6 speed, but come on..

04-25-2011, 09:03 PM	#12
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	The new Focus is nothing to scoff at. Very nice car. Cruze, Focus, and Elantra are ready to own this segment. The Corolla and Civic have both been caught with their pants down IMO. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

04-25-2011, 09:05 PM	#13
a_Username Drives: 2010 2SS Camaro Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 3,890 View My Garage	IMO, Honda was way to conservative with this model; it is barely a departure from the previous generation. You can't go wrong with either car though.

04-25-2011, 09:44 PM	#14
JETG Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 486	I chose the Honda as a dd because of it being a great car for reliability and also resale. So in the end you lose less money in the end of ownership. I actually bought a used 06 and is a great car. The funny thing is they treat me better at the Honda dealer than they did for my Camaro which cost 3x's as much.