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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  2012 Chevy Cruze LTZ - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By pjluke1 - September 5 - 12:45 pm

  What a difference two years can make --great ride , fuel mileage and an unusually great interior quality and ride for a car this size,,,,its about time!!!.this vehicle in its ride and comfort surpasses the Toyotas of my past....do not hesitate!!!! and it is mostly made in North America, how about that!!! PETE IN FLORIDA

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  Have to say what a Great CAR! - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By joespilk - August 28 - 9:28 pm

  Purchased a new 2012 Chevy Cruze Eco one week ago. Very impressed so far with build quality, performance and ride comfort. I am completely blown away by the fuel economy. Drove home from the dealership with 6 miles on it. Not even close to broken in, I got 44.6 mpg on the hwy. Now I am up to 400 miles on already and have achieved 48 mpg on the hwy 36-38 mpg in the city. I do not baby this car, it doesnt want you too, takes off like a shot when the turbo kicks in. I cruise between 68 and 72 mph with these numbers. Did get the upgraded sound system 250 watt pioneer, great sound and the conveince package with electric drivers seat and bluetooth. Rides like a much larger car. Very comfortable

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  What a fun car with great MPG for the money! - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By vetteguy999 - August 25 - 8:53 pm

  Bought a 2011 Chevy Cruze in June at Daniels Long Chevy and I love the car! It is fun to drive and great gas mileage and for the money you cant find anything nicer that is American made! Best part of it all was my salesman Mike Smith! He made my car buying experience one of the best i have ever had! Thanks to Mike and the Chevy Cruze, im a happy camper!

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  GMs Volvo? - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By thkpic - August 25 - 6:37 pm

  Has enouph character to challenge a mid-size while dominating the B-segment. With a moderately raked side profile, swooping tail lights and corporate grill theres enouph design oomph to keep you interested either at the grocery store or in the showroom. Get inside and the quite cabin spanks you with sophistication while trying to detract you from the few hard plastics scattered about. The center consoles easy straight forward layout makes changing the channel, locking the doors or plugging in a IPOD childs play.

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  Cool little Chevy - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By lilchevy - August 24 - 9:32 pm

  I do have to say that this is the first Chevy Ive owned and I like it very well. My father is retired from GM and put me onto the Cruze and it has been a great value. Gets pretty good gas mileage,looks good, and the OnStar/XM radio freakn rocks! I got the LS base model and hey for the money the car is really nice. The interior is laid out very well and the trunk space is more than I expected plus the ride quality is freakn awsome. Im glad i bought it!

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  Love my 2012 Chevy Cruise - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By shells_dell - August 23 - 7:47 pm

  I have owned Suvs for the last 8 years. All ended up being total gas guzzlers and many had terrible blind spots. I decided to go with a smaller car, Hubby and I walked around the car lot and I fell in love with this car. Sleek, has an excellent crash safety test. Has 8 interior airbags. Gets 42 hwy miles, 38 city. i have the red color and looks very sharp.

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  Excellent Performance/MPG Balance - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By 5th_mazda - August 19 - 10:49 pm

  This car is really fun to drive. We have the six speed and it really excellerates through each shift especially just above 3000 rpm when you can feel the turbo come on. We have also been pleased with the local driving gas mile of 33-34mpg but I was looking forward to see what we would get taking daughter to college. Just got back and were very pleased! Fully loaded on trip down averaging 65-70mph on first tank 39.6mpg, second tank ave 75-78mph got 36.4 and then on way back with just two of us on first tank ave 75-78 40.8mpg and second tank ave 65-68mph 43.2mpg. I think this is great for a car that is not a hybred and does not look like a hybred! US owned and made - nice job!

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  Wife loves it - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By mike600 - August 17 - 6:06 pm

  we wanted to downsize into a better gas mileage car.. we choice the cruze for several reasons. we like what GM did, I love the leg room, we liked the spec on gas mileage, it had the heated leather seat opt, in which most of the smaller cars dont have (in the price range)... etc. It drives very nice on the highway.. two long trips so far. one 600 miles to Dallas, and one to southern Colorado... Maintains speed up hills.... to early to tell about the Build Qual and reliability so I gave it a 4... based off other GM cars I have owned... which have been 3.5s-4s

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  1st American car since 1994 - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By colosteve - August 12 - 7:24 pm

  Was a loyal GM guy, but had some issues and bought foreign vehicles for a long time. This Cruze was what brought me back. We were looking to improve MPG and traded my truck for it. Test drove lots of other cars and came back the the Cruze. Chevy really seems to have hit a home run this time. The car is mostly driven by the wife (she loves it), we were both impressed on the test drive...when for a second and took it home. Style, comfort and economy were what we were looking for and this beat the competition hands down. A lot of bang for the buck. Leather, On Star, back-up sensors, remots start all for $23K. You did good GM...maybe Im back as a loyal GM guy again?

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  Considering a Cruze Eco for the MPG, youll be dissappointed - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By grockin2004 - July 30 - 12:54 pm

  Just put my first 5,000 miles on my new 2011 Cruze. Living with the car is much different than my first impressions. I commute about 90 miles a day with 90% of my drive time spent on a freeway and the cruise control set at 60 - 65 MPH. Average MPG : 36.6 I reset the meter at the beginning of my work week. By Friday, same result. Seats are a little too stiff for long distances. Arm rests are non-existent. The tiny center console lid slides forward a little, but does not lock into the forward position. Hard to get comfortable. Automatic transmission refuses to up shift until engine is near red line and down shifts too soon when coming to a stop. Irritating at times! Good engine power.