My "Professional" Opinion: The Chevy Lineup

"Firewrx234" (firewrx234) 10/22/2014 at 11:20 • Filed to: Professional Opinion

5

34

As a car salesman at a Chevy dealership, I often get asked about what I think about different cars in our lineup and, although I find this somewhat ironic, I figured I'd start a mini-series based on my encounters with the entire Chevy Lineup.

This first piece will be on the Chevy Lineup as a whole and what I think of their gaps and overflow.

When it comes to the Chevy line, you have everything from small, city commuter cars all the way up to heavy duty trucks capable of pulling just about anything imaginable. Now, that doesn't mean that the lineup is perfect, or even close to it. To be honest, I find a lot of it to be fundamentally flawed.

Cars
The lineup: Spark, Spark EV (not officially released), Sonic (Hatchback/Sedan), Cruze, Volt, Malibu, Impala

The setup with cars is somewhat of a mess. This is probably what I find to be the biggest disaster for Chevy right now. The range of the lineup is not the problem, what is the problem is the overlap. You have so many cars in such a small space that, at times it can be difficult for the consumer to decide between vehicles that may be so similarly equipped with minimal difference in price (after rebates).

The first problem arises between the Sonic and the Cruze. Both of these vehicles are capable of having a 1.8L engine or the turbo-charged 1.4L. Both of these vehicles come in a four-door sedan, and both of these vehicles have fuel economy numbers capable of 35+ mpg. Both can be ordered with a Manual or Automatic transmission. And with only a couple thousand dollars of difference in price and with so many rebates for the Cruze, the benefits of buying a Sonic sedan are almost impossible to find. The Cruze gets better fuel economy over the entire range (2-3 mpg over the Sonic), it comes with more standard features (minus a color touchscreen that is optional), and has a more spacious feeling interior. I understand the merits of having a vehicle that is more intviting to younger generations, but I feel that you've ended the attractive qualities when making it a sedan. The hatchback has a place, the sedan is just a burden on the consumer and another decision to make (even though they typically end the same way, with a Cruze).

The next issue that I have would be the Malibu vs. Impala comparison. In my opinion, there is no comparison but the consumer wants to cross-shop these two. Both vehicles are about the same size and both are available with a 4-cylinder engine. That's where the similarities end. The Malibu is many thousands cheaper in starting price tag and when cross-shopping the two with similar pricing, it's a no-brainer. When comparing them at similar prices, the Malibu will be optioned to the hilt with gadgets and leather, whereas the Impala will likely be very basic at the price range and have close to no rebates. So the biggest problem that I have with this comparison is the lack of differentiation on Chevy's part. They try to advertise them both as luxury sedans, and with only a couple of inches of difference in overall length, they could both be called full-sized. I feel that Chevy has started to differentiate the Malibu a little bit with the 2014 refresh, making the front end look more sporty. But until they come out with a full refresh on the rear as well, I don't see it separating from the Impala just yet. Now, please don't get me wrong, the Impala is probably one of my favorite vehicles in the fleet. It has the nicest ride and is probably the most luxurious Chevy aside from the new Tahoe. They, unfortunately, need to get rid of the Impala LS to create better separation and embrace the luxury image for the Impala. The LS is just too basic of a vehicle for the price tag that comes along with it. Nobody wants to spend $29,000 on a car that could be easily compared to a Malibu with similar equipment at $22,000 (before incentives). If you're wanting a vehicle based on price, get the Malibu, if you're wanting copious amounts of luxury and price doesn't bother you, get the Impala.

When it comes down to the Spark EV...I don't know much about it. Haven't seen one in person and honestly, it likely won't do well in my market (we're about 25 miles from Indianapolis). We've sold one Volt since I've worked at my dealership and it was a used one. The Spark EV has only been available in Oregon and California to this date and I've heard that people really like it, a cheaper electric car with double the range of the Volt, what's not to like...but will that begin to atrophy the poor Volt or will it get a range boost in the future? Only time will tell.

Sports Cars
The Lineup: Camaro, Chevy SS, Corvette

The sports car lineup is much better suited with the addition of the Chevy SS. I feel that it now has a better grasp on a performance market and is more similarly equipped to what I would've like to have seen out of Pontiac if it were here today. My biggest gripe though would be the starting price of the Chevy SS. I feel that if that vehicle were available at a lower price point, we'd sell them all day long. I have driven the car and this is probably my favorite vehicle that Chevy produces right now. I cannot wait to see what options are available for the '15 model year but I am excited.

My other littler gripe is the lack of a performance coupe along the size of the old Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice. I feel that with that vehicle GM had a really good place and with a little more tweaking could have had a sellout vehicle. I hope that they one day bring back a Sky/Solstice because it really fills a void that I'd love to own.

SUVs/Crossovers
The Lineup: Trax (almost here), Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe, Suburban

The SUV lineup only has a couple of problem spots, one of which they are already trying to fix. The Equinox, great vehicle, great fuel economy, but currently fighting outside its weight class. The Equinox is being compared to the Rav4 but it has a distinct size and weight disadvantage. It is much larger and unfortunately, is priced that way as well. With the addition of the Trax, the Equinox can better be compared to vehicles in its own weight class and better show how it stands out but right now it is an awkward teen waiting to grow into its own. I think the Equinox will likely grow during its next redesign due to the Trax being able to take on the smaller competition.

When it comes to the Traverse, it's a van in SUV clothing trying to be an off-road vehicle. The Traverse has massive tires and ground clearance that no one really notices and yet it's a 3.6L SUV with standard FWD and optional AWD systems that aren't fully equipped to handle much off-roading. To be honest, I've never seen one off-road nor do I expect to ever see one off-road. The vehicle is meant to be capable in many terrains but it will likely only ever see the soccer field or the mall. I feel that GM needs to build a serious off-road capable vehicle, something to rival any of the Jeep competitors. Now I understand that the Tahoe and Suburban used to be in this grouping, but I feel they've started to phase them out of that and into the Escalade/luxury vehicle mix with the last generation and especially with the newest one. This means that they've opened the door for something capable off-road (I'd love to see a new Beefy K-5 Blazer). Keep in mind that the off-road vehicle following has a truly dedicated following. This is the only spot left to fill that is truly glaring in the Chevy SUV lineup.

Trucks
The Lineup: Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500

The truck lineup is probably the most complete right now. I feel that they've done this one the best. They now have the smaller truck market covered with the Medium-sized truck, the Colorado (which I love). They also have the heavy-duty trucks doing quite well with the addition of the new refresh and the "High Country" trim level that was just added. I feel that is now able to compete with the "King Ranch" trucks as well as the "Laramie Longhorn" trucks.

The only issue I have is with the starting price of the 1500s. Now, they are great trucks and get great fuel economy, but it is hard to show these people the significant price difference with less options than a Ram, for example. The 1500s are the quietest and nicest trucks I've driven, but when it comes to interior quality, they could step it up a bit. Overall, the truck lineup is great and it has the least complaints from me.

Questions/Comments?

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments you might have. I hope to make this an ongoing series, where the future pieces will focus on an individual car in the Chevy lineup. Suggestion on a specific car you'd want to see a write-up on? Let me know!

And if you got this far, thanks for reading!

Vimto > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:28

0

I really appreciate the writeup because I'm not that familiar with the current Chevys, I've actually never owned a GM product. I really liked the look of the 13 Malibu though, I wish I could take the new Impala's interior and stick it in the pre-facelift Malibu's body.

My friend is die-hard GM fan, he bought a '13 Malibu LS brand new for like 17k after all incentives and programs. That's crazy cheap for a midsizer, and he hasn't had any issues with it so far. Are the new generation Malibus generally reliable, not too many consumers coming in for warranty work?

Sweet Trav > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:30

0

There needs to be a Cruze with the 2.0T and a stick. aka Cruze SS

They need to bring th 1.6T from europe over to put in the SuperSonic

The Malibu needs AWD and a little more juice from its 2.0T for both a luxury Variant, Malibu Laguna, and a Wagon, Malibu Greenbriar. I would also say Malibu SS is a good idea.

The Impala is a great looking car but needs the underpinning of the SS, the SS can die.

The Camaro Z/28 is a pig that flies, the rest are just pigs.

The Corvette is a god among shitcities

cazzyodo > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:31

0

Do you have more thoughts on the Colorado? I love trucks and a nice medium sized pickup is one of the only things that could make me leave my FoST. My buddy and I talk about it all the time as he's looking at the market for a pickup and the Taco keeps pulling at him because of the pricing advantage (though he recognizes the Colorado is better).

Firewrx234 > Vimto 10/22/2014 at 11:32

0

I'll be honest with you, I sold my mom a 2015 Malibu and she loves it. The only complaints that I've heard anyone have about the new generation is the Stop/Start technology engines. I've personally not had any problems with them but I think a few have some bugs where the car will twitch and not start up immediately after releasing the brakes. Now, I've not seen any of them in my dealership do this, but these are things I've heard from "friends of a guy" discussions. And for reference, my mom got the 2.0L Turbo engine so she doesn't have the Stop/Start technology.

Also, thanks for the read!

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:33

0

We have had the Trax up here in Canada for a few years and I do not thing they sold very well. They are kind of in a weird middle ground between car and SUV. People who want an SUV typically don't like it because it is too small to haul kids around in and people who who want a smaller rig just end up with a Sonic or Cruze. Really in the end its just a taller Sonic.

Firewrx234 > Sweet Trav 10/22/2014 at 11:34

0

I'd say I agree with almost all of what you said, Cruze SS...YES PLEASE!

However, I do love the Chevy SS...just needs a little less chrome and a little less price.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:34

1

Awesome writeup. I liked the graphics; did you do the VS banners yourself?

Vimto > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:36

0

Yeah, I've owned 7 or 8 cars, but my Grand Marquis is my first "American" (built in Canada) vehicle and I am seriously considering getting a GM product once I'm sick of my Nissan's roll-up windows and weaksauce 2 speaker stereo. Your dealership isn't in the southeast is it?

Firewrx234 > cazzyodo 10/22/2014 at 11:36

0

I have to say, I LOVE the new Colorado. We got our first one in a week or two ago. It was a Z71 4x4 V6 Crew Cab with a long bed and the size in the pictures scared me but the proportions came out right! It drove great, the interior was better than I expected and even though I'm not much of a truck guy, I could see myself owning one just because of how much I loved the ride.

Sweet Trav > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:36

2

I cant get behind charging way more for a car that is essentially a G8 GXP with a camswap.

Not to mention they took the pretty good looking Commodore and went full retard with the Chevy styling.

Firewrx234 > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 10/22/2014 at 11:38

0

Oddly enough, I think my community is going to love that. They're looking for fuel economy and want an SUV but don't want something as big as the Equinox. I'm pretty stoked to see how they do for us.

Firewrx234 > Vimto 10/22/2014 at 11:38

0

Indiana :/

qbeezy > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:39

0

This is a great write up! Excellent. First, do you think Chevy could use a smaller performance coupe such as a coupe cruize? Or something on that platform? I agree completely that the SS needs better pricing. I think it could compete heavily with charger and other performance sedans. Secondly, where do you think the SS should be proceed?

Firewrx234 > Sweet Trav 10/22/2014 at 11:39

0

Oh trust me, I agree with you. I think the price is way out of whack

Firewrx234 > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 10/22/2014 at 11:40

1

Thanks! And no, I was lucky enough to find them when searching on the web :)

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 11:43

0

I think the fact that they are bringing it to the US after a sort of test up here shows they are confident in it. I think they could add 6 inches to the cargo room and it would be a hit up here. The girl I know who has one can barely get two dogs in the backseat/cargo area, has had a few electrical issues too.

Firewrx234 > qbeezy 10/22/2014 at 11:45

2

I think a Cruze coupe would do great! You could try another platform but I think its been thoroughly vetted with the Cruze running for about 5 years on it with very few problems aside from the first year.

And with the SS, if they could get the priced around $30-35k, I think it would be competitive with things like the Charger. I mean, the way they have it now, there are no options other than a Sunroof or a Full-size spare. Everything else was standard for 2014, so that includes the ability to park itself (parallel and perpendicular), and navigation. It just isn't necessary and would be easier to lower the price.

Firewrx234 > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 10/22/2014 at 11:46

1

Yeah, I'm hoping they have all the bugs worked out before they get here. No need to soil the car's name as it's getting released. That's one way to guarantee failure.

cazzyodo > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 12:10

1

I saw one in person when I was on vacation (Chevy had one out but I couldn't sit in it) and I thought it looked great. Big fan of pickups and my friend keeps telling me that I need one (had an F-150 in high school and in my mind it was the greatest thing ever). I've been working towards doing more projects and such even though I'm in an apartment and the Colorado would be great. I could also definitely use it for more snowboarding trips (and the clearance during the winter would be useful).

That being said, can't really swing it unless Chevy wants to take my FoST straight up haha. Good to know it's a good ride and all though. Looking forward to a breakdown of it in your analysis...great idea by the way.

MachineReplica > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 12:44

0

Unfortunately, as good as the Solstice and Sky looked, they really weren't that great. They had less interior volume than a Miata or S2000, difficult top, parts bin construction, and the handling was just alright. They failed for a reason. The turbo versions were better, but only in a straight line. Any quickness in twisty parts is a product of grip, not handling prowess.

Firewrx234 > MachineReplica 10/22/2014 at 12:47

0

I think with how far GM has come in the last 5 years, they could've come up with a better Sky/Solstice. I thought they were amazing little toys, but I only would've had the turbo. I really think that if they dedicated any time/effort into it. They could have a great little two-door sports car. Just imagine a little mini z/28. It would be awesome!

Jayhawk Jake > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 12:50

1

I agree, the Sonic Sedan is pointless. Yet I see so many of the fucking things GM did something right.

Jayhawk Jake > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 12:57

0

The Cruze/Sonic overlap is a weird problem, but I suppose it's the same as the Fiesta/Focus overlap. Maybe Chevy should upscale the Cruze a little more, make it a little bigger, and have it become more like a midsize than a compact? I don't know, I'm grasping at straws here because I don't understand what compels people to buy a subcompact sedan over the same hatchback.

I'd like to see Chevy differentiate itself from other car makers by becoming sportier all around. Dodge has sort of done this if you think about it, but it feels like it would make more sense from Chevy, and I think they basically have the pieces they need globally to make it happen. They've got engines and chassis out the wazoo, a Sonic SS, Cruze SS, Americanized Vauxhall Astra VXR hot hatch, etc...

The Corvette took a huge step to become a globally successful and well respected budget supercar. If Chevy took that same 'mantra' of being a world beater in other classes they could be hugely successful as a performance oriented brand.

Firewrx234 > Jayhawk Jake 10/22/2014 at 13:04

0

I'm not so sure they should upscale the Cruze...I'm just concerned you could price it out of the market. As of right now, it is possible to buy a $27-28k Cruze in the Cruze diesel. I love it but it is way expensive.

As for SS'ing all the things, I agree to an extent. The Cruze could use one, the Equinox would be awesome with one, absolutely on the Malibu, but not so sure it's needed for an Impala or Spark...and I'm on the fence with the Sonic unless we're talking about the HB then absolutely.

What I'd really like to see is Pontiac because it was already determined that they were the performance brand and now we've had to try and force performance into the rest of the GM line without them.

Jayhawk Jake > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 13:17

0

You're right about Pontiac, I suppose I'm trying to turn Chevy into a Pontiac of sorts.

Impala probably doesn't need an SS, that's what the SS is for. Is there an AWD option for it? That's what it really needs.

The Malibu is weird to me. I suppose I'm not the target market, but it doesn't outwardly appear to offer anything over a Kia Optima for instance, which is what I would pick out of the midsize segment. If the Malibu was more performance oriented than its competitors though, I'd buy one.

The Sonic has so much potential. The RS is a seriously fun and capable hot hatch with some modifications. If Chevy dropped a 200 hp motor in it and went even more aggressive with the suspension it could absolutely compete with the Fiesta on performance, and I have no doubt that the next generation Sonic will see a significant improvement in quality because literally every all new/new generation GM car of the last 3-4 years has been miles ahead of the one before it.

People have been a little quick to dismiss GM in general, but I see a brand that is really growing and changing for the better. They've made some damn good progress lately, and I for one can't wait to see what's next as all the older models come up for refreshes.

Firewrx234 > Jayhawk Jake 10/22/2014 at 13:46

0

I'd love to see an AWD Impala or Malibu. I understand that the Malibu isn't for you but I really love the LTZ with the Turbo 2.0L. I got my mom into a 2015 with the Turbo and nice leather and sunroof. It's pretty close to what I would've picked for myself.

*Similar to this one

And with the Sonic RS...I love it. I sold a white one and that thing was a blast. I can't imagine what they could do with more power. That thing would be amazing.

I've worked for my dealership for a year now and things that I thought were a little sickly from 5-10 years ago are completely changed and we honestly have some great things to show people. And if the recalls mean anything to anyone, it should show that you shouldn't worry about it because GM stands behind their product and are willing to go out of their way to make things right.

MachineReplica > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 16:21

0

That's not really the type of car you want in this class. A mini Z/28 doesn't really embody the spirit of a small, light weight, nimble roadster. It's a wonder the Camaro is as capable as it is. A big part of that is the obnoxious grip. The turbo Kappa twins did have a ton of grip from 255 high performance summer tires. That being said, they just weren't very great otherwise. Definitely pretty to look at, but I would rather have a Miata, S2000, Z4M Roadster, or a Boxster. The Solstice Coupe was compelling to look at, but it had the same atrocious interior, garbage truck transmission, numb steering, and clunky ergonomics as the roadster.

A good effort certainly, and maybe you are right, GM could have made them actually good.

Stephen the Canuck > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 10/22/2014 at 18:21

0

I really dislike the look of the Trax. I would much rather take an Orlando over it.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Stephen the Canuck 10/22/2014 at 18:30

0

Me too, I have seen some cool looking Orlandos, yet to see a cool looking Trax.

Stephen the Canuck > Jayhawk Jake 10/22/2014 at 18:30

1

An upscaled Cruze is known as a Buick Verano.

Chevy 100% has the capabilities and resources to make a Cruze SS and Sonic SS. They can use the 2.0T that's already in the platform mate Verano, stick it in the Cruze, put in the 6 Speed Manual from the Regal GS, keep the Z-link suspension setup from the Cruze RS/2LT/LTZ, and tweak the suspsension. The Cruze already kicks but in the WTCC.

For the Sonic SS, take the RS and add the 1.6T from the Chinese market Cruze (181hp), and tune it for a little more boost. Have it so you can option it as an RS for handling, SS for power, so you end up with an RS/SS (do the same with Cruze possibly, but first the RS should be more than a body kit on the Cruze).

Oh, bring the Cruze hatchback over too. Have the SS available as both sedan and hatchback.

I completely agree on Chevy using that world beater mentally being the best thing they can do.

Give me a Cruze 1LT with a 2.0T with 6MT, better handling, and a discreet body kit/badges, and I would be a very happy customer.

Stephen the Canuck > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 10/22/2014 at 18:36

0

The Trax is just goofy looking. Like it ran into a big curb and just got pushed up and over it's bumper a bit, then was driven on it's way.

Jonathan Harper > Firewrx234 10/22/2014 at 21:18

0

Very interesting. As someone who is sort of in "ground-zero" in terms of feedbacks and buyer impressions, what do you think is the one single most beneficial thing Chevrolet/GM could do to improve their current outlook?

Firewrx234 > Jonathan Harper 10/22/2014 at 23:13

0

If I'm completely honest, I think that Chevy has done some good in the recalls and proving they stand behind their product, but they could stop with the recalls on older vehicles. It's not helping when they recall a key fob because your knee could turn it if you put it in an awkward position.

Other than that, they need to help inform the public on their unique things that make them stand out from the pack. For example, the Remotelink app and its ability to lock, unlock, remote start, tire pressure, or even check your fuel tank's level from your phone. Nobody else offers this and it comes free with any new Chevy.

Eyaare > Firewrx234 10/29/2014 at 20:42

0

A couple days late to the post, let's talk.

IMO the only decent reason to leave Sonic sedan lying around is to help distinguish between the Sonic and Spark (otherwise they'd both be "that Chevy hatchback"). Realistically Sonic sedan is a waste of time - supposedly when they were making it they Americanized it by extending it to be closer to Cruze size. So it's a slightly cheaper Cruze. If the Cruze wasn't already a hit, sure, go for that, but with it where it is, why do we need it?

My big beef with Impala is engine choice. I think the biggest reason Malibu and Impala are thought of as incomparable, despite having similar engines and sizes, is reputation. Malibu is American, big and sensable, whereas Impala is American, but huge and, for lack of a better term, obnoxious. It's supposed to be a bit brash.

It's supposed to fight the Charger. Now, because it errs on the side of affordable luxury instead of outright muscle, they can get away with pushing mostly six-cylinders by saying they're efficient and quiet or whatever. But not a four cylinder. If they would have made it base V6/optional V8, or if they built it on the Caprice platform and only offered V6s, I think it would do better. But they have this very American nameplate that's getting crushed by the Charger because it doesn't half-ass the retro-Americana the name brings in. Which is actually a poor way to put that, because I'd say the Impala doesn't even get up to half-assing it.

I like offroad SUVs, but I like the Traverse, a lot. I've seen a lot of TrailBlazers around but rarely sporting any indication they've been off the pavement. I think the Traverse is fine, it just needs to look the part, which it sort of does, and ride nice, which it really does. Maybe Traverse is a van with SUV looks (it drives like an SUV and probably has no less claim to the title than the new Explorer, but whatever), but it sells to people who really need a van but want SUV looks anyways. This segment has been family vehicles for a long time now.

Equinox is another story because I think that needs a refresh. Equinox is in the segment where offroaders belong, really, because 'midsize' has grown so large that you probably don't want them for offroading anyways. So, yeah, Equinox it sells now but I think it's gonna get stomped out by more athletic crossovers real soon, because the next stop for the insecure American trying to prove they're cool by avoiding lame cheap people movers is cars like the Mazda whatever and the Cherokee. Because the younger, less family-driven buyers who get these cars don't need a van like the Traverse crowd, and they're gonna express that by moving away from vans like the Edge and Equinox.