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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Just plain awesome! - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
By lipweb - July 19 - 5:16 pmI have a Subaru 2.5Premium which I bought for the awd, but the gas milage is horrible and it just doesnt have the power at low rpms. I also owned a Celica GTS that I traded for the 2012 Cruze Eco and not only is it zippy around town but I got 52 mpg on a, 1 & 1/2 trip - all highway - According to the computer. The ride is comfortable, Bluetooth technology is super easy to set-up & the seats are great on my back too. I do a lot of lifting all day and it feels just right to get in and out of this car. My wife loves it too. Infact so much so, that she took it over and Im back into my 2011 Subaru. Now if I can just convince her to let me trade for another Cruze Eco.
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Wonderfully Perfect,Sporty,Luxury at an affordable price - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By jjj1989 - July 19 - 4:54 pmI bought My Cruze brand new In 2011, I drove off the lot with only 7 miles on the ODO. I now have 25750 miles on It. Happy to state that Ive never had any problems with my car. This is a wonderful car for a starter family, or for anyone who wants to own a new car at an affordable price. Its more value for the money than Toyota Corolla,Honda Civic, Its quieter, Much better then Any other car I test drove. For a first year vehicle reliability Has been above average for me. Plus It has a nice luxury look to the vehicle at a great price. Ignore the people that complain about it, their either the ones that drive like maniacs or the ones who do not keep up with the Maint.
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Thank God for Lemon Law - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By nolikecheve - July 7 - 10:16 amI bought my Cruze in Nov of 10. I have had shifting issues from the get go. The dealership made me feel like it was all in my head. Since I have hit the 18000 mile mark, I have had nothing but problems with the transmission and electrical system. I have had it in the shop 6 tims in the last 2 mths and to 2 different dealerships. I was told that there is nothing they can do to fix my car. I was back there just this morning with the tire pressure sensor. It is not the firs time... It keep saying my rt front tire need air AND the just roated my tires 2 weeks ago. What is up with that?
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A disappointment - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
By - June 30 - 10:59 amLooking for an economy car for work, I purchased a 1LT automatic on Memorial Day, but after 30 days I traded it. The main reason is that I couldnt get comfortable in the drivers seat. The seat bolsters are very tight, and the manual seat adjustment is awkward. The turbo engine and six-speed automatic often get out of synch, leaving the car "hunting" for the right gear. Sometimes it barely wants to accelerate, but when everything hooks up right, it moves well. The electronic steering is very light, little road feel. No inside trunk or gas cap release. This car is fine for a teenager to look good in, but not one for a serious enthusiast. Also, this car has no resale value.
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Disappointed - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
By tigerbill61 - June 28 - 8:45 pmSad to say but this car is Very very underpowered. Yes I know it says 35mpg hwy but only in your doing 55 with a tailwind. God help you if your making a left turn at intersection and another vehicles coming at you quickly because this thing has a very concerning acceleration hesitation concern. Ive actually put it to the floor and it just does not respond without serious hesitation. Goodbye Cruz... Hello more responsive replacement.. Sonota with similar pricing and gas mileage has 30 more horsepower and NO lag time!!
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Best Car I have ever Owned - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
By luvmy2012cruze - June 26 - 11:45 amI love my 2012 Cruze LS 6 Speed Manual! This car is by far the best car I have ever owned, its trumps both the Honda Civic and Honda Accord that I have owned previously. Great gas mileage, handles like a dream, and has amazing get up and go.
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Lemon Cruze - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By lemon27 - June 10 - 9:35 pmI bought a brand new 2011 chevy cruze in may 2011. It was in the shop 6 different times during the time that i had it (around a year) we have just sold it and took a loss of $4,000 but i was just glad to get out from under my Lemon car. We tried to contact GM for around three weeks and all we got was the run around and voicemails. The least they could do is talk to there customers and listen to what they have to say instead of avoiding them but they dont care because they already have my money and it was nothing out of there pockets.
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Just Cruzin - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
By just_a_chemist - May 29 - 2:44 pmGreat job in engineering. Have 6-speed auto and get 28 mpg commuting on side roads to work, got 38 mpg overall on 1400 mile treck from east coast to midwest, even 40 mpg on the flat interstates at 75 mph and the air conditioning blasting. Handles very well, turbo kicks hard at ~30-35 mph to 65 mph. Very good overall. Better mirrors than that of the Impala and better acceleration and fuel mileage than the Malibu.
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CJ Cruze Eco Automatic - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
By cjcruze - May 28 - 12:00 pmI have driven the Cruze 5000 miles since purchase in late Jan., 12. I am very pleased with the car. No problems on delivery or since then. The car is comfortable, quiet, and economical. I have had several Chevys over 45 years of driving. The Cruze is by far the best Chevy I have owned. Measured gas mileage (not computer based) is 38.5 in a mixture of urban, exurban, and interstate driving. I do drive carefully to achieve high mileage and rarely engage the turbo or exceed 65 mph. I would not hesitate to purchase another Cruze.
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Loving This Car So Far! - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
By cruzefan2 - May 22 - 3:58 pmIve had my 2012 Chevy Cruze ECO now for 2 and a half months and absolutely love it! Its a great value for its roomy interior, smooth/quiet ride and awesome fuel mileage! I also test drove a 2012 Ford Focus, which didnt even compare to the Cruze. The Focus didnt have near the roomy interior or the smooth ride the Cruze has. GM has finally hit a homerun with the Chevy Cruze!
