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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  Cruze good for cruising - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Wil Chambers - November 9 - 5:47 am

  Good looking car from inside and out. Love the handsome exterior body lines and 18 inch wheels. interior has a great infotainment center. Front seat comfort is terrible needs lumbar support. Rides very quiet and smooth cruising around town. I hate the Auto start and stop feature sometimes a little rough when car starts back up. Overall im happy i purchased the Cruze and hope i have many miles of worry free maintenance!

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  good chevy name gone bad - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Ted King - November 1 - 1:36 pm

  Do not buy one.We did and regret it! 2011 chevy cruze. we shop around and being a chevy family. My son has an 2015 impala my wife has 2000 ext cab truck and i have 2006 z71. We bought this from new smyrna beach used with 80k on it. By the 1st oil change, new starter $500 with tow! Now over 4k new tranny and has only 5000 mile more than when we purchased it. The car costed when we bought it 4800,6500 with tax tag title.I am bad dad now for spending all my daughters money on this now it sits just like yours will if you buy one.run away from this car. read the reviews on them we did not until now! Its horrible.

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  Reliable until I was in an accident - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Michael - November 1 - 4:31 am

  You get what you pay for. I purchased it used from the dealer. It had a few minor recalls that were easily fixed. Price was nice but there are better cars at the same price point. It was good until someone rear ended me and now the car is a right off. The air bags never went off though! I wouldnt buy it again but I was happy with it for what it was. A cheaper reliable car for getting around town that got good gas mileage. Pros Visibility was good and the back up camera was great . Driving was comfortable. Satellite road was great Controls were easily accessible Gas mileage was great Trunk space was fine Usb charger in front console was nice Pockets on doors was nice Headlights were bright Remote start Seats easily cleaned, I had a Montana that would stain with water stains every time it rained or got snow on them A jeep Laredo hit me, hardly any damage done to it ! Cons Extremely under powered from a stand still Passenger leg room was small due to the glovebox Cloth material on the dash looks nice but not sure the longevity of it Passenger foot room was small because of the depth of the glove box. Window defrost is only in the enter of the dash and it would take forever to defrost.(I live in Canada) Cup holders placement was awkward No interior trunk release, have to turn off car to use trunk release No leg room in the back seats. (Remember its a small car) Car jerks at times when stopped, dont know why Smell was coming from engine compartment when I first bought it, smelt like burning anti freeze, has since stopped Cheap plastic on exterior trim would fade Arm rest was extremely small, needs to be longer Great care for someone under 57, not for tall or bigger people Dash plastic had a nice style but looked and felt cheap

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  engine failure!!! - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By r wagoner - October 4 - 9:46 pm

  Love this car but after 12000 miles developed no power engine light came on and went off took it to the dealer found no problem drove another 200 hundred miles developed severe engine miss dealer replaced pistons drove home developed an oil leak next day returned to the shop oil leak repaired never made it home stopped at a shopping center then it would not start, finally started took back to the dealer now driving rental car NOT SURE IF I WANT ANOTHER ONE

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  Superb car - GM nailed it! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By NewCruzeOwner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive always bought GM cars, but never really loved driving any of them. When shopping this time around Id planned on moving to a more stylish import such as a Mini, BMW or Audi. Basically something compact, cool and fun to drive. I drove both the LTZ and the 2LT and found both were as much, or more, fun than the imports. Although the level of refinement on the 3 series BMW is better, I prefer the performance and quietness of Cruze much more. Not to mention a loaded 328i is twice the price. Its remarkable I can get a car packed with this many features priced so affordably. And this car is very quiet! This car is well above and beyond any of my other GM cars. Finally a GM car I love!

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  This guy loves his Cruze! - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Phil Boehmer - August 24 - 1:42 am

  Ive had my 2013 Chevy Cruze for 2 years now. I bought it used with 20,000 miles on it and I now have 70,000. Other than regular maintenance (belt, wipers, oil change), I have had no problems. Ive taken this car on many trips, just recently drove it a few thousand miles between 9 different states and not one problem. Gas mileage is excellent and I love the way the car handles when driving. Seating is very comfortable in the front, Ive never been in the back so I dont personally know but people that have ridden in it say the back is fine. Huge trunk space for hauling things. This is the best, most reliable car Ive ever owned and would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Fell short of the hype! - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Debra Svitko - August 22 - 9:18 am

  The car sits very low to he ground and is very light weighted so I had to add sandbags to the trunk for weight. You can’t wash the interior to keep it clean without it falling apart. Great in gas. Comfortable interior.

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  Cruzen - 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Grover Rabbit - June 27 - 4:14 pm

  Nice car 2017 Cruze R/S Premier. Heated seat OK, but sages down (compresses after time) and begins to punish you: RX get yourself a pillow for long trips. Hate the steering wheel radio tuner, ...if you have normal size hands (and probably even Trump stumps) you can almost be certain that every time you rotate the steering wheel (usually just parking) you will either change your radio channel or turn it up--what idiot thought that was useful? Not a good thing. The car handles the rod extremely well and easily has the quality of my former BMW and Benzes. I drive mostly highway and love the mileage ( around 40 mph) The ride is little rough but I guess that is what you get with the sports version.

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  WOW.......almost perfect - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By whandlos - June 16 - 3:33 pm

  3k miles on a 2LT and I am blown away. Nothing,.....I mean nothing within 10,000 bucks of this price point feels as quality as this car. Gas mileage averaging 35 mpg for one hour trip each way for work and my 63" 230 lbs body is comfortable all the way. This car is amazingly quiet and rivals my coworkers BMW in riding experience. No, not for power of course.......but if you buy a cruze you are doing it for the mileage. The car has plenty of pickup for passing on a two lane highway. Not so much at all off the line, as the car is programmed not to use the turbo at low speeds to save you from yourself. With the tranny software upgrade (make sure you bring it in for that), all is good

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  Love this car - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Mike - June 4 - 2:33 pm

  Admittedly, this is my first new car so I may be biased. I previously drove a manual 02 Golf. The standard backup camera is amazing (first time having one) and the screen is huge. I use Apple CarPlay regularly. I was a bit worried about the auto stop/start as it has been listed as a con of this car. Honestly, Ive never been in the situation that it does not start by the time my foot is on the gas. It starts so quickly that I dont even notice it; I would list this feature as a pro and not a con. Its a very smooth ride. Acceleration is decent but when the turbo kicks it feels pretty fast (compared to my golf). Not sure of fuel economy yet. I did see that at one point it listed 39 mpg as the best Ive gotten but I hear you need to let it break in before getting accurate readings. Love the cargo space (as does my dog) and I actually keep the seats down most of the time with a blanket in the back. I really love the interior; feels pretty luxurious for a car of this price but again, Im coming from an 02 Golf. The only con is that it feels a bit top heavy around turns compared to the Golf. I see that Chevy has a new suspension kit to make it a little bit stiffer; I might install that soon. Having a button for an ignition took some getting used to (convenience package) but now Im a fan.