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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  Capable of amazing gas mileage - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By floridadrive1 - December 26 - 1:27 pm

  I was looking for a car for commuting....and I like a manual transmission. I have been a bit of a hypermiler (coast in neutral when slowing for long distances - or approaching a turn). So far, in the first week of 1/2 city, 1/2 country roads, Ive achieved better than 47 mpg. You can get that easily by driving gingerly. This car is an ideal commuter.....I am just floored by how nice of a car this is....and Im blown away by the gas mileage. Again, the manual is awesome - especially if youre a commuter. I love this car.

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  Near Omaha, NE? Go see Daniel K at Gregg Young Chevy - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By brianerick - December 20 - 12:10 am

  I just leased my first brand new 2012 Chevy Cruze LT. I have to say it was the best car buying experience I have ever had. Daniel K was polite, helpful and understood that buying a car can be a win win situation. Before I bought he even let me take it during the lunch hour to pick up my wife so she could take a look at it. His boss Paul helped get the deal done and Brandon in financing got the paperwork done fast and correct. The best part of the transaction was that everyone was geniune and honest. Not something you initially think of when you talk about car salesmen and dealerships. I got a great deal on a fantastic car. The reason I know this... My wife wants to trade me cars. :-)

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  16 month 26k review- still VERY happy - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By matheson1977 - December 14 - 3:40 pm

  Car continues to impress me. Well built, dependable, and im getting 35mpg average in my hilly terrain. It still feels like a more expensive car. No regrets trading my lemon 07 Camry for the Cruze. I would without a doubt recomend the Cruze.

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  Chevy Cruzes into the top tier - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By bytes220 - December 11 - 11:25 am

  My Cruze 2LT is simply the best new car Ive ever owned. I and I have owned Acuras, Hondas, Toyotas and others. For my money, the Japanese Koreans, or Germans have nothing to compete with the Cruze. The interior is that of a premium near luxury car with stellar engineering that rides and handles well, has plenty of power when you need it, is very quiet and comfortable and, last but not least, delivers incredible mpgs read(29 - 44). I truly love this car. It is everything I could possibly hope for at this price point.

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  This is just a normal review. - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By dqdave - November 29 - 9:39 am

  1. The front seats have more leg room Ive ever had in any car. But, even with the seat up, the back seat cant really fit two willing adults in back. 2. Front visibility provides a great view of the road. But, the rear view mirror is small, along with the rear window. To help the rear visibility Ive removed the back seat headrests. 3. The outside of the car is.... well... boring.. I mean it looks nice, clean, and as good as you can get for a 4dr sedan. But, the inside is NOT BORING, very elegant, the high quality leather has wonderful feel. Dash has been well designed. Every feature you would want is on it. Though, I think it has to many buttons to push. Im glad I bought it.:)

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  chevy knocked the cover off the ball - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By bayoubilly74 - November 25 - 11:41 pm

  Had an aging HHR that needed to be replaced. I wanted a car that got good gas mileage (drive 35 miles one way to work) but wouldnt be an embarrasment. Went into chevy to get a sonic but the cruze turned out to be a better deal. I got the base model with 6 speed manual. For the base model it has lots of equipment: power everything, keyless, on-star, satellite radio, etc. The only thing missing that I notice is cruise control. The interior is eye-catching and comfortable. Very smooth and fun to drive. 6 speed manual will get you up the road no problem. Satellite radio is the best--cant let that go. Huge trunk. Car wants to go and still has high fuel economy numbers.

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  Six month update - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By katydid1 - November 24 - 12:06 am

  I previously wrote a review on my Cruze Eco over 5 months ago after having it for two weeks. Well, its been six months now and I am still really happy with it and I am now averaging 34.5mpg between half highway and half city driving. I did drive over 500 miles each way to Ohio and it performed well and was very comfortable too. I am also very proud to own a Lordstown-made Cruze as I grew up very close to there and know that it was made well by good local UAW workers.

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  Saved My Life So I Got Another One - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By car_cruzer - November 11 - 3:42 pm

  Got the 2012 Cruze after a drunk driver totaled my 2011. I love my Cruze! I got mine in Topez Blue Metallic. The Interior is welcoming and feels more upscale then a Toyota or Honda. The price was right given the deal I could get through my bank. If you want more options in a smaller package for the same price consider the sonic.

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  What a Pleasant Surprise - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By surprisedbygm - November 9 - 10:40 pm

  First American car we have purchased in 15 years. We were attracted to the mileage, the look, the solid handling, the interior and the electronics. On a 50 mile daily commute driving under 45 mph, my wife averages 31 mpg. On a 5 hour freeway round trip we got 41 mpg while spending 45 minutes stop and go (based on actual gas used). Cruze has the smoothest power steering Ive ever driven. Having driven Toyota, Honda and Mazda for years, I scoffed at the idea of visiting a GM dealership. We were really surprised at the quality. Ford Focus was our second choice. What a pleasure buying from an "old fashioned" American car dealer.

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  Back to Chevy - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By dabatan - November 6 - 2:27 pm

  I drove gm must of my life and still own 3 @ this time. Just added #4 after have a mazda 3 for the past 3 years. I bought the Mazda because had no car in the line up that I liked. They were boring. Till now! The Cruze is a really nice size car and alot bigger than you think. Just park it nexto other cars in it class or even bigger and it looks great. I only have my 2012 for less than a month but like it....love it more everyday. The gas mileage has been great, I go about 2 weeks on a tank. I used to go 9-10 days with the mazda. Thought I was gonna miss my mazda....I dont! and I am very happy to go back to GM and drive my new cruze............I am going cruzing.....see ya