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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  Lives up to the hype!! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By katydid1 - May 31 - 3:11 am

  I am a loyal Chevy buyer having had a Malibu then three Impalas since 1997. I put alot of miles on a vehicle and with the high gas prices, decided to go check out the Cruze Eco at my local dealer. I was very pleasantly surprised at how nice it looked inside and out not to mention the quiet and smooth ride for a compact car. I bought my Eco(the one I test drove) that day and have had it for almost two weeks now. I am already averaging 32mpg between city and highway driving so cant wait to see what it will be after the break in period.

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  DID I HEAR THE ECO CRUZE GETS AVG 31/42 MPG - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By biguylw - May 26 - 4:30 am

  NONSENSE!!!! I have been a GM owner for the past 12 years and was always very pleased!! was looking to downgrade one vehicle because of the price of gas and I was drawn to that Ethnic add in a nursing home (VERY POOR TASTE) where the bottom line was 42 avg mpg!! I own this ECO cruze for 2 months now and from day one I had an avg mpg of 19...a far cry from the adds!! I brought the vehicle in 5 times for the same problem and they continue to tell me all is running correctly and does not qualify for the lemon Law!! The law states that if you bring in your car for three (3) times for the SAME reason and they cnnot fix it...you are entitled to a refund or replacement!! I want a repalcement

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  Chevrolet got it right - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By datuttle - May 22 - 6:08 am

  Had my Cruze for a week now. This is the first "small?" car that I have ever loved. Incredible fuel mileage, more power than you would expect and it is so much larger than its competition. I drove them all before buying this one. A comparable car from Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Ford or others is thousands more. You need to go with the BMW or Lexus to get the same ride and features of the Cruze. I drove them all and this car really stands out above them.

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  Should have shopped around more - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By eliz34 - May 19 - 4:01 pm

  I made a big mistake buying a Cruze before shopping around a bit more. The ride is so jarring on bumpy roads (which alas I must drive over) that I get headaches and stomach aches - and this has never happened in any other cars. I suppose if someone is looking for this, then it would be okay. Also, the seats are surprisingly uncomfortable even the Carmax appraiser said so without my prompting. The driver needs a right armrest. Also, the auto-lock is on the center console instead of on the door, and this gets very inconvenient if you have cargo to deal with in the back seat. I will be taking a hit with my downpayment and looking for a different car. Sorry, Chevy.

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  Top of the Class! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By micha78 - May 14 - 9:33 pm

  This car really makes you feel special the second you open the door and see the beautifully designed dash. Cannot say enough about the quality that went into this car from the feel of the soft touch materials inside to the beautiful exterior. To compare it to Civic and Corolla does it an injustice. We own a 2010 Corolla and it is just a boring A to B car with terrible fit and finish inside. With the Cruze, you want to fight for the keys because of how it makes you feel. You really feel like youre driving a sport luxury car and wonder how you got away paying so little. Highly recommend it, you will not go back to the boring boxes on wheels.

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  YOU WILL NOT REGRET YOUR PURCHASE!! (: - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By chickenfrieddd - May 14 - 10:26 am

  Words can not explain how much I am absolutely in LOVE with this vehicle! The design is beautiful and it is so fun to drive. Its unbelievably quiet and it drives VERY smooth. If youre looking for something with luxury but not with a huge price tag, this is the car for you. get MPG as well!

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  If you need a commuter car, Run - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By medgeworth - May 13 - 7:56 am

  I added the Edmunds id after I purchased the car, just so I could add my comments here. I got a new job that required a long commute. I was focused on the Elantra but they were not available for 20K with their popularity. I fell into the Cruze and was surprised by the ECO numbers. I Love the car. I drive in the fast lane, play in the corners and I still get 37MPG. Cant wait for a Road Trip. For the money and the cabin and the MPG - its a deal Oh yea, im 64" 240, it fits fine with headroom.

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  Chevrolet has a Winner with the Cruze - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rmfiii - May 12 - 7:11 am

  WOW! What a great car at this low price point. I have the RS model and aside from the great looks the performance is top notch. My combined fuel average is 34 MPG with the 6 speed auto. The interior design especially the dash layout should be in a much more expensive car but the Cruze has it. Seats are comfortable and lot of leg and head room. 1.4l Turbo does a great job as long as you go light on the long pedal. Interior noise at hwy speeds is extreamly quiet for a car of this class. Fit and finish is much better than others in the class. Note: The turbo is designed for gas milage not for speed. You will not be dissapointed with the Cruze. Imports are now comparing their cars to the Cruze.

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  Amazed - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cruze0414 - May 8 - 1:29 am

  I love this car. I average about 28mpg and I do mostly city driving. I love a lot of the intuitive features that the car has built in. The doors can be set to unlock as soon as you put the car in park, or not. Its your choice. The bluetooth automatically turns down the air conditioning so your calls can be heard clearly. It is a pleasure to drive a car that handles as well as it does and has all the options that it does for a base model. I enjoy the Onstar back up phone minutes too. Very handy.

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  Best Value Available! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By slimpeimp - May 3 - 9:00 pm

  I did quite a bit of research on all the latest compact cars coming out and the Cruze Eco was by far the best value for price, features and economy (the new Elantra was in close 2nd but Id take a turbo 4cyl any day over NA 4cyl). I have about 1500 miles on the car so far and couldnt be more pleased: handles great, quality interior, lot of features and averaging 39mpg (80:20 split hwy/city thru semi-hilly terrain). I was pleased to see how much room is available in the front seat and trunk.