You gotta understand that the Verano is an entry level luxury car. And thankfully the car is built relatively well, the hood won't be propped very often.
I test drove it, and actually I was blown away by it. I think the Verano felt even sportier. I sat in the backseat and didn't feel cramped. Also, I never felt pinned in. This vehicle has received high acclaim amongst a lot of auto magazines. In the back-up camera will be standard in the 2013 models. The 2012 models don't have one, but there is a cross-path traffic alert.
Not everyone who buys a luxury car wants it to be "sporty" -_- Some people just want a quiet confident car to drive on a daily basis, gets decent mpg and (if optioned with the Turbo engine) can give you a little bit of fun. Not the kind of fun like a Focus ST but still not bad.
As far as the $28,000 price, you can find these on cars.com for more like $18,000. It's a great value for that price, and it will not kill me to manually adjust my own seat. Yes, it's a glorified Cruze, but aren't most uplevel brand models simply modified entry level rides?
lcar4000 The Verano 2.0T retailed for $31,000 but was about 1/3rd off MSRP making a very good deal for near luxury and the reason why it ruled the class in sales.
Consumer Reports is so ridiculous. Who can honestly trust them anymore. I'm glad the Internet is around for people to get their information from other sources. I know CR is not supposed to be biased, but it's hard to get that impression. I don't think I've seen a review that DOES NOT praise this car for its value for dollar. Except CR, that is...
Purchased a 2012 Verano in 2019, private seller.. options top tier, power seats btw.. heated seats & wheel, remote start, auto climate , navigation sunroof ,under carriage insulation 43,000 miles, $7000 . Going on 2 yrs great ride, if you would like a quiet/entry luxury car this may be on short list, be careful with 2.4 oil issues, I run Castrol edge which helps tremendously
I think he's expecting a bit too much for $28,000. What other cars for less than $28,000 have a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and REAL leather seats all in the same car? There aren't many other cars that give you the kinda value for money when it comes to upscale luxury features. Most cars in this class don't even have a padded dash. And, in my opinion, I would rather have a smaller Buick for $28,000 than a larger Hyundai for the same money.
my grandparents just got one of these cheaper than anything else they were looking at... 2100 down and 169 a month? thats pretty damn good for a lease on a car like this... with leather, touch screen, dual climate control, and such a nice and quiet ride this car is well worth the money... I honestly wish i would've looked at this car myself.
I just drove a Verano from Tampa to Atlanta in about 7 hours. I always thought it looked kind of dorky, because the Regal proportions were just right. But I have got to say it was one of the more enjoyable compact cars that I've driven in a long time. Quiet, oh my, yes. Very smooth on the smooth pavement and absorbs bumps well on the street. The only complaints is it took me more than an hour to figured the information entertainment system because of all of the buttons and its gas mileage is not as good as Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla. Running at 70 to 75 mph I achieved on 30 mpg. In a Mazda 3 and a Corolla, at similar speeds on that same route. I achieved 39 and 43 mpg, respectively. Now the Verano did feel more solid and heavier, which gave it a luxury persona. But when you buy a compact, you want good mileage.
eh this review is a bit off. 28k? you must have ticked every single box to get the price up there. You can get a nice one for 26k. This is meant to be a quiet, comfortable alternative to a mid-size sedan. There selling like hot cakes too. Competitors? VW Jetta GLI and the Acura ILX and maybe the TSX. None of those vehicles get over 32 mpg hwy, so what exactly is Consumerreports complaining about again? Consumerreports seems to go against what every other publication says.
Consumer Reports always rates imports better than legacy US car brands. I agree with comments: "If they put a Toyota or Lexis badge on it, Consumer Reports would would give it a rave review. This is a compact sedan not a "luxury sedan" as this consumer report states. Consumer Reports, GIVE ME A BREAK.
I really love the Verano. I just drove a 2014 fully loaded with everything. Priced around 32. As much as I love it, I have to tell you this guy, for once in his career, is actually calling it pretty accurately (sad to say). I found the partially powered seats irritating, even as comfortable as they are. I couldn't find a recline position that I liked because of the limiting notchiness. Don't know that I can live with that, or the no latch trunk lid, and uncovered hinges that'll crush my luggage.
Little bit to nit picky, this is not ment to be a sports sedan and the hard plastics are kind of known for this space BUT where you note the hard plastic is way up on the dash. Rear seat room is decent IMO, agree on the trunk release. Mpg is not top reason to buy this car but its still not horrible and the seat adjuster bit.... top spec Cruze LTZ don't have a powerto the seat back, neither does a fully loaded Focus which has less room and cost pretty much the same $.
Definatly would agree, only vehicle of this size with dual climate I know of its Focus which is cheaper. But the whole thing with the seat controls and the dash padding were a bit much. Hard plastic is pretty norm way up near the windshield and as for the seat back, i'd leave it in one position and be good, more important is the front/back be powered in my eyes.
I would agree as well but the thing is its not black interior with a piano black trim, its jsut a dark wood instead of light like in the other interior colors. But just like other reviewers have said. This is not ment to be a sport sedan, that can be found in the Regal or maybe the Verano turbo thats coming for 2013.
He makes it sound as if the seat isn't powered at all. The only thing not powered on the drivers seat is the back. Do I agree it should be powered, yes, but it is a compact car even though its playing in the luxury market.
"The Engine start button was difficult to find at first" Are you kidding me?!? It's right there infront of him! He can't even give the car credit for having a start button, has to pretend like it's hidden under the steering wheel or something!
Just got this car today love it ^_^ traded in my 2012 ford focus sel please who ever is looking to buy a focus don't buy one. My transmission was missing up went to ford to see what was going on and the couldn't do anything about it they told me it came out like that and nothing could be done
We had a 2013 Verano 2.0T with 6-speed manual and never had any problems. That turbo us quick and smooth and you never felt the engine when clutch was in at a stop light. At times I would be shutting it off and accidentally double tapped turning it back on it was so quiet. Truly one of the quietest cars I ever owned!
You're absolutely right. A) the guy is a total idiot, and B) I'm a Regal owner, and in the year I've had mine, I've only seen two others on the road. The Verano, however---I see them everywhere. More than the Lacrosse even. I picked the Regal over Verano because I actually did want a slightly larger car (so this guy was right on that count), and I liked the Regals's coupe-like roofline, but otherwise, I fell in love with the Verano, and it is definitely killing Regal sales.
Your right, the ILX does beat Verano in mpg in base forms but thats with a little 150 hp engine and a 5 speed automatic. But your right, everyone else raves about the car, may be confused with the mpg and placement of the car, but still love it. And i'd love to buy one if I could.
totally agree. First negative review of this car I've seen yet. Most everything this guy reviews is negative (unless it's some ugly Toyota or Honda). He's totally biased, and a real downer.
He totally forgot about the safety rating which is one of the highest in the compact class. When it came to deciding on a vehicle last week between the Nissan SE-R (not Spec-V), Chevy Cruze LT and this vehicle, it was the hands down choice and I couldnt be happier. At 26k sticker (dealer brought it down to 25 for us), im only missing a sunroof and heated steering wheel. Not to mention it saved me 50 bucks a month on insurance, coming from a 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2WD. The ride is amazingly smooth
I hope Consumer Reports terminates your employment. You're taking a world class car, brand new in its segment, only competes with one vehicle, the Acura ILX, for which it kicks the ILX's butt, and you're downplaying and and reducing it like it's a GM mistake. Verano sales are crazy high out there, and I own a Regal GS and fell in love with the Verano on one test drive. So sad. Have you thought about a different career?
i think consumer reports are a bit biased towards toyota and honda. Love american cars i doubt if i'd ever buy another import with the impressiveness of ford and gm lately.
Couldn't agree more. Especially when it comes from this reviewer. I only watch his reviews now for chuckles and to see just how "off" he is. Don't have any idea how he gets to keep this job.
Government motors sucks nobody with any knowledge of cars would own one. Government mpotors went out of business for a reason i.e. their vehicles suck!
how can you critique an interior about being luxurious when you get black? Black never shows luxury. beige and medium wood is the most luxurious on the Verano...
What I took from this video: so-so fuel economy, vague steering, visibility problems front and rear, cramped driving position, uncomfortable front seats, tight rear seat, and expensive.
I hate this guy. Always have. And I don't believe I'm saying this, but this is the first I've ever agreed with him. I just test drove a fully loaded Verano. Loved the car, but the few things steering me away from it and more toward the Regal are because of the exact drawbacks he mentions. Cramped driver's area. Semi-powered seats (shocking, I couldn't believe it). Truck lid without a latch. Gooseneck hinges. Super tight back seat. Still a nice car. But yes, he's actually on target this time. :-/
Overpriced POS! Bought a 2012 Buick Verano brand new and it has been very, very well maintained. Just over 100,000km and a little over a year past extended warranty... and its turned into a money pit of endless problems. I paid more for a Buick because I expected better quality and a vehicle to last at least 250,000km. NOPE. Piece of crap won't even run now and the techs can't figure out why. DO NOT BUY!!!
Yea he is a clown and just complains for no reason while sounding like he has no testosterone to speak of. This car is selling well so I think the people have their own opinion that is nothing like his. Oh and this car is based on the Opel Astra not Cruze even though they do share platforms. You should not have to tell a car reporter that!
This car couldn't be a luxury sedan if it's interior came directly from a Rolls-Royce. Basically it's a shit rental car that looks like a small, cheap car trying to be a luxury car
You gotta understand that the Verano is an entry level luxury car. And thankfully the car is built relatively well, the hood won't be propped very often.
I test drove it, and actually I was blown away by it. I think the Verano felt even sportier. I sat in the backseat and didn't feel cramped. Also, I never felt pinned in. This vehicle has received high acclaim amongst a lot of auto magazines. In the back-up camera will be standard in the 2013 models. The 2012 models don't have one, but there is a cross-path traffic alert.
Not everyone who buys a luxury car wants it to be "sporty" -_- Some people just want a quiet confident car to drive on a daily basis, gets decent mpg and (if optioned with the Turbo engine) can give you a little bit of fun. Not the kind of fun like a Focus ST but still not bad.
As far as the $28,000 price, you can find these on cars.com for more like $18,000. It's a great value for that price, and it will not kill me to manually adjust my own seat. Yes, it's a glorified Cruze, but aren't most uplevel brand models simply modified entry level rides?
lcar4000 The Verano 2.0T retailed for $31,000 but was about 1/3rd off MSRP making a very good deal for near luxury and the reason why it ruled the class in sales.
I agree. Black on black is for sportiness. Beige is for comfort.
Consumer Reports is so ridiculous. Who can honestly trust them anymore. I'm glad the Internet is around for people to get their information from other sources. I know CR is not supposed to be biased, but it's hard to get that impression. I don't think I've seen a review that DOES NOT praise this car for its value for dollar. Except CR, that is...
Purchased a 2012 Verano in 2019, private seller.. options top tier, power seats btw.. heated seats & wheel, remote start, auto climate , navigation sunroof ,under carriage insulation 43,000 miles, $7000 . Going on 2 yrs great ride, if you would like a quiet/entry luxury car this may be on short list, be careful with 2.4 oil issues, I run Castrol edge which helps tremendously
I think he's expecting a bit too much for $28,000. What other cars for less than $28,000 have a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and REAL leather seats all in the same car? There aren't many other cars that give you the kinda value for money when it comes to upscale luxury features. Most cars in this class don't even have a padded dash. And, in my opinion, I would rather have a smaller Buick for $28,000 than a larger Hyundai for the same money.
my grandparents just got one of these cheaper than anything else they were looking at... 2100 down and 169 a month? thats pretty damn good for a lease on a car like this... with leather, touch screen, dual climate control, and such a nice and quiet ride this car is well worth the money... I honestly wish i would've looked at this car myself.
I just drove a Verano from Tampa to Atlanta in about 7 hours. I always thought it looked kind of dorky, because the Regal proportions were just right. But I have got to say it was one of the more enjoyable compact cars that I've driven in a long time. Quiet, oh my, yes. Very smooth on the smooth pavement and absorbs bumps well on the street. The only complaints is it took me more than an hour to figured the information entertainment system because of all of the buttons and its gas mileage is not as good as Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla. Running at 70 to 75 mph I achieved on 30 mpg. In a Mazda 3 and a Corolla, at similar speeds on that same route. I achieved 39 and 43 mpg, respectively. Now the Verano did feel more solid and heavier, which gave it a luxury persona. But when you buy a compact, you want good mileage.
It's bit larger and a fair bit heavier than those cars, though, so it isn't really a fair comparison.
Maestro_T we would get 37 MPG on 75 mile-per-hour drives. But keep it in speed limit and you get close to 40 in the 2.0 T turbo 4
At a steady 60 MPH I can get almost 40 in mine. I'm not a left-lane warrior.
consumer reports is the ONLY youtube review that mentioned how this car rides over knotty pavement. bravo!
It's only a platform. Some elements of the Chevy Cruze are there, but the vehicle is unique.
eh this review is a bit off. 28k? you must have ticked every single box to get the price up there. You can get a nice one for 26k. This is meant to be a quiet, comfortable alternative to a mid-size sedan. There selling like hot cakes too. Competitors? VW Jetta GLI and the Acura ILX and maybe the TSX. None of those vehicles get over 32 mpg hwy, so what exactly is Consumerreports complaining about again? Consumerreports seems to go against what every other publication says.
What you forgot to mention is how well the base model comes equipped for 23 grand.
Consumer Reports always rates imports better than legacy US car brands. I agree with comments: "If they put a Toyota or Lexis badge on it, Consumer Reports would would give it a rave review. This is a compact sedan not a "luxury sedan" as this consumer report states. Consumer Reports, GIVE ME A BREAK.
I really love the Verano. I just drove a 2014 fully loaded with everything. Priced around 32. As much as I love it, I have to tell you this guy, for once in his career, is actually calling it pretty accurately (sad to say). I found the partially powered seats irritating, even as comfortable as they are. I couldn't find a recline position that I liked because of the limiting notchiness. Don't know that I can live with that, or the no latch trunk lid, and uncovered hinges that'll crush my luggage.
Little bit to nit picky, this is not ment to be a sports sedan and the hard plastics are kind of known for this space BUT where you note the hard plastic is way up on the dash. Rear seat room is decent IMO, agree on the trunk release. Mpg is not top reason to buy this car but its still not horrible and the seat adjuster bit.... top spec Cruze LTZ don't have a powerto the seat back, neither does a fully loaded Focus which has less room and cost pretty much the same $.
Definatly would agree, only vehicle of this size with dual climate I know of its Focus which is cheaper. But the whole thing with the seat controls and the dash padding were a bit much. Hard plastic is pretty norm way up near the windshield and as for the seat back, i'd leave it in one position and be good, more important is the front/back be powered in my eyes.
Great Car! Great Review! Get the Turbo 2013?
I would agree as well but the thing is its not black interior with a piano black trim, its jsut a dark wood instead of light like in the other interior colors. But just like other reviewers have said. This is not ment to be a sport sedan, that can be found in the Regal or maybe the Verano turbo thats coming for 2013.
He makes it sound as if the seat isn't powered at all. The only thing not powered on the drivers seat is the back. Do I agree it should be powered, yes, but it is a compact car even though its playing in the luxury market.
CR praising GM while putting down Honda? I guess the Mayans were correct!
Whatever. It looks good. It just needs a little bit of boost, and it'll be even more of a sensible car than it is.
"The Engine start button was difficult to find at first" Are you kidding me?!? It's right there infront of him! He can't even give the car credit for having a start button, has to pretend like it's hidden under the steering wheel or something!
Just got this car today love it ^_^ traded in my 2012 ford focus sel please who ever is looking to buy a focus don't buy one. My transmission was missing up went to ford to see what was going on and the couldn't do anything about it they told me it came out like that and nothing could be done
Reliability?
We had a 2013 Verano 2.0T with 6-speed manual and never had any problems. That turbo us quick and smooth and you never felt the engine when clutch was in at a stop light. At times I would be shutting it off and accidentally double tapped turning it back on it was so quiet. Truly one of the quietest cars I ever owned!
You're absolutely right. A) the guy is a total idiot, and B) I'm a Regal owner, and in the year I've had mine, I've only seen two others on the road. The Verano, however---I see them everywhere. More than the Lacrosse even. I picked the Regal over Verano because I actually did want a slightly larger car (so this guy was right on that count), and I liked the Regals's coupe-like roofline, but otherwise, I fell in love with the Verano, and it is definitely killing Regal sales.
it sells especially well in other countries - where it is still made
Your right, the ILX does beat Verano in mpg in base forms but thats with a little 150 hp engine and a 5 speed automatic. But your right, everyone else raves about the car, may be confused with the mpg and placement of the car, but still love it. And i'd love to buy one if I could.
Andrew we could get close to 40 MPG if we kept it at the speed limit on a Verano 2.0 T turbo 4
I love this car, but he said so many bad things about this car... IDGAF! This car is good enough.
i think the acura ilx is an overall more cleaner design and i like the tech on it a lot more
and u can get a back up camera :D
totally agree. First negative review of this car I've seen yet. Most everything this guy reviews is negative (unless it's some ugly Toyota or Honda). He's totally biased, and a real downer.
Consumers reports isn’t always the gospel
the steering wheel looks so cool!
Consumer Reports has been biased for years and should not be taken too seriously.
Kathy Strephans just like CNN
He totally forgot about the safety rating which is one of the highest in the compact class. When it came to deciding on a vehicle last week between the Nissan SE-R (not Spec-V), Chevy Cruze LT and this vehicle, it was the hands down choice and I couldnt be happier. At 26k sticker (dealer brought it down to 25 for us), im only missing a sunroof and heated steering wheel. Not to mention it saved me 50 bucks a month on insurance, coming from a 2006 Pontiac Torrent 2WD. The ride is amazingly smooth
I hope Consumer Reports terminates your employment. You're taking a world class car, brand new in its segment, only competes with one vehicle, the Acura ILX, for which it kicks the ILX's butt, and you're downplaying and and reducing it like it's a GM mistake. Verano sales are crazy high out there, and I own a Regal GS and fell in love with the Verano on one test drive. So sad. Have you thought about a different career?
JC6817 Verano kicks ILX butt in just about every comparison test and then rtriples it in sales.
First! I've waited so long for this review.
i think consumer reports are a bit biased towards toyota and honda. Love american cars i doubt if i'd ever buy another import with the impressiveness of ford and gm lately.
2017 KIA soul push button start is the way to go!
i found one for 14800 with 50k miles
this comes short compares with what?
American cars always come short, but we still buy them because of the price
Couldn't agree more. Especially when it comes from this reviewer. I only watch his reviews now for chuckles and to see just how "off" he is. Don't have any idea how he gets to keep this job.
Government motors sucks nobody with any knowledge of cars would own one. Government mpotors went out of business for a reason i.e. their vehicles suck!
how can you critique an interior about being luxurious when you get black? Black never shows luxury. beige and medium wood is the most luxurious on the Verano...
I really liked Buick's but since they look more like Opel's. Nahh.
Yannick de Vries the german-based opal is not a bad thing it is actually tweet to for the American market so it's a little softer.
What I took from this video: so-so fuel economy, vague steering, visibility problems front and rear, cramped driving position, uncomfortable front seats, tight rear seat, and expensive.
bigcrowfly go drive one. Our neighbor had one for loan and they end up leasing one
and knotty ride over less than level smooth pavement.
But it's really really really quiet.
nattga are 2013 Verano premium the 2.0 T was the most quietest car we've ever owned.
I hate this guy. Always have. And I don't believe I'm saying this, but this is the first I've ever agreed with him. I just test drove a fully loaded Verano. Loved the car, but the few things steering me away from it and more toward the Regal are because of the exact drawbacks he mentions. Cramped driver's area. Semi-powered seats (shocking, I couldn't believe it). Truck lid without a latch. Gooseneck hinges. Super tight back seat. Still a nice car. But yes, he's actually on target this time. :-/
This screams "Cadillac Cimarron!"
Ccyawn123 no not really. The body panels are not shared with the Cruze and they don’t share the same engines.
Like the 2013 Civic based Acura TLX?
power recliners suck, way too slow and inconvenient
camaroman101 yep mechanical sliders or power regardless settlement forget them.
Says who!?!
So it´s no good !! Every thing becomes negative and no good ¨!
Overpriced POS! Bought a 2012 Buick Verano brand new and it has been very, very well maintained. Just over 100,000km and a little over a year past extended warranty... and its turned into a money pit of endless problems. I paid more for a Buick because I expected better quality and a vehicle to last at least 250,000km. NOPE. Piece of crap won't even run now and the techs can't figure out why. DO NOT BUY!!!
he could not be more wrong about this car. please drive and see it for your self.
you can take that from the video, but dont believe a word of it. this guy is biased beyond belief
For the money, I'll take the Cruze!
Yea he is a clown and just complains for no reason while sounding like he has no testosterone to speak of. This car is selling well so I think the people have their own opinion that is nothing like his. Oh and this car is based on the Opel Astra not Cruze even though they do share platforms. You should not have to tell a car reporter that!
This car couldn't be a luxury sedan if it's interior came directly from a Rolls-Royce. Basically it's a shit rental car that looks like a small, cheap car trying to be a luxury car
pontiacGXPfan the Verano hD 40% of segment sales it was so good
Nope, feels rides luxury
It's a Daewoo
another one
I expected more from a buick, and so does CR. Guess the only car I'm considering to get from Buick is the Enclave HEHE
Agreed. A liar. A clown. Give it any badge BUT a Buick and he'd praise to no end. I watch his reviews now simply to laugh.
Meh...compared to the Acura ILX, which is also built in the states, this is complete garbage. No thanks, Buick...
First.
first
FIRST!
Rubbish. A capable vehicle, period, no matter what CR says.
Consumer reports. Hahaha. What a joke
made by GM? Naah!
Just get ready to add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles.