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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  Dont buy one - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By bob483 - December 15 - 10:26 am

  My Chevy Cruze now has about 7000 miles on it and until recently I thought it was a decent car, despite the fact that the gas mileage stats are pretty much exaggerated, the best I have ever got with mine is around 33, 34 miles to the gallon on the highway. So dont buy it for that reason, you can do better. My biggest complaint however, Is the cars terrible lag when you step on the gas when you are already moving. It can definitely be dangerous if you are in a situation where you need immediate acceleration like I was the other day. The car took forever to accelerate. I will get rid of this car soon and certainly would never consider another one.

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  DO NOT BUY A 2012 CHEVY CRUZ ECO - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By mbennett1 - December 14 - 6:52 pm

  I wish I would have done my homework before I purchased this car. -tires not holding air -steering wheel shakes when stopping -film on windows after using defrost -rattle around dash cant find -air comes in the windows while driving and dust is endless -radio is static and speakers are muffled -too many compartments, u think texting is bad -inside door gets wet and dirty -when you open the trunk and its raining all the water pours into the trunk all over -no spare tire -no room for passengers in the back -key is too bulky and you will be surprised when returning from shopping the trunk will be open -pings when shifts from first to second -gas calculation does not match comp.

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  My first cardefinitely a good choice - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jlm14 - December 5 - 11:52 am

  My family had always been all about Hondas (and my dad a BMW person). This car has impressed me. 13,000 miles, no issues. The six speed manual is fun. My drives from Chicago to Champaign get me ~43 MPG at 75 mph cruise ctrl. I have seen as best as 46 MPG (65mph hwy) and worst 36 MPG (city). I see mixed 39-40 avg. These numbers are from my own calcs. Solid drive for a 1.4, turbo picks up, the interior isnt great but looks decent. Good lines looks elegant for a compact sedan. Bluetooth works all the time for me, good sound, very quite ride, and smooth. Takes awhile to learn how to use the gears properly, 4-6th are all O/D gears so I use 3rd to pass a lot. Overall, good, I recommend.

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  bad experience - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By the_master1 - November 27 - 9:59 am

  I traded my Honda Accord for 2011 Chevy Cruze 1LT with 17000 Mileage, convising my self that buying American brand would be the best decision! but i guess i was wrong. the problems with this care started 2nd week: noise in dash board, transmission shift very hard, I took the car to 4 GM dealer they all said it s normal " the transmission learning how you drive" really? I Drove to Detroit twice i meet with the head of customer service, and complain Dep but they did not do anything! this car is a trash and the new transmission that GM Praise is a joke! when the temperature drop below 30 you are screwed. after owning the car for 8 months (waisting money, time..) i traded to better quality.

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  Gas Mileage is a Joke, and the engine is too weak to be fun. - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jberger1 - November 21 - 5:23 pm

  I live in California, and I drive between 70 and 75 miles per hour. I am averaging according to the cruze LTZ 25.7 mpg. The car is extremely underpowered with an incredible amount of turbo and transmission lag. This car has the worst breaks when you really need to stop in a hurry. Also, under extreme deceleration the suspension is too soft, and the rear of the car will try and come around on you if your wheels are not straight. This car would be perfect if it had about 80 more horsepower, and some decent programing for the transmission. Also, the trunk arms cost you some considerable space, as they collapse into the trunk. Pistons on the side would remedy that little problem.

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  Totally Impressed - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cadeleon - November 18 - 7:52 am

  Purchased over a year ago and all I can say is I have been impressed. We have over 16.0K miles. Have taken many road trips and it is quiet and comfortable. Mileage has been as advertised, though the more you go over 70MPH tends to lower MPG. Our average for the year has been 35 MPG. This calculation does not/has never matched car computer. Only issue was the recall of which the dealer took care of with no issue. I would recommend to anyone.

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  Love the car and the MPG - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By midnightcruise - October 28 - 11:42 pm

  This car is built very well and has a long list of features. Chevy has done a great job of creating a diverse lineup for the Cruze. The MyLink features link Pandora, navigation, XM, etc... are easy to use and the screen position, size, and clarity are excellent! Driving the Cruze is fun and for a change, I am looking forward to my next road trip. The trunk is huge for a small car, but the back seat room is a bit tight for 6 adults. If you are 510" or shorter it would be fine!

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  cruzer - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By seth21 - October 10 - 8:22 pm

  great economical car! fun to drive . 6speed transmission makes for a fun ride with easy ways to customize to make it your own

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  Great Car - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By kal1963 - October 10 - 5:35 pm

  Much improved quality over the Cobalt! 16000 miles and no interior noises or rattles. Car handling very responsive and fun to drive. Constant 37 mpg everyday driving - 60 miles per day commute. Very satisfied with this car.

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  Chevy Cruze - After 2 years. - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By tat1739 - October 7 - 10:26 am

  Up-dating my original review (written 3 mo. into ownership). My car is now 2 years old/28K miles. How do I feel now? Still pleased with performance. Turbo has gumption making me happy with its 4 cyl. Gas mileage is what sticker says if you are on cruise control, highway, no mts, and riding alone. I avg. 25-28 mpg, which is disappointing for small car. The arm rest console is horrible! Too small to rest forearm on. It bugs me all the time, even when armrest is pulled forward. The fan to the heating & a/c is loud, annoying, and sounds "cheap". Buttons for heating/cooling controls are too low for easy viewing. My first American-made car that I have been pleased with.