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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  Not one regret - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By maxzillian - October 1 - 4:09 pm

  I bought this car three weeks ago, used with 17,500 miles. I have since logged over 500 miles of mixed driving and so far my experience has been extremely positive. With mixed driving of 70% highway and doing one autocross event, the car still managed 35 mpg. Color me impressed! Handling is crisp and firm, reminding me of cars Ive driven while in Europe. Even at 64", I find this compact car to be comfortable to drive, but rear seat space is lacking... it is a compact car after all. I find the 7-8 mpg gain over the typical midsize was worth sacrificing a little comfort for what few passengers I carry. Long story short, its an economical car without the economy feeling.

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  Love the Cruze - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By lstation - September 29 - 8:13 pm

  This is my first car review EVER. Just purchased the cruze and I love it! I test drove the 2013 Honda Accord and 2013 Nissan Altima. Unfortunately these were going for a pretty penny and the Chevy Staff really wanted to offload the 2012 models. As a result, I was able to pick up the 2LT model for 4,000 under MSRP. The car is well built, fun to drive, and excellent on fuel economy. I am very happy with my choice!

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  7 Month Update - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By gep10 - September 25 - 12:11 pm

  My Eco manual now has 9K miles. Not a single mechanical issue the car is still tight with no rattles or squeaks. The overall fuel economy (computer) has improved to over 38 MPG for >80% city driving. My best 50 mile economy is 50.0 MPG (computer). Got an indicated 45+ MPG for a recent 450 mile trip (20% @ 75 -80 MPH, 70% @ 62 MPH, some city) which is probably around 42 MPG actual. The computer is consistently 2-3 MPG high. My only complaint is the hood has a few chips in it Ive read other complaints about this as well (soft paint??). Overall, Im very pleased with this car. I highly recommend anyone shopping for a high MPG car test drive a Cruze before making a purchase decision.

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  Seating is very uncomfortable - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By debbieevans - September 22 - 3:09 am

  I have never complained about a car but my drivers seat is the most uncomfortable seat and is causing me great pain. My shoulders are pushed forward and my neck and shoulders are in constant pain now. I will start to buy various items to try and fix the seat and I hope something will make it more comfortable for me.

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  Just Cruzin - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By just_a_chemist - September 20 - 9:00 am

  Edmunds did not have choice of 1LT with 6-speed auto, but that is what I own with RS package. The car delivers great value and performs way better than others in the class. Good ride, great power, great gas mileage, and good looks. Average 28 mpg in local commute with 38-42 on the highway with 87 octane. Suggest using mid-grade or premium for highway driving as the turbo will perform better with higher octane. I have had no problems at 7000 miles in 6 months. The complaints about the sleeping shifting are due to the gas saving transmission linkage allowing the car to coast increasing fuel economy, all cars will be going with this technology.

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  My first new car since 2000 and I really like it! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jemof2 - September 10 - 10:36 am

  I have read some post about the throttle response and I do agree. When starting from a complete stop, it seems to take forever to get going - I may try to put it in manual mode and see if it does the same thing. Also, when stopped on an uphill incline, I get a big jerk when I hit the gas to get out in traffic. Otherwise, this car is great! I traded in a 99 Caddy Seville for it because of all the problems it had. All I have done to this car so far is oil changes and I am at 21K miles. I am so happy to have a reliable car again!! I have children and the Caddy was constantly leaving us stranded on the interstate.

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  6 Month Update - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cruzefan1 - September 4 - 3:56 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Chevy Cruze Eco automatic on 3/2/2012 so I thought I would give a 6 month update. So far I have had no reliability issues. The car is fairly quiet and rides smooth for a small car. The interior is very roomy and more upscale then some of the competition. I have been avg. 35-36 mpg with 75% highway and 25% city driving. There are a few things that could be improved, being very minor. The first being to make the center consel a little larger and a bigger arm rest. Second would be a little more legroom for larger adults in the backseat. Finally, the transmission seems to be a little sleepy and searching for gears.

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  Best Purchasing Decision I Ever Made - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By ratrbridin - August 26 - 6:02 pm

  For the first time in my life, I have made a WISE decision when purchasing a new vehicle. I was very skeptical giving up my truck and buying an "Economy Car." Im 6 215lbs, but my new career has me driving a personal vehicle to make sales calls. I am overly impressed with my Cruz Eco. Very stylish, and the biggest surprise is from the 1.4L Turbo. It is very responsive and I am AVERAGING 35MPG, with my best score on the highway being 42.6MPG. I thought I would be embarrassed to drive an economy car. Chevrolet has made a believer out of me, however. I love this car and would and am recommending it to all my friends and associates. Way to go Chevy.

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  Could be better - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By ihateteeth - August 25 - 7:27 am

  My first foray into US manufacturer territory. So far the Cruze has been good but not without faults. Im not big by any means but the seats just arent wide enough. The air con is poor at best and not up to Florida summers. The bluetooth works when it wants to (rarely), and that old "gas mileage" thing. Not as good as I was lead to believe. In fact its getting worse rather than improving with time as Chevy suggests it should. Like the styling, particularly the front, and the car feels well built. The way the auto shift suddenly moves down when slowing is rather alarming though. Something I could do without. Would I purchase another? Probably not.

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  HATE THIS CAR!! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By sshotwell756 - August 22 - 9:15 pm

  Have had nothing but problems from day 1! Transmission, windows, doors, brakes, ac and to top it off it pulls to the right and they cant seen to get it fixed. Every single time it goes into service its there at least a week and the last time 2 weeks. I have never had such a bad experience with a vehicle but this has ruined the excitement of buying a new car. It never even smelled new. The gas mileage sucks. I was told 28 mpg in the city and 42 on the hwy and it doesnt even come close. Its getting 20 - 22 city and 32 on the hwy. I dont know about other owners but I will never buy another Chevrolet.