Sure, if you are just comparing Horsepower......
But, consider the available options you get as well MUCH,MUCH better standard options than our SS's come with. Wouldnt most of us want the leather heated seats and AWD to name a few? I know I would. The juke is odd looking but in person, it really is cool looking......if you like that kind of stuff. The HHR is cool and I love the looks of mine. Again, I like designs that are a bit out there. Why drive something everyone else drives? Too many identical cars out there,wouldnt you agree?
Considering, I can get a better optioned car for less, thats good enough for me. Am I buying one for performance? Nope. The HH/SS and the Juke are nothing alike in that dept. But that is not what it's purpose is.

 

The fact is only a small part of the car buying public was small performance cars and they are only a small part of the car buying public that even want a performance car.

The average buyer was a confortable car that drives well and gets good MPG with a resonable monthly payment.

The average buyer wants a Camry, Accord or Sonata.

The Cruze with the 1.4 is a very good driving car quiet and handles very good. In fact most reviews have it as the best in class for now.

Is it Cobalt SS fast no but few are. Most people do not really like driving or cars. It is just a way to get from point A to point B. These are the profit cars for GM and and need to start making money with these. Honda, Toyota and Hyundai all got rich off of these cars.

In fact with the rise of CAFE the small car will become more important than the Pick up and the Amercan companies know this. That is why Ford and GM has so many new small cars on the way.

The other issue is the average American performance guy does not know what a LNF Turbo can do. I have shocke many a gear head with my car. They all are I never knew they could do that!

In time they will have to learn as a Turbo 4 and Twin Turbo 6 engines will be very common.

Also note that the Cruze 1.4 engine may sound small and under powered but it is mounted to a very well geared 6 Speed that makes efficent use of the power. This car is like the new Equinox with the 2.4. You would be suprised at what that small engine can do in a vehicle with near 4000 pounds. It is not a race car but I was very comfortable with it and never felt it was grossly underpowered.

As for performace car in Ill climates. That is no longer true with most new cars. With stability control antil locks and other systems these cars are no brainers to drive. If you are going to crash one you will do it snow or no snow. Todays drivers just cant drive or are to busy with their cell phone or GPS.

My SS us one of the most boring vehicles in the snow. It is hard to put a tire wrong with it.

The guys here with the Juke just have other needs and are willing to forgo them like most average drivers. Not everyones commute is 20 laps at Indy. If they can deal with the styling more power to them. If anything they can use the looks to their advantage and save some money if they are as slow sellers as expected.

 

The more I pay attention to cars and performance, the more I realize how most people don't. My father has owned nothing but Camrys since the early 80s. He just wants to get from point A to point B.

That's what was good when Chevy came out with an SS model for the Cobalt and HHR. That way you can have the full range of economy and performance. If they do the same with the Cruze I'll be very interested.

 

What about the Mazda CX7, awd, turbo, @28k.

 

interesting candidate.....I think the AWD start at $31K + at 25K your looking at front wheel only, no snail-booster (turbo).

Boosted: s Grand Touring 4dr Front-wheel Drive
* Engine: 2.3L I-4
* Fuel Economy: 18/25 mpg
* Horsepower: 244 @ 5,000 rpm
* Torque: 258 @ 2,500 rpm
* Transmission: 6-spd auto w/OD
* Curb Weight: 3,710 lbs.

Heavier vehicle than an SS, around same power.....so efficiency is less. Expect to avg 20mph like my GMC Envoy I had before the SS.

 

Interesting, but I'm not real keen on the looks.

 

I am hoping the Buick Regal GS makes it to market. That is what I want to replace my HHR SS with. Our 2.0 L turbo motor with a 6 speed manual. Sweet! I would have to think if they build this car GM will also offer a Stage1 kit as well. I liked my SS out of box, but I relay love the motor after putting on the Stage 1 kit. G.B.

 

I bought my used 2008 HHR SS with only 22,000 miles on it in excellent condition for $14,200. It was at a Honda dealership and they were asking $16,000. It is not my primary vehicle and I will be putting up for the winter. I have put on aprox. 5,000 miles with the GM upgrade and it has been great. I know I wouldn't find anything close to the HHR SS in performance, economy and individuality for that price. There are very few around and when I do take it out people love it. As for Kia, Hyundai and all those other foreign cars they can put them where the sun doesn't shine. And yes, I am aware that my HHR was made in Mexico, but at least the profits come back to an American co. with a strong American heritage (key word Heritage aka HHR) And please, stop putiing American Flags and stickers on foreign cars, if you want to support your country, make your best effort to support American business. But of course if putting a flag on your car makes you feel better, it is a free country!

 

I really don't like the mazda smile either, i built it on their site for @ 28k, was just putting it out there.

Also remember it is now the global econ...if europe stopped buying chevys they would have been dead 15 years ago....just a thought....

 

A JUKE?! Say it ain't so man! Snap out of it! Talk about piss-ass ugly. The Kia actually does look good, but remember the automotive pecking order, you'll be driving a Kia. The least heritage, prestige and marketing time in the U.S. GM, and don't forget Ford and Chrysler, have optional choices now and right around the corner. Don't act hastily. Have a cup of coffee, take a cold shower and take off the beer goggles. It the best advice I can give a fellow domestic buying HHR SS brother. Intervention anyone?