2011 Chevrolet Equinox,Review

For 2011, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox optional V6 now has E85 capability. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox boasts character and refinement two traits that were missing in previous-generation models, and indeed many small crossovers in general. With a rear seat that slides back to create an expanse worthy of a prom-night limousine, the Equinox easily counts rear legroom among its strengths. Ride quality is another plus, with the Equinox delivering a stable, well-planted ride. The most significant area in which the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox lags is cargo capacity. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels.

The top-shelf LTZ adds automatic headlamps, a power tailgate, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery and driver memory functions.

All Equinox trims except the LS can be had with a sunroof. Every 2011 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. An Equinox four-cylinder with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. All-wheel drive lowers these estimates to 20/29/23. An Equinox V6 with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 17/25/20, with all-wheel-drive versions dropping 1 mpg on the highway.

Safety
The 2011 Chevy Equinox comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar. In side-impact and frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Equinox earned a top "Good" rating.

Interior Design and Special Features
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox boasts a stylish cabin filled with premium touches. Adjust the sliding rear seat backward and you'll find rear legroom that's the most generous in this segment; the rear seat also reclines for passenger comfort.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze,Review

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is an all-new small sedan that replaces the aged Cobalt.

Breaking with the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze tradition of offering a larger-than-average engine in a small car, the Cruze offers a pair of fuel-efficient yet peppy small power plants. In terms of features, even the base Cruze LS comes pretty well equipped, with 10 airbags being one notable standard equipment highlight. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a small sedan that comes in four main trim levels: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ.

The Cruze LTZ adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear park assist, a sport-tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

The Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 that makes 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined for the Cruze LS. The fuel-economy-focused Cruze Eco earns a laudable 28 mpg city/42 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 26/37/30 with the automatic.

Safety
All 2011 Chevrolet Cruze models come with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side impact airbags as standard. All trims save the LTZ have a front-disc/rear-drum brake setup; the LTZ upgrades to four-wheel disc brakes.

In Edmunds brake testing, a Cruze LTZ stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, a decent distance for this class of car.

Interior Design and Special Features
The most surprising characteristic of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is its genuinely athletic handling and comfortable, controlled ride quality. Most drivers should be satisfied with either of the Cruze's engines.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette,Review

For 2011 the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is now available with a new Ultimate Performance option package ("Z07"), which incorporates the Corvette ZR1's adaptive suspension and wheel-and-tire fitment. Other notable changes this year include upgraded tires for the Z06; option package for the Corvette Grand Sport that combines Z06 tires with ZR1's Magnetic Ride Control suspension; and the addition of a USB port and auxiliary audio jack for the navigation system. Finally, the Corvette Engine Build Experience option allows a Z06 or ZR1 buyer to help assemble the car's engine at the GM facility in Wixom, Michigan.

The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is pretty much the automotive equivalent of a summer action movie. On the cheaper end, Ford's 2011 Shelby GT500 is a very worthy competitor to a base Corvette. The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a coupe with a removable roof panel, a fixed-roof coupe or a convertible.

Trim levels include the base Corvette, Grand Sport (GS), Z06 and ZR1. Standard on the base (1LT) coupe and convertible are 18-inch front cast-aluminum wheels and 19-inch rears, xenon headlamps, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, OnStar, leather seating, a six-way power driver seat, a manual tilt steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The top-of-the line ZR1 boasts a supercharged V8, even larger wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear), special tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive dampers and additional lightweight body panels that include a carbon-fiber roof panel and a carbon-fiber hood with a clear polycarbonate window that reveals the engine's intercooler.

New this year is the Ultimate Performance package for the Z06 that adds the ZR1's adaptive dampers, carbon-ceramic brakes, wheels and tires. Further ZR1 imitation comes from the Z06's Carbon Fiber package, which adds most of the ZR1's lightweight panels.

All 2011 Chevrolet Corvettes have a six-speed manual gearbox with launch control as standard, while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is a no-cost option for the base and GS models.
Regardless of which Corvette you choose, you'll get stunning performance. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at a laudable 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for a manual-transmission Corvette. The ZR1 gets the even more sophisticated Performance Traction Management system.

Driving Impressions
No question here: The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette can bring the heat.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro,Reviews

For 2011, the V6-powered 2011 Chevrolet Camaro gets a bump in horsepower from 304 to 312. Fitted with a power-operated top, the Camaro convertible is offered in the same V6 and V8 configurations as the coupe. If you like its looks, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro will deliver.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is a four-seat coupe or convertible available in V6-powered LS (coupe only), 1LT and 2LT trim levels, and V8-powered 1SS and 2SS trim levels.

Standard equipment on the LS includes black 18-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning, four-way manual front seats with power recline, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, OnStar and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The 1LT adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps and eight-way power seats. The 2SS essentially features the 1SS's performance bits with the 2LT's convenience and luxury features.

Powertrains and Performance
A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with the manual, and 18/29/22 mpg with the automatic.

Every 2011 Chevy Camaro comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and OnStar. In Edmunds brake testing, both Camaro V6 and V8 coupes with 20-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in an excellent 111 feet.

Muscle cars have traditionally had bland interiors, but th 2011 Chevrolet Camaro laudably mixes retro touches like square gauge hoods and the available four-pack of auxiliary gauges with a modern dash design.

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro also displays impressive amounts of grip, communicative steering and a refined suspension that make it exponentially more talented around corners than any Camaro that came before it.

2011 Chevrolet Colorado,Reviews

The Chevrolet Colorado receives no notable changes for 2011.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is a compact/midsize pickup offered in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab (with small rear access doors) and crew cab (with four regular doors). Crew cabs are equipped with shorter, 5-foot cargo boxes, while other models feature a 6-foot box. Work Trucks come standard with a front split-bench seat, air-conditioning, cruise control, OnStar and an AM/FM stereo. The 2LT trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a sliding rear window, chrome exterior trim and full power accessories. Colorado options include assist steps, chrome accessories, a towing package, and for crew cabs, leather-trimmed upholstery and power/heated front seats.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2011 Chevy Colorado offers a range of engines including an inline-4, inline-5 and a V8. Colorado 3LT trucks come with a 5.3-liter V8 generating 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel-drive models feature a two-speed InstaTrac transfer case with dash-mounted controls.

EPA estimated fuel economy ranges from 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 combined on four-cylinder 2WD regular cabs down to 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined on V8 4WD crew cabs. A properly equipped V8-powered Colorado can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

Safety
The 2011 Colorado comes standard with OnStar, antilock brakes, stability control, traction control and side curtain airbags.

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Chevrolet Colorado's smaller four- and five-cylinder engines are smooth enough, but the level of performance and hauling capacity fall short of those offered by the competition's V6s. The Colorado's four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but can't match the sophistication of five-speed gearing found in competing automatics.

2011 Chevrolet Aveo5,Reviews

For 2011, the Chevy Aveo5 gets a standard cabin air filter and a free six months of OnStar's Directions and Connections plan.

On paper, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 looks as if it could be a front runner in the subcompact economy car segment. Cheap price? High fuel economy? Respectable handling.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 is available as either a sedan or a four-door hatchback, dubbed the Aveo5. The Aveo5 hatchback in 2LT form also comes with a rear spoiler.

Powertrains and Performance
The official EPA mileage estimates for the Aveo are respectable for this class, with a manual-equipped example achieving 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. An Aveo with the automatic transmission drops to 25/34/28 mpg.

Safety
Front-seat side airbags are standard on all trim levels, but side curtain airbags (a feature that is increasingly common on subcompacts) aren't available. Stability control isn't offered.
In government crash tests, the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 sedan earned a top five-star rating for the driver and four stars for the passenger in frontal impacts. IIHS side-impact testing resulted in the second-lowest "Marginal" score.

Both the sedan and 2011 Chevrolet Aveo5 hatchback feature a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that allows for the transport of longer items.

Driving Impressions
Contrary to our customary recommendation to choose a manual transmission in this segment, the Aveo's automatic seems to be the better choice.

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche,Reviews

The Chevrolet Avalanche carries into 2011 essentially unchanged.

In the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche's case, it's the combination of both pickup and SUV attributes that proves to be so appealing. Unlike a truck, however, the Avalanche's cab and bed aren't separate; instead, the Avalanche features an SUV's one-piece body.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is a full-size crew-cab pickup with a removable rear window and exclusive midgate. The LS features a composite cargo bed, a removable three-piece cargo cover, side assist steps, a roof rack and deep-tinted rear privacy glass. Depending on the trim level, other stand-alone or packaged options include 20-inch chromed wheels, power running boards, an integrated trailer-brake controller, a sunroof, a front bench seat and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is available with either two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). A properly equipped 2WD Avalanche can tow up to 8,100 pounds. Standard safety features on the Chevrolet Avalanche include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, plus GM's OnStar emergency communications system.

Interior Design and Special Features
Climb up into the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche and you'll find a passenger cabin that can seat up to six passengers with the available 40/20/40-split front bench seat or five with the standard front buckets. The rear tailgate and bed cover also lock to keep valuable cargo secure.

2012 Chevrolet Volt,Review

For 2012, the Chevrolet Volt gets a slightly lower price tag, but its formerly standard navigation system and Bose audio system are now on the options list. The Volt is essentially a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has the ability to run much faster and farther under just electric power than a normal hybrid.

Once you run out of battery juice, the gasoline-powered inline-4 engine kicks in, producing electricity for the motor and actually powering the wheels in some circumstances, stretching the Volt's range as much as an additional 300 miles. In an Edmunds test of a Volt with the battery pack depleted, the car averaged 31.4 mpg in mixed driving. Even with a $7,500 federal tax credit, a base Volt will still cost about $32,500 -- and that's without the home charging station, which is essentially mandatory for a plug-in hybrid like the Volt.

Overall, we think the 2012 Chevrolet Volt represents an agreeable middle ground between a pure electric vehicle (which is usually limited to about 75 miles before needing a time-consuming recharge) and a standard hybrid (which doesn't offer the all-electric range and speed of the Volt).

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is a midsize four-door hatchback sedan with seating for four.

The front-wheel-drive 2012 Chevrolet Volt is primarily powered by an electric motor rated at 149 horsepower (111 kilowatts) and 273 pound-feet of torque. This motor draws power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack until the battery charge is 70 percent depleted. At that point, the Volt's 1.4-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine, which requires premium fuel, comes to life as a replacement power source for the electric motor. In Edmunds testing, we found the Volt had an electricity range of about 25-50 miles. When the battery is depleted, our testing showed the Volt gets an average of about 33 mpg. In Edmunds performance testing, the Volt went from zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds in electric mode and 9 seconds flat with the engine generator.

Safety
Safety features on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt include antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Volt came to a stop in a respectable 124 feet.

2011 Chevrolet Aveo,Reviews,New

Never thought I would say this, but....the new Chevrolet Aveo is a seriously good looking machine.

The new Chevrolet Aveo has twin headlights, a split front grill, and the rear door handles are concealed within its C pillars.Petrol engines include the 1.2-litre 85bhp unit, and the 1.4- litre 99bhp trim. What a nice little car. Excellent work Chevrolet.

To help attract said customer, the Aveo comes equipped with youth-oriented features such as an MP3-enabled audio system, faux carbon-fiber trim and bright color choices.

Current Chevrolet Aveo
The Chevy Aveo is available as a subcompact sedan or four-door hatchback called the Aveo5. The Aveo's small interior provides a commanding view for all passengers, and a fully reclining front passenger seat and a 60/40-split folding rear seat expand the Aveo's interior cargo capacity, enabling long items, such as skis, to be carried between the trunk and passenger compartment.

The sedan's trunk offers 12.4 cubic feet of storage space. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and there's also an optional four-speed automatic.
In Chevrolet Aveo reviews, our editors have found it to be a viable option for this vehicle class. Usually, we encourage subcompact car buyers to get a manual transmission to maximize acceleration, but in the Aveo's case, the automatic is the better bet.
Used Chevrolet Aveo Models
Manual transmission gear ratios were altered for 2010 for improved fuel economy.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro,Reviews

For 2012, the Chevrolet Camaro sees a number of improvements. The new Camaro ZL1 is a fitting homage to the legendary ZL1 high-performance engine option for the 1969 Camaro that was favored among acceleration addicts and bench-racing braggarts.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a six-speed automatic being optional. Although not as glamorous as the mighty ZL1, other 2012 Chevrolet Camaro trims get notable updates for 2012. This year's rearview camera helps for parking, but the Camaro's low-profile windows still make it difficult to park and even slightly disconcerting place while cornering at speed.

The 2012 Chevy Camaro is a four-seat coupe or convertible available in V6-powered 1LS and 2LS (coupe only), 1LT and 2LT trim levels, and V8-powered 1SS and 2SS trim levels. The RS package (available on all trims but the LS) adds 20-inch wheels and xenon headlights. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg with the manual. Every 2012 Chevy Camaro comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and OnStar. More important, the 2012 Camaro has a new steering wheel that's much more ergonomic and comfortable to grip than last year's.

General Motors revealed a high-performance 2012 Chevrolet Camaro at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday, saying the car will be the fastest-ever Camaro it has ever built.
20-inch aluminum wheels support specially-developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires.

Packed with performance technologies, highlighted by Magnetic Ride Control, and advanced materials – including a vented carbon fiber hood insert. Extensive aerodynamic development designed for high-performance driving
CHICAGO – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest-performing Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class.

Motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. Camaro ZL1's design communicates and supports its performance mission. "Everything about the ZL1's design is directly related to its technology and serious performance, especially aerodynamics," said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. Major elements of the ZL1's design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed in tandem to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling.

Components and design elements that contribute to the LSA's
performance include:
High-strength hypereutectic pistons
Because the Camaro ZL1 uses electric power steering, the engine does not incorporate a conventional hydraulic power steering pump on its accessory drive system. Camaro ZL1 is a complete high-performance car, not just a Camaro with more power. Transmission – The high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is matched with the LSA engine. Exhaust – ZL1 is equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. This patent-pending system is designed to ensure that ZL1's tremendous power is delivered smoothly to the ground.

Other chassis elements are redesigned to support the car's high-performance limits. Brakes and Steering – Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with experts from Brembo. ZL1 marks the entry of a new electric power steering system to Camaro. Exterior – ZL1's signature from the front is the redesigned fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The hood features front-mounted air extractors that direct air precisely over the car.

Visually, this center section, in satin black carbon fiber, communicates the car's high-performance intent as a visual contrast to the car's exterior color. Interior – ZL1 is tailored for high-performance driving.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic,Reviews

Guess what? The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic has standard aluminum wheels. The Sonic, on sale this fall, seeks to recruit buyers with quality, features, and—to borrow a phrase overused by German car companies—driving pleasure.

A brief disclaimer: Our driving exposure was limited to preproduction prototypes in one configuration (1.4-liter turbo, manual transmission, five-door) on an improvised circuit at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Sonic has slightly different gearing and weighs about 400 fewer pounds than the Cruze, so we expect better acceleration and fuel economy across the board. The Sonic’s turbo pulls well above 3000 rpm; there is noticeable lag at lower engine speeds, despite a low torque peak of 1850 rpm. Chevrolet had a Honda Fit and a Ford Fiesta on hand for comparison, and the Sonic held up well. The Honda, which is geared shorter, feels better at low engine speeds. The Sonic is an economy car, which means sacrifices in creature comforts. Both Sonic sedan and hatchback share the same 99.4-inch wheelbase. The hatch also has slightly better rear-seat headroom. Chevrolet won’t divulge Sonic pricing until the fall on-sale date gets closer, only hinting that it will be competitive in the segment. Also like the Fiesta, we’re guessing the Sonic hatch will command a premium for its more attractive looks, although we have to say that the Sonic sedan manages to look something less than dumpy—a huge achievement in this segment. Even in base LS trim, the Sonic comes with the aforementioned wheels, plus air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, stability control, and an impressive 10 air bags.

As part of GM’s restructuring, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic will be assembled in Lake Orion, Michigan. The good news for Chevy, however, is that the Sonic appeals on its merits as a car and not as a piece of flag-waving patriotism.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic,Reviews

General Motors has officially yanked back the sheets on the newest sub-compact from Chevrolet, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. The Sonic hatchback packs more back seat room than its Blue Oval competitor and, with the rear bench folded flat, delivers more cargo room, as well.

Up front, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic benefits from a MacPherson strut design, while a torsion beam handles suspension duties out back.

Stay tuned for live photos from the show floor of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and hit the jump for the full press release.
ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The only subcompact car being built on American soil will soon roll out of an assembly plant here in suburban Detroit that is as unusual as the car itself

The production line has been squeezed into half the space of a traditional plant. One of the oldest axioms in the auto industry is that no company can build a subcompact car in the United States and make money because they are priced too low. The Ford Fiesta is built in Mexico. The Sonic will be G.M.’s littlest, and most fuel-efficient, conventionally powered vehicle. The U.A.W. tried to persuade the Ford Motor Company to build the Fiesta subcompact in the United States. Even an entry-level wage employee costs about $30 an hour in wages and benefits.

While it is not the only factor in producing a profitable subcompact, lower employment costs were critical to the decision to build the Chevrolet Sonic in Michigan. In a groundbreaking labor agreement, the union allowed G.M. to pay 40 percent of its union workers at Orion Township an “entry-level” wage that sharply reduces overall production costs.

“The entry-level wage structure was an important enabler, because obviously the smaller the car the less the margin,” said Ms. Tremblay.
The smallest car in its lineup now is the Chevrolet Aveo, a subcompact developed by G.M.’s South Korean subsidiary. A version of the Sonic to be sold overseas will be built in South Korea.

The plant over all employs 1,800, a reduction of 25 percent. Overall capacity at the plant is 160,000 cars a year. Every dollar saved is essential for the Sonic to compete, auto experts said. And if the car is a winner with consumers — production begins in August — the Orion factory could become a model.

2012 Chevrolet Express,Reviews

2012 Chevrolet Malibu,Reviews

Designed to be sold in nearly 100 markets, the new Malibu boasts a new exterior design, new interior design, Ecotec engine and well, new just about everything else.

“The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has left an award-winning impression and changed the way people think about Chevrolet. “This all-new Malibu delivers on the intangibles of today’s Malibu but gives customers even more: more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans.

Other exterior design cues include 2012 Chevrolet Malibu dual-port grille, projector HID headlamps, larger Chevrolet bow-tie badges front and rear, and new Camaro like LED dual-element tail lamps. The new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.

Ice blue lighting on the center stack dials, exposed ice blue French contrast stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces, and "strategic" applications of noise-deadening materials.

The new 2012 Chevrolet Malibu rides on MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspensions with ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control, electric power rack-and-pinion.

Safety features include Dual-stage driver and front passenger air bag, Driver and front passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact air bags, Driver and passenger knee air bags, Roof rail air bags with rollover protection. Malibu production in the United

2012 Chevrolet Colorado,Reviews