Tiny Chevy Sonic helped with GM comeback

GM at first was going to name the car the Aveo after its cheap predecessor, but it was changed to distance the new car from its past.

The little Chevy has managed to shove aside established mini-car leaders like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris to give Chevrolet a leader in a market where no one considered its products. Here's why the little car is a symbol of Detroit's comeback from financial disaster:

LOOKS: For a tiny car, the Sonic looks aggressive. It's got a rounded, downward-sloping hood, big grille and double round headlamps.

PRICE: Starts at $14,785 for the four-door hatchback and $14,185 for the sedan.

WHERE IT'S MADE: Orion Township, Mich. It's the only subcompact manufactured in the U.S. The Aveo, which the Sonic replaced, was built by GM in South Korea.

UNDER THE HOOD: Base engine is a 1.8-liter, 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A newer 1.4-liter, 138-horsepower turbocharged engine has more power at low RPMs and is much smoother. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.