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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  What a joy to drive! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By amous3 - May 22 - 8:04 am

  The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 6 speed manual transmission is such a fun car to drive! It shifts easily and smoothly. It has plenty of safety and convenience features. Trunk space is enormous for being a smaller car. The back seat folds down to create even more space. Driver seat is comfortable even on longer rides. And the price is reasonable! I also love the fuel economy.

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  Antifreeze smell and taste - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By shadowhawk1 - May 16 - 1:02 pm

  I loved the test drive! After 14k miles I still love the way it handles. Shifting is so, so. but passable. MAIN Problem - Car reaches full operating temp, if you I use defrost setting Antifreeze smell gets pumped in through the vents. I have to drive with the windows down. I get sick to my stomach and Dizzy & after 1 hour commute I can taste antifreeze in my mouth.. The dealer has seen the car 4 times and had it out of service for 35 days. GM is aware of the issue...says there is no fix. fyi- ingesting antifreeze causes Kidney failure, birthdefects, blindness and centreal nerveous system damage. car is not safe to drive right now.

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  Known transmission issues! - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By skavfive - May 8 - 8:45 pm

  Car rides well and looks nice, but the transmission has known issues--slow and delayed shifts, and in manual mode downshifts into first are very harsh at times. These issues were confirmed and documented by the dealership: “transmission downshifts hard in manual mode….confirmed that three like vehicle do the same harsh downshifting. Call GM TAN, case #…., GM is aware for the condition and trying to correct…called GM TAN …GM is working on a change to correct this condition.” Chevy was aware of the problem redid the software package on the LT model for 2012, but no change was implemented in time for the 2012 LS Cruze. No other automatic I have ever driven has performed as poorly.

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  Dont buy for the gas mileage - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By chick_poo - May 1 - 4:08 pm

  The car is easy to drive and that is where it stops. The gas mileage is not what the advertised sticker states regardless. I drive all highway, posted speed limit, dont use the cruise, and I get an average of 28 mpg. I have tracked the miles - both trip and odometer, date of fill up, cost, and location and I have never gotten near where GM posted the gas mileage to achieve. I have contacted the dealer and GM and was told that the sticker numbers are only an estimate. Combined I was told I should get 30 and I am getting close with 28. I am barely getting city (26) and I never drive in the city - I dont even live near a city. I am 300 miles a week all highway driving. Dont buy!!

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  Radiator Smell and dealership wont fix it - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By smwavon - April 29 - 8:14 pm

  We have had our brand new 2012 Chevy Cruze LT RS back to the dealership at least 3 times and we only have 33,000 miles. 3 times were for the Transmission, first time "It needed an update", second time "valve body in the transmission needed to be replaced", third time was "another update needed for the "NEW" car. Also the third time we had it in there: We had an overpowering antifreeze smell that made driving the car very unbearable. After driving the car for a while it also seems sluggish and seems to lose power. This is our only form of transportation. We are a family of 4 and rely on this car on an everyday basis.

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  Everynne says they like their Cruze I dont! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rabbin - April 25 - 7:12 pm

  When I first purchased my Cruze I was very impressed but before I got my first 150 miles on it. I recieved a warning light that the car needed Serviced immediately! I drove quickly to a chevy dealer and they checked it out and found nothing wrong! So as I drove it happy that it was just some kind of tech. problem! I went about my happy way! However as each mo past it was problem after anouther! Everythng from peeling paint to problems in the sensors in the seats to seats that would not slide To having to replace the cluster pannel to a computer telling me the air bags needed serviced! My first 13 mo. the car has been in the shop over13 times! and MPGs nothing as many others get!

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  bad bluetooth on the Chevy Cruze - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By liz49 - April 22 - 10:24 am

  I have a smart phone from Verizon. The bluetooth says paired, but not connected. It might work for a few seconds, but then it drops. I have contacted GM, and they say it is a "known issue." Not just my type of phone. Many brands. The bluetooth was a big selling point for me, and now I cant use it. They did not sound encouraging. When I asked how long they have been working on it, they replied "a long time." I think they should offer to supply us with a phone that is compatible with their very poor bluetooth. Very disappointed. Dont buy it if you are hoping to use hands free cell phone.

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  Great little car - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By conanmacmorna - April 18 - 3:58 pm

  Ive had my new Cruze LS for two weeks and 500 miles, and so far I absolutely love it. Coming from a long history of full-size sedans and pickups, I was expecting to be underwhelmed by the Cruze (I test-drove the Eco and LS), but it has plenty of go and the ride and handling are wonderful. Twice the fuel economy of my previous rides is a great bonus. I dont know how big the Edmunds reviewer is, but my wide self has no problem with the seats. Chevy, youve knocked it right out of the park with this model.

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  50 mpg on the road!! - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By pharlap007 - April 7 - 12:57 pm

  Great car! I have 9 cars, and some have a lot more features than this one, but heres the skinny. The ECOs milage is real. Im averaging 42 combined, and Ive gotten as much as 50 MPG on a 50 mile highyway trip. These numbers are not from the computer. I fill up, and do the division with the actual miles driven. Im probably going to trust the oil life monitor, and if you dont use your 6 months free turn by turn, youre missing out on a lot of fun! I signed up for 300 minutes of phone time for my new cars phone number for $9.00, since it goes to $114.00 after the one year expiration!!! Take advantage of that. If you forget your cell...or if you are in a dead spot.

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  Fantastic Automobile - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cruzer11 - April 4 - 9:18 pm

  Purchased a 2011 cruze ltz in April 2012 the car had 8k miles on it. After test driving several GM cars, the cruze was the ticket. I drive approx. 125miles round trip a day, 25miles of that trip are stop and go city traffic. The cruze is averaging 34.5miles per gallon, On 87 gas. I do have a lead foot so I am very pleased with mpg. The interior of the car is very well layed out, all functions are easy to use an read. The ride and pick-up is great for what the car is. I have no problem passing, merging or quick moves. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a great, well built, solid,comfortable, fun to drive, automobile with luxury equipment.