[2010 SS RS]

I also picked up a Cruze 1lt RS for a high milage daily driver. Former civic owner myself as well.

Here is my take after 4000 miles.

Average fuel economy is 33 mpg city and highway with usual to heavy loads.
The turbo does in fact have lag if you are really driving it failry hard but if you are just Cruising around (no pun intended) it does not become very noticable. The ease of use of the trunk is fantastic with plenty of room. Folding the seats down does require the relocation of the front seats which are usually in their rearward position which is a pain but now becoming expected. The location of the temp knob seems to be right where my leg rests and somehow my leg does not like the temp i select and does its own thing with it. Fit and finish is great with a very nice selection of products not normally found in this segment of vehicle. Great sound system for a stock set up. Good visibility and rear sensors are a nice find. I would have liked a little larger front door opening but perhaps it is because I am used to a two door model. One of the surprises was how quiet the Cruze is inside while driving. Great job on sound deading! For a commuter car this is a very nice choice. Parking is easy and I was able to find a comfortable seat position after learning the way the seats adjust up/down/tilt rear recline forward and backward. I feel safe in it for a small car with ample ride hieght. Steering wheel controls are well placed and of course the bluetooth system works very well.

So in a nutshell I would give the Cruze a 8 out of 10 but I would be putting it in competition with cars a step up when giving it that. Its a small car that acts much larger than it really is. Fix the location of the heating knobs and I would rate it even higher. Makes me wonder if the engineers even sat in one after they drew it up or not... Everyone I know that has one says the same thing about the location.

I think you will find the Elantra to be well styled outside but truly feels like a small car on the road when you are driving it. Not much to slam about the Civic as it will be dependable and what you see is what you get. Ford..Well its not really even in the same league with similar small car Pinto like feel with some technology and smoke and mirrors. But looking forward to your write up after you go check them out as well.