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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  Very happy with my Cruze 2LT commuter - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rplimpton - February 26 - 3:34 pm

  So far, I really like this car. Its very solid with no squeaks/rattles. It corners well and has a nice on-center steering feel on the highway. Trunk space is impressive for a compact. The leather seats are very supportive and this is the first/only compact car that I can be comfortable driving (63", 230 lbs). The car is too new to judge mpg, but Im getting 29 mpg combined city/hwy. (Dont expect to get 36+ mpg driving 70+ mph or if you have a heavy foot.) I find that increasing tire pressure from the recommended 35 psi (cold) to 37 psi smooths the ride. If you look closely at interior fit and finish, its clear that GM was paying attention to them.

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  Impressed - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By techman3006 - February 25 - 12:01 pm

  Owned a Cobalt and had zero issues after 3 years, BUT traded it in after seeing the Cruze at a dealership. What a difference between the Cobalt and Cruze. The Cruze is night and day better in styling, handling, interior quality, fit and finish, etc. Even has slightly better MPH so far. Cant even believe these two cars are made by the same company. Why GM did it take you so long to put out a car like the Cruze?

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  Disappointing MPG - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jrh0912 - February 23 - 5:25 pm

  My only complaint is the MPG. Im getting 31 in both city and the highway. I was hoping for something closer to 40 like a previous reviewer is getting. Other than that, its a nice car. We saved thousands compared to a hybrid.

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  The schizophrenic Cruse - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By donrican - February 20 - 10:07 am

  This car is schizophrenic. This is a midsized car whos convinced its a compact. Im a big guy who used to rub shoulders with passangers in my Civic. Not any more, the cabin is spacious for a compact. This is also a sub-compact whos conviced its a compact. The 1.4 acts like its pulling a 2100 pound car and not the fully loaded Cruzes actual 3100. It should have much worse fuel economy as it does. This is a sports sedan convinced its a compact car. The handling is down right brilliant! This is a near luxury car convinced its a compact car. The fit and finish are good. None of the buttons and switches feel cheap. Leather seats are comfortable. Pioneer sound system is great. It needs a shrink!

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  Happy Former Japanese Car Driver - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cruzy - February 19 - 1:09 pm

  In December got out of leasing a Subaru Impreza, test drove the 2010 Toyota Corolla & have owned a 1990 Corolla until it had over 100,000 mi. Since that was the extend of my driving experience, I did a lot of research as to what car & type to lease next. Worried about switching from AWD to front wheel drive, I opted to go with front wheel with turbo power as a compromise. It drove well through all the storms we had in NYC except when I had to drive up a pretty steep & snowy hill (I live in a hilly hood). The road was too slippery to drive the Cruze. This was the only time I missed the AWD. The Cruze does roll-back more easily than Im used to. Overall, Im very happy with my Cruze.

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  Surprising - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cruzeecoowner - February 19 - 10:36 am

  I bought a Cruze eco model about two weeks ago. I cant believe Im averaging 39 mpg in mixed driving in hill country on the first two tanks of gas. I would have been happy with 29 in the kind of driving I do in hilly terrain of SW Pennsylvania. The car does seem to kind of glide without much effort and I drive it conservatively on the highway letting it coast down hills at times around the speed limit--often having to slow it down a bit. The high range gears also pull hills better than I expected--even the 6th gear. The car is also fun to drive in the city where I work and must commute during the work week. It is quick, with more feedback and precise handling than Id expected.

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  Love the car except for the fuel economy - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By reggie350 - February 17 - 11:42 pm

  Purchased a new Cruze 2LT with the disc brakes, 17 inch rims, convenience package, and spare tires. On the plus side the fit and finish are good, love the interior, ride is quiet, handles good, good looking car, a lot there for the money. On the down side the brakes are a little soft, not a true independant rear suspension, and the fuel economy is no where near the posted numbers. I drive 95% highway, mostly flat roads, at 63 mph and I get 31 mpg.

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  Fully Loaded Black Cruze LTZ - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By g6leaser - February 15 - 7:03 am

  250 miles on my Cruze --- I must say that after trading in my 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Lease and getting into a smaller ride - the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze I was a bit worried about comfort. The Cruze far exceeds my expectations about interior comfort. Plenty of room and an upscale dash for a small car - the Infotainment system (NAV,Bluetooth,Hands Free, XM) with the Pioneer Premium Audio Package and Sunroof makes me want to take extra laps around the block. Only complaints are the styling of the rear of the car, a few hiccups when using the Manual Tap Shift - but the positives outweight any negatives so far in my ride. Time will tell regarding MPGs - currently avg 26 mostly city driving.

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  Perfect car for the Hwy - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Bryce - November 24 - 10:54 pm

  Very quick acceleration at low speeds due to higher torque from the diesel engine. If your not careful you will peel out. This car goes right up steep hills without slowing down. I average 44-50 mpg. If you do alot of city driving wou will get 40-44mpg if you are mostly driving on the hwy you will get 48-52 depending on traffic. Requires Diesel exaust fluid— 2.5 gallons at walm____ runs 7$ and will get you around 2,500 miles.

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  Stuck With A Lemon - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Oliver - November 18 - 11:43 pm

  I bought a 2017 Chevy Cruze for my daughter who will be graduating from college soon. I took money out of my retirement fund because I wanted her to have a good, reliable car. The problems began almost immediately. There is a system that is supposed to save on gas use called auto-stop. It does one of 4 things when you apply the brake to stop the car. 1. The car stops and the engine idles like a normal car, when you put your foot on the gas pedal, the car starts moving forward. 2. The car stops and the engine turns off, when you put your foot on the gas pedal, the engine starts up and the car goes forward. 3. The car stops and the engine turns off, when you put your foot on the gas pedal, the car seems to pause for a moment, then the engine rattles a little and the engine comes back on and the car goes forward. 4. The car stops and the engine turns off, when you put your foot on the gas pedal, nothing happens and you have to shift the car in to park and manually restart the engine because it has completely turned off. I took the car in to the service manager and he test drove it and saw what it is doing. However, he told me that there is nothing that can be done to fix the problem because it is controlled by a computer component that can not be fixed or even accessed by any Chevy service department. The following day I called a different Chevy dealer service department and I was told the same thing. The problem can not be fixed. I can not afford to buy my daughter another car so she is stuck with a LEMON that can’t be fixed. I am considering talking to a lawyer to find out if I have any legal options at this point.