MotorMouths

Name a category and the Sonic either matches or dominates its competitors. If you’re considering downsizing but aren’t looking to downgrade in the process, go drive a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ.

Name a category and the Sonic either matches or dominates its competitors. If you’re considering downsizing but aren’t looking to downgrade in the process, go drive a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ.

Buyers hoping for a high-strung, highly caffeinated Sonic will likely wish for more performance. But compare the Sonic RS to other B-segment players, and the sum of its parts becomes hard to match.

Erase all memories of small Chevys past. The all-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a completely different animal. While the Sonic isn’t perfect, without a doubt it finally has all the goods to be a true competitor in its segment.

Chevy simply focused on making its small car a good car. The result is an unprecedented success. Even from a purely aesthetic standpoint, the Sonic LTZ Turbo Hatchback is a home run.

The Sonic is a nice little car; frugal and useful while providing healthy doses of fun and pleasure. It’s an honest car; it doesn’t pretend to be anything its not and it is earnest in its efforts to please you, the driver. I really like it.

Quite simply, the Sonic is the best pint-size GM car we’ve ever driven. Practical, stylish and surprisingly fun, the Sonic deserves to be on the list of anyone in the market for a fuel-efficient car.

With commendable driving dynamics, a segment-leading interior, an IIHS Top Safety Pick trophy and competitive fuel economy, the Sonic is a stand-up value with the stats and swagger to match.

There’s no question that the Chevrolet Sonic is a very compelling choice in the subcompact segment. Competition in the segment is stiff, and Chevrolet has found a way to set itself apart.

Run the 2012 Sonic hard and it’s genuine fun. It has a nice nose, handsome wheels and bright accents, which is not to say it’s not a bit of an ugly duckling, but the real revelation is the interior.

The overall improved design, engineering and build quality of the new Sonic justifies every penny of its higher cost over the Aveo. But the Sonic gains little in value-for-dollar bragging rights.

We were gobsmacked by the LTZ’s fundamental goodness. It cruises confidently, handles deftly, accelerates eagerly, and sips fuel like an ’85 Tercel. Oh, and like every Sonic, it’s got one of the coolest instrument panels on the planet.