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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Bang for the buck (paid $15400) 45 MPG! All features - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By flyusmc - May 3 - 1:30 pmWow first off, if I drive this car at 60 MPH highway I get OVER 45 mpg!!! I average over 33 combine with just over 3500 miles on it. It is one of the best riding cars out there. I hated the automatic so I bought the manual and boy am I happy I did so. A way better car. I have the connectivity package and paid only 15400 out the door. Smart interior and functional for my 2 kids. Quiet ride also. Plenty of trunk space and a real unexpected treat of a car. The LS is the value king and has most of the features you want as long as you get the $225 connectivity package. This is the first Chevy I have had 0 issues with so far.
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47.8 MPG on highway! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By wi54545 - May 2 - 7:58 amWe were looking for a car to replace my 1987 Mercedes 300TD diesel. My wife was driving our 2004 Suburban and averaging around 14 mpg mixed. It had to get good gas mileage, carry three kids, our luggage, and it had to be a manual transmission! We were interested in the new Focus (ugly even though I love Ford, no stick in upper trim levels) and Elantra (Alien looking and only stick in lower trim). We drove the ECO and fell in love with its quietness, little turbo motor, and the slick shifting manual transmission. This car will be passed down to our kids in five years. The fact that they cant text and drive is priceless (manual)! On our first trip with 500 miles on it we got 47.8MPG
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What an amazing car! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By mikey1978 - May 1 - 11:32 amThis car should be compared with cars in a class above. Corolla and Civic should not be in the same sentence as the Cruze. The quality and fit finish of this car is amazing for the price. I would compare it to an Acura TSX as that seems more appropriate. The quality is evident when you first open the door and feel the heft it has to it and the nice sound it makes when closing. My new Corolla feels really tinny and cheap compared to this. Once inside touch the materials and the controls. Everything has a nice quality feel to it and looks expensive. I cannot believe the turnaround US automakers are undergoing at the moment. Cant wait to have this in my driveway!
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Averaging 30 mpg - I Like the technology. - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By skycop21 - April 30 - 2:18 amI sold my 2008 Vette, and traded in my 05 Hummer H2 for a new Cruze. I test drove the Ford Fushion, Hyndai Elantra (twice), Honda Insight, and yes...even a Prius. I really liked the Elantras sharp look and was enticed by the 40 mpg. I was about to pull the trigger until I drove the Cruze. It was so much quietier than the Elantra. My drive in to work is about 25 miles one way and is all highway. I needed a new hooptie that got better gas mileage than the 12.5 like my H2. In the first 800 miles, the car computer says that Im averaging 30.5 mpg. I did the old fashioned calculator way and came up with 29.57 mpg. Not bad with the cruise set to 75. This isnt a Vette or BMW, but nice.
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Not quite there yet, but close - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By bricknord - April 27 - 11:36 amThought it was time to buy my first domestic since mid-90s. Got a Cruze Eco. Great firm seats and suspension, plenty of power. Super quiet. 37MPG average. Unfortunately, just what I was afraid of and what kept me buying asian--lots of paint defects, A/C inoperative, gauge needles randomly peg full right and back. Thankfully, I had a wonderfully gracious dealer sales manager who let me take my bulletproof Mazda back, since I (and they) were so disappointed in the car. Sad, because I really liked it, but the attention to detail and quality control are still not quite up to the level of the Japanese. Ill give GM another try in 10 more years.
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Very, very poor gas mileage. - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By disatisifiedd - April 26 - 2:10 pmI bought this car because of the gas mileage.and that it was the best value around. I have never got over 21 miles per gallon, and have also only gone only 255 miles on a full tank of gas. Very disappointing with the price of gas today. I also know that driving differs with each person, but at least 1/2 of my driving is on the highway (60 mph), and that I recently gave my old Elantra to my son (at 100,000 miles still gets about 30+ miles per gallon. The car is also sluggish, does not drive like a new car.
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36.4 mpg - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By cruzeecoowner - April 23 - 6:26 pmIve got an eco 6 speed. About 3 months in and 3500 miles Im averaging over 36 mpg with daily town commute part of the equation. More importantly I love driving the car. Its like rolling a 7 every time I roll the dice.
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Great buy - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By cyber_soldier - April 14 - 10:22 amIve driven my new Cruze about 2,000 miles, and so far, its been my favorite car to drive. The handling is responsive, and it corners well. Im getting an average of 28 mpg driving in the city with a/c on. While returning from a trip to San Antonio I got 37 mpg with the a/c off staying at 70 mph. Once the turbo kicks in, it has plenty of acceleration. Great commuting to work car although with this car, I actually enjoy driving anywhere.
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If your a large person, forget this car - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By cliffie4 - April 13 - 6:39 pmPerformance, ride, handling, quietness, very impressive. Im an average man, 190 lbs, 5 foot 9 inches tall. The front seats are narrow in the back part of the seat. My ribs hurt being kinda swished in the seat, due to the width being too narrow. Compared to other mid-size sedans, even the Kia sportage, the width if the back is around 1-inch less. I recommend this car to someone slim, if your obese at all, the front seats are too narrow. Im trading in my car for another Mid-size SUV with higher ground clearance and wider seat backs. Loosing alot of money, but can stand the snug seats. Big mistake. Take this car for extended drive, wish I had.
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Watch the wheel - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
By retzoid - April 9 - 7:36 amI purchased a Cruze in Feb.2011..Was very satisfied at first now totally dissastisfied. The transmission down shifts very hard . Huge air leaks( wind noise) around front driver and passenger doors. The worst problem is that the dealership has had it for two weeks now. There is a problem with steering column drooping and comming undone for no reason...was told it was a bad column, been replaced 2 times now andwas told it is worse now than at first. No one will tell mewhat is really going on...find it hard that it takes 2 weeks to get a bolt. A representative from Detroit tried contacting me today...Not sure what about...will update when I find out what is going on......Car has less 1000
