Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Cruze does not have history on its side. The Chevrolet division of General Motors has historically done "big" well: big trucks, big family sedans and big V8 muscle cars. When it comes to small cars, though, the General hasn't been so good, with the lamentable Cavalier and Cobalt being the two most recent examples. But that's changed with the compact Chevrolet Cruze sedan, an honest first-class upgrade that meets its world-class competition head-on.

The Cruze's handling is sharp and precise, and its fuel economy is potentially quite high. There's even a diesel version that should give Volkswagen Jetta fans something to think about. With a variety of truly impressive competitors available these days, we wouldn't exactly call the Cruze a class leader, but its well-rounded nature shows that Chevrolet can now do "small" as well as "big."

Current Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is a five-passenger compact sedan offered in LS, LT, LTZ, Eco and Diesel trims. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine generating 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque motivates the Cruze LS, while the LT, LTZ and Eco models upgrade to a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 138 hp and 148 lb-ft. The diesel features a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder rated at 151 hp and a formidable 264 lb-ft. The LTZ and Diesel come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission; the other trims have a six-speed manual, with a six-speed automatic as an option.

Regardless of trim, the Cruze is well equipped, as even the base LS gets air-conditioning, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system. Like many modern compact cars, the Cruze can be equipped with a variety of comfort and convenience features previously reserved for luxury cars. These include blind-spot monitoring, leather upholstery, heated seats, a power driver seat, a rearview camera and a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration. Just because you're buying a small car doesn't mean you can't have all the bells and whistles.

In reviews of the Chevrolet Cruze, we've praised its athletic handling, even on standard-suspension cars. The available sport-tuned suspension predictably provides a firmer ride, but it compensates with downright sporty responses on winding roads. Less appealing is the regular automatic transmission; it's reluctant to downshift at times and not particularly smooth. Happily, the torque-rich Diesel gets a different six-speed automatic that's more responsive -- this is one of our favorite Cruze models due to its excellent fuel economy and spirited acceleration.

Taking center stage inside is a dual-cowl dash layout seen on some other Chevrolets, combining with two-tone color options to create a stylish environment. However, the Cruze uses some plastic trim that seems cheaper and harder than that of its competitors. The Cruze's front seats are a bit narrow, which might be an issue for some drivers, but they offer plenty of adjustment and are both supportive and comfortable. A low cushion for the backseat diminishes comfort for longer-limbed riders, whose thighs will have minimal support. Actual legroom is average for the segment, but the trunk is surprisingly large.

Used Chevrolet Cruze Models
The current, first-generation Chevrolet Cruze was an all-new model for 2011. A few new features arrived for 2013, including a rearview camera and Bluetooth streaming audio. The Diesel model didn't debut until the 2014 model year.

User Reviews:

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  Great value - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By kj83 - December 29 - 11:49 am

  The Cruze is a nice, solid car for a great price. I like the exterior styling, and also the simplicity and layout of the interior. The driver has excellent visibility. The key selling feature for me was the top safety ratings, as my daughters would be spending a lot of time driving this car too. The car (1LT, 1.4Turbo) handles competently, and the engine has surprising strength given the fantastic gas mileage. Weve had it for 4 months & 4K miles, and so far no issues. The transmission and controls all work perfectly. I was initially looking for a good used car, and also looked at new Civics & Corollas, but I liked the Cruze the best and am happy to buy an American brand.

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  2 years 44.5k mile review - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By natalie14 - December 3 - 7:22 am

  My vehicle is a black fully loaded ltz rs with nav. The paint has a bit of eggshell reflection so it is not the highest quality but it still looks nice and has minimal chips considering the ammount of highway driving that I do. My front seat used to make noise. Dealer tightened the bolts and replaced a clip. No squeaks or rattles after that. No mechanical problems in nearly 45k miles with only basic maintenance done on the vehicle. Ride quality is smooth and predictable. Acceleration is good enough to get on the highway with no problems and pass slow vehicles. When not stomping on the gas and driving normally the mpg is in the upper 30s to low 40s unless going up hill.

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  Waited years for this car to come out!! - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By lee1979 - November 26 - 11:38 am

  I have been waiting years for for an American car company to make the cut, on a small diesel engine for a American can, Rumors have been permeating for the last 5 years in the diesel truck community for to be an American diesel powered car that we can afford to take to a shop if it needs repairs in the future because diesel engines last for a very long time and will out last the transmissions every 300k. You may not be a diesel fan like my self but even still there are many good reasons to go with this car. - Top of the line tech. - Great drivability and acceleration. - less harm to the environment than a gasser. - Seven hundred plus miles per tank. - Awesome (real) leather seats

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  Transmission should be recalled - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By klderme - November 11 - 9:08 am

  The Chevy Cruze is a disaster. Do not buy this car. It had been recalled twice, but not recalled for known faulty transmission. The car surges and jerks. My 2 year old car needed a NEW transient, but to top it off, I have been back three times Ina week, because the new one isnt installed correctly. Stick with Honda or Nissan.

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  Surging problems - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By northerncruzer - November 7 - 10:53 am

  hmmmm....I see I am not the only one with this problem...stopped at lights brake applied and car starts surging, scared the crap outta me lol sometimes its worse than other times and happens intermittently, its booked next week so hopefully the problem gets resolved.....

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  Disappointing Quality - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By davidsk - November 3 - 7:53 pm

  We developed spots on the hood where the paint peeled away. Weve been to the Chevy dealer and spoke to Chevy corporate. They concluded it was bird poop that caused the paint chips but refused to fix the problem, informing us it will cost $500 to fix. Our actual 25 MPG is also very disappointing and not what we expected. In the year weve had the car, there have been 2 recalls on safety issues. If I had known about these issues, I would not have purchased the car and I warn others to be careful. Its extremely disappointing that Chevy wont stand behind the quality of its cars. Will never purchase another Chevy.

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  Great Compact Car! - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cruze2014 - November 2 - 3:21 pm

  I recently traded my 2011 Camaro in for a 2014 Cruze. I was trying to find a car that could save me on gas. The Cruze was an easy pick for me, compared to other cars in its class. I got the black granite metallic color, it really shines in the sun light. I was looking at the Mazda 3 also when buying a new car. I preferred the drive quality on the Cruze, the Mazda 3 had a lot of road noise for my taste. I am actually liking the Cruze more than my Camaro.

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  Learn how to drive a manual - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By tacitus7 - October 25 - 10:35 pm

  This month I purchased a gas Cruze Eco with the six speed manual. I just filled up the tank and checked the gas mileage. I got 39 mpg! That was all around driving, although the majority was highway. Then I drove 98 miles all highway at 62 mph, twice aggressively passing and negotiating some hills. I filled up and it only took 2 gallons! 49 mpg! I am very happy so far. It handles well and isnt underpowered. My 2004 impala 3.8 which I traded in for this had a better ride and more passing power, but I dont think I lost much in these areas. I am very happy. My advice: learn how to use a manual:>)

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  REALLY Nice but needs some tweaking - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By debs13cruzin - October 24 - 5:55 pm

  My first car in MY name, and American made YAY ! ( sorta) I am becoming less fond of new cars with so much dependence on computer systems. At this moment, my car is in the dealership having the radio or at the very least, the control panel and fancy little display screen replaced. Often when stopped at red light, radio goes off and lights on panels go off and on. Hopefully this will be my only problem. Other than that I really like my car, it handles wonderfully on the highway, takes curves really nice.

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  Impressive MPG - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By agwriter - October 18 - 9:34 pm

  I was first interested in the car for its MPG and it hasnt disappointed me. Not only did I get 47+ on a 600-mile trip to LA and back (freeway, backed-up traffic and mountain passes), but the power is impressive. Set the cruise control at freeways speeds going uphill and it held its speed and didnt downshift (Grapevine or Cajon Pass). Definitely a sporty feel but it rides very nice and the leather seats are quite comfortable. Only complaint is MyLink system reset once then quit working another time for no apparent reason then started working again.