I think it started with the 3rd gen Camaros of the 80s, but all recent Camaros feel like you are driving a massive cave. The high belt line, massive weight, and high dashboard don't help with the car's sporty intentions.

 

The beltline on all previous Camaros wasn't all that high. The current one is much much MUCH huger with a way higher greenhouse than any previous iteration. Early 3rd gen was quite a bit lighter than the 2nd-gen. Later 3rd-gen and 4th gen were back to 2nd-gen weights, around 3400 lb. for a V8 coupe. 5th gen is a whole 'nother kettle of fish because it's a 2-door version of a gigantic sedan. 400-500 lb. heavier than 3rd gen and with a profile and beltline that must sit a good 4"-6" higher from nose to tail.

 

My sister-in-law's BF has a Sonic sedan and it is a surprisingly good little car once you get past the cheap feeling of it. Compared to anything else I've driven in the B-segment though, it was pretty enjoyable, even the Fiesta.

I haven't driven a recent Malibu, but I can totally feel you on the Camaro. The visibility, high dash, and overall cheap feeling of the interior for the cost of entry totally turn me off of it. 400hp only gets you so far, and the rest of the package is just unappealing.

 

The visibility is bad, trade off for that chopped look. I found the interior to be good restive to its competition unless you compare it to luxury cars all of which won't have 400+hp. But I'm also weird herr because i compare apples to apples. But do I find a spark more enjoyable than an ss camaro? I mean unless I take every turn like I'm in the Italian job I don't see how mashing the throttle of a v8 can't be fun. Maybe in just not evolved but I don't like track touring cars abd I don't like cruising in track cars.

 

Can't vouch for the camaro, I've only been for a ride once in the dark. I've rented a sonic and cruze recently and was very pleasantly surprised with the quality and pep of both. Easily on par with my civic, with a bit more bling with the RS package. Downsides - auto trans sucks, touchscreen is too deeply recessed to touch easily.

In contrast, I am currently driving a Pontiac G6 loaner while my wife's caddy is in the body shop. POS. Lame motor, lame trans, lame radio, lame ergo. Definite contrast between pre-bankruptcy GM trash and post-bankruptcy quality. I enjoyed the sonic enough to consider purchasing. The Cruze is attractive but kinda boring looking.

 

I'll admit to being a GM basher, but based on experience (terrible reliability from a Chevy truck and having to deal with maintaining my GF's terribly built Pontiac G5).

That aside, I really like the looks of the Sonic and am glad to hear positive things about it.