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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  Check engine light and clutch problems - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Terri vigil - November 29 - 3:13 pm

  Do not buy. This car is a lemon bought it new.check engine light keeps coming on.already had to replace the clutch and it only has 12000 miles

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  Beats the VW Jetta diesel with ease. - 2015 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Alan Curtis Wilson. - November 22 - 3:05 pm

  Look around for a good deal on this car. We did and purchased it well under sticker. We also bought several aftermarket options including a second set of wheels and tires for our Minnesota winters. The diesel engine and low rolling resistance tires help the car get great mileage in the summer with our best being 60 mpg on a 500 mile trip. Around the city we get 33 to 42 mpg. Worst mileage it has returned in stop and go city driving is the EPA rated city 27 mpg. That makes this cars MPG better than any other I have bought since EPA started giving out MPG ratings. Frankly I didnt expect that with my heavy foot driving but this car has the power and does not guzzle fuel if you drive it hard. The handling is much better than I expected. The brakes are really great, so good I have trouble keeping from getting too much braking when I drive this as compared to my diesel truck or the old every day car, a Hyundai Elantra. The comparison between the two compact cars leaves the Elantra with one star and the Cruze 5 star. I am a big and tall man and I am comortable driving the car and the Big, big plus is I am comfortable on the passenger side. No other vehicle in the last 25 years have I been comfortable in the front passenger seat including my my diesel pickup. I really like the Pioneer sound system plus the in dash electronics and the way they work with my tablet and phone. Reliable seamless and easy to setup. The light colored leather interior is wonderful to ride in and helps the car be cooler to get in and drive in the summer. I have carried 10 foot long lengths of pipe, metals, and other items which fit from the trunk to the front of the car. Big surprise to me! Plus I can load all my camera and lens cases into the car with room for 2 passengers. The car is fun to drive, my wife loves it and actually likes the electronics especially the LCD between the speedo and tach that helps her and I monitor our mileage. Oh, one more thing, the diesel means that driving harder for more acceleration does not equal lower the fuel mileage greatly. I love the power of driving turbo diesel in all of them I have driven. I wish to see one in a mid or large SUV.

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  Uber driver gives thumbs up - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By James Keen - November 21 - 11:37 am

  All though built for a 19 year old college girl, my 240 lb 510" frame rides well in it. I purchased the car in January of 2013. As of November 21, 2015 I have logged over 63,000 miles. This car is the 1.8 liter mated to the 6-speed manual tranny. I log every fuel up utilizing the gas tracker app available on iTunes. Average is 30.5 MPG and I am not the most conservative driver. Only mechanical issue I have encountered was a broken thermostat housing and thermostat. The issue was covered under warranty. Car rides well and handles very well. It is under powered but expected with only 138 horsepower. I recently began driving for Uber. I have received a ton of compliments on the car. The 6-speed manual tranny is a real conversation starter. This is the base model and does not have blue tooth or cruise control. The stereo is somewhat inadequate. It is difficult to hear stereo with the windows down and only having 6 pre-set stations really blows. The car is silver ice and the windows are tinted as dark as the law will allow. It looks brand new. Something very remarkable is that I still have the original tires. Firestone FR710. Over 63K miles and still a good ways away from the tread ware indicator. I would recommend this car to anyone.....Most notable downside is resale value

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  Is the Chevy Cruze the new Tom Cruise? - 2015 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Brandon - November 11 - 11:16 pm

  Award winning, yes the sound of a F-16 fighter pilot, sort of the best car of 2015, no. The 2015 Chevy Cruze deserves an overall score of 8/10 stars due to the following evaluations: comfort-ability, performance, and design. Comfort-ability was seen throughout the interior of the sedan. Leather seats accompany the RS style of the sedan with adequate temperature control. Driver and passenger seat warmers are a nice feature—especially on cold winter mornings. The Chevy Cruze lacks in comfort for its seating design the electronic seats are adjustable, but only to a certain extent. The seat leaves the driver’s head unsupported and situated at a very low level. With its robotic-like led fog lights to the superbly shaped front, the Chevy Cruze isn’t bad looking. However, its not a head turner by any means. The designers fell short with the back of the car, with no distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other sedans on the market. The front end doesn’t look aggressive, or challenging in anyway. The car reminds me of a derpy looking little brother compared to Chevy’s more sought after vehicles. All in all, for the average consumer the Chevy Cruze gets the job done. Performance surprised me, looking at the car you wouldn’t expect 0-60mph to be under 10 seconds. This car isn’t the next weekend drag racer you’d take up to Bandimere, but from point A to point B the torque developed is enough to keep you from feeling like your stuck in the stone age. The gearbox on the automatic transmission is what kills the fun in driving. Chevy needs to revamp its gear-point changes to deliver a smoother and faster response to the gear-shifts. If your looking for a nice, inexpensive means to get a new sedan for the average driver the Chevy Cruze is a good choice. After two weeks of driving this car, I can say that I had an overall good experience.

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  1st GM product in 6 years - 2015 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Michael Steahr - November 8 - 10:07 pm

  I traded a 2015 Kia Optima EX 26,000 mi Loaded on this Cruze. The only negative thing I can say so far is that I lost a little bit of giddy-up, but I absolutely expected that going from a 200 hp direct gas injected engine to a 151 hp diesel. However, after purchase, driving this car home 280 miles on interstate 80, I had absolutely no problems merging with traffic. I am unsure of the noise complaints that I hear about from everyone. This Cruze has less wind noise than the Optima and I was pushing a head wind most of the way home. My number one goal in deciding to trade was better fuel economy. GOAL REACHED!!! On the way to Chicago in the Optima average of 35 to 36 mpg at 70 mph which isnt bad, but on the way home in the Cruze 43 to 44 mpg at 70 mph with a head wind and keep in mind this engine is not broke in yet. The handling was fine and the ride was a little better than I expected. I dont want to over talk it because I have only owned the Cruze for three days, but I spend about 2 hrs and 20 min a day, 6 & 7 days a week driving to and from work. So my 3 hr and 25 min trip home from the dealership was pleasant and comfortable. Please note this car had a sticker price of just over $29,000 its pretty well loaded, but because I was able to get in on the deal Chevy is running right now at the date of this review, I only paid $20, 675!!!! ALMOST A THIRD OFF!!!!!

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  Junk - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Jcommons - November 5 - 1:06 am

  Save yourself a Head ache!!!! I had my cruze 6 months. Bought it at 60,000 ran hot 2nd week air compressor was fried and Im starting to have issues with my transmission pulling. First chance i get it has to go!!!!

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  Prepare To Be Underwhelmed - 2015 Chevrolet Cruze
  By M. Brookes - November 1 - 1:25 pm

  Noisy, unrefined and under-engineered, dressed up with technology to take your mind off its shortcomings.

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  Wonderful car so far at 47K Miles!!! Base Manual.. - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Jeremy - October 29 - 8:59 pm

  I have had fabulous luck thus far with my 2011 Cruze LS, Base Model, 6 speed stick! I would say, if you buy this vehicle, get the 6 speed manual and the base 1.8L engine model. Less to go wrong, and plus the stick shift operates very, very good and has a lot of power(Pick-Up) and is very easy to shift. Way cheaper, too! Is fairly easy on gas. I get 32 miles per gallon with 3 people in the car, mixed driving(Combined). Pretty good! Only problem Ive had is a bad thermostat. It went bad at 43K Miles, and was replaced under warranty. After 4.5 years of ownership, I still have the original brakes. One issue, and I guess maybe Im lucky...is that every once in a while, when I turn the key to start the car up, it fails to start on the 1st turn, but it always fires right up on the 2nd turn! So no issue at all. So far anyway. I get my oil changed every 6K Miles at the dealers Quick Lube place. These new GM vehicles take a part synthetic oil, called Dexos I think, so make sure you know that. If you take care of your Cruze(Routine Maintenance), it will take care of you! That has been my experience so far at 47K Miles. I am very happy I didnt get a Lemon! It can happen to some people on the electrical systems mostly, like my last car, an 04 Impala. But the Cruze, no such issues!! Solidly built car here!

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  do not get a chevey - 2015 Chevrolet Cruze
  By unhappy customer - October 26 - 12:26 am

  paint only one coat. noisy. seat not scotch guarded , fog in eye view. cant see well even with seat adjustment future. shift slow and breaks will get you in a wrecked vey mushy feel like warn out all ready.

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  worse car i have ever owned - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Lola Beck - October 19 - 5:54 pm

  this car is not up to my standards. I will never buy another cruze. my car left me sit (they put in a new battery and cable) twice my spark plugs came loose. my car stalled out 4 days after replacing the battery. I get messages on my display "service esp" "service traction control" "brake fluid is low". my brake vacuum valve was replaced , all on a car with less than 36,000 miles. I have my car serviced every 3 months at red lion Chevrolet. I like the service department, they treat me well. I also own a 1988 ford tarus. i might have to go back to ford. sincerely, lola beck