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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  After two years with Cruze LTZ - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By tat1739 - May 8 - 10:51 am

  To follow up with my initial review of the Cruz and my experience, I submit this information. I have been in my car for over 2 years (original owner). Gas mileage is inconsistent - tends to be near the lower end of manufacture claims. Expect 25 in city/32 highway. Advertised 40 is possible, if alone, on cruise, no cargo, and going speed limit. Problems: at 28K miles, I am dealing with a leaky transmission, leaky water pump and radiator. I now have doubts over the quality & reliability. My experience with car ownership has always been: once you start putting money into the car, you keep putting money in the car. Is this going to be my destiny??

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  My Cruze experience - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By ctryan1 - April 22 - 6:55 pm

  I recently purchased a used Chevy Cruze. A friend had purchased one brand new a few weeks earlier and he said he loved it. Well I am feeling the same way about ours. We purchased a used 2011 2LT with leather and it is great. Rides nice, feels solid and gets great gas mileage.

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  Safety - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By nickie3 - April 20 - 7:04 am

  I have been rear ended twice now and I have to say this is the best car so far on safety, hardly no damage on the bumper at all this last wreck I was in and I was hit hard all it did was scratch the paint, more damage was to the vehicle that hit me. So five stars on the safety/ build of this car! My cruze is the ECO model automatic not manual it wouldnt pull the correct one up.

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  Something GM got right. - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jghs16 - April 14 - 9:53 am

  I have owned hondas since 01. Decided to trade one in for a lease on a cruze. The cockpit is nice. Was overwhelmed at first by the technology. Automatic shifts smooth even though I miss my stick already. I wish the arm rest wasnt so useless. Cupholders are too small also. Both pluss from my honda civic. The quietness of the cabin is welcoming. I can see fine but sometimes I think the view could be better. Seats are kozy. Trunk is fine. Radio sounds great. Overall I am pleased with the lease. Glad I did give GM another try. Gas mileage isnt too far off from my honda either.

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  2013 chevy cruze transmission problems - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By buzz45 - April 4 - 9:40 pm

  My cruze is less than 2 months old..when at a stop with the brakes depressed, the car surges and lurches forward..has happened 3 times and I noticed the same problem on multiple cruze web sites. This car still has transmission problems. Wonderful car, but I cant live with a car that wants to go forward with the brakes applied.

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  Not Impressed - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By sepilyons - April 4 - 12:13 pm

  I thought I had spent pleanty of time researching vehicles before purchasing (1 year) apparently not. Bought the car in Aug 2012 with about 20K miles on it, there are now about 34K on it, and Im now beggining to notice strange noises. When the car is turned on and not moving the hood seems to vibrate very loud, and after about 10 min of running it sounds like its going to die. Also there is now a thump type noise under my feet similar to a ball rolling around when I break or accelerate. I know all cars have issues but I guess I didnt expect problems in under a year or ownership. Now Im stuck in a car for the next 6 years that Im not 100% happy with! Kinda sucks!

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  Things start going wrong at 35k miles - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jayleesummers - April 2 - 8:17 pm

  I am a home health nurse and I bought my car because it was supposed to have great gas mileage and so far I am happy with it. There is a weird noise coming from the drivers side front of the car that the service department has not been able to figure out. It idles rough at times. The service department replaced a valve cover that they said was faulty, but the car still has problems with idling. The transmission seems like it is slipping at times when I am trying to accelerate and lurches when downshifting My car has been in the shop for 5 days now for the noise and the idle. They also found a faulty water pump since its been in there. All in all, I still love my car, just wish theyd fix

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  Very Uncomfortable Seats - Hard Ride - Lots Road Noise - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By gemigniani1 - March 31 - 12:40 am

  Seat bottoms have very skimpy padding so I cannot use the car for long drives. Suspension is too firm so bumps are not absorbed. Lots of road noise on coarse surfaces. Overall its a primitive driving experience. Corollas and Elantras I have rented were far more refined and comfortable. Also, dash controls are difficult to see (tiny icons) and figure out how they work. Corolla dash controls are straighforward. Thick door pillars create blind spots

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  2013 Chev Eco Cruze Manual 2000mi review - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rneuman - March 26 - 10:15 pm

  This car does everything it says it will. Great mileage (30 -34mpg in town). Peppy and fun to drive. Comfortable seating. No build quality issues. So far compares in quality to my last 6 Japanese made sedans/SUVs. The Cruze is quiet, dependable, and exceeds my expectations for 19K I paid for car. I am over 50 years old and this is the first manual transmission car I have owned and I am loving it. Great job GM!

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  First and last new chevy - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By curly14 - March 26 - 6:49 pm

  1500 miles on my first new car EVER wish I would have read all the reviews about the transmission shifting problems. The car goes from 2 to 1 gear to the point it throws you forward GM thats the ways they are designed but I can test drive the other two new ones in there lot. I told them it sounds like you have two more headaches coming back. The door lock and unlock buttons are in the center console, what idiot decided after 50 years lets move the location? I trying to get GM to buy back we"ll see what happens Ive owned all GM but thats about to change permanently! Not even close to 35 mpg more like 25 best so far was 28