Chevrolet Sonic reliability - let's get better info

[mkaresh]

I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that made the differences between cars clearer. So a few years ago I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now updates actual repair frequencies, not just dots, four times a year, to provide initial stats on new models sooner then track cars closely as they age.

We've had reliability stats for many new car models well ahead of any other source. I'd love to do the same for the Sonic, just a matter of how soon enough owners get involved. So I'm grateful that this forum has provided permission to post this thread.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, following the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Sonic, for free. I'll share results for the Sonic in this thread after each update.

For the details, and to sign up to help make this happen:

Car reliability research

 

[mkaresh]

A few owners have signed up so far--thanks, guys!

A good start, just need to get to 40 to have reasonably precise stats, as soon as May.

 

[SonicLTZ]

A few owners have signed up so far--thanks, guys!

Signed up a few days ago!

 

[wingman]

Signed up today.

 

[mkaresh]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate it.

I'd love to have some initial stats in May, with a preview for participants in April. If people keep signing up at this rate, we'll get there.

 

[mkaresh]

So far nine owners signed up to help with the survey. A good start--once we have 40+ we'll be able to provide some solid stats on the cars.

For the details, and to sign up to help:

Car reliability research

 

[mkaresh]

Now 15 owners signed up. We might have some initial stats in August--even ten more participants would make a big difference.

Car reliability research

 

[Juan1]

I registered my old car with Truedelta, and the website was very helpful. I'm now able to track possible issues with my car, and now have a car reliability information source other than Consumer Reports. It would be helpful if you folks registered with Truedelta, and took 3 minutes of time once a quarter to respond to Truedelta's email.

Note: I am in no way affiliated with Truedelta, though I appreciate the data it provides me.

 

[Blue Demon]

I just signed up today.

 

[jlslatton]

Signed up

 

[td11pump]

Signed up!:banana:

 

[mkaresh]

We have a preliminary reliability stat for the Sonic based on owner experiences through June 30, 2012. With a reported repair frequency of 55 repair trips per 100 cars per year, the Sonic is about average.

This is based on a small sample size. We'll have a more precise stat with the next update, in November.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Chevrolet Sonic reliability ratings and comparisons

 

[RS Turbo]

If people that participate in your survey have installed any modifed non OEM parts the survey is not accurate.

 

[mkaresh]

For some reason, people often assume we haven't thought of factors like this. If you can think of a limitation in an instant, we're likely smart enough to have thought of it at some point in the past seven years--and perhaps even done something about it!

In this case, the instructions say not to report problems caused by mods. We also review all responses to ensure that problems caused by mods aren't included in the stats. This does sometimes require a judgment call, but it's simply not a large enough factor to throw the results into question.

 

[mkaresh]

We have an updated car reliability stat for the Sonic based on owner experiences through September 30, 2012. With a reported repair frequency of 52 repair trips per 100 cars per year, the Sonic is about average.

We'll have further updates in February and May. The more owners participate, the more precise these will be.

Especially need more 2013s!

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Chevrolet Sonic reliability ratings and comparisons

 

[mkaresh]

Forty-one cars now signed up. Thanks, guys! We'll have updated stats again later this month.

Additional participants always good to have. We especially need more 2013s.

Car reliability research

 

[Insanika]

Im signed up with my Vibe, I'll be registering my Sonic as well when I get it.

 

[mkaresh]

Excellent, thanks!

 

[mkaresh]

We have an updated car reliability stat for the Sonic based on owner experiences through December 31, 2012. The reported repair frequency for the 2012 Sonci, 52 repair trips per 100 cars per year, is low.

Thank you, once again, everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates later this month and in August. With more owners involved, we could provide more precise results and cover both model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Chevrolet Sonic reliability ratings and comparisons

 

[ChrisJ]

We have an updated car reliability stat for the Sonic based on owner experiences through December 31, 2012. The reported repair frequency for the 2012 Sonci, 52 repair trips per 100 cars per year, is low.

Thank you, once again, everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates later this month and in August. With more owners involved, we could provide more precise results and cover both model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Chevrolet Sonic reliability ratings and comparisons

You said 52 repair trips per 100 is average before? Now its low?