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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  Worst car I have ever had - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By H.Smair - May 30 - 5:45 am

  Stay away from Diesel, it has a lot of issues, I am at 35000 miles, all sort of problems with check engine, also the exhaust fluid system has big issues, it will reduce your speed and stop the car completely if not fixed ....high expenses maintenance not worth buying a Diesel,

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  Cruze near 120K and 6 Years Old - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By DRThoreau - May 20 - 4:40 pm

  Having bought Japanese cars for more than 30 years after a bad GM experience in the 80s I read that GM had finally built a car in this class/price range worth buying! The Cruze has proven that early assessment to be true. A recall and two other repairs were covered under warranty, a failed battery after only two years was not! Its replacement has lasted for 3 thus far! Front seats are a bit short on the base and can catch some drivers mid thigh and after extended periods become uncomfortable, back seat okay for kids or one adult passenger. Trunk space is exceptional and the 1.8 liter 4 though noisy when pushed operates pretty quietly otherwise. Tires are critical to road noise in this vehicle as road surfaces vary. Here in South Carolina where the pavement seems to be some of the most noise producing I have traveled on, a tire with too much wear transfers all that noise right into the passenger cabin. regular recommended oil changes, tire rotations and a replacement set of OEM tires at 60K and that is the sum total of expense thus far. Upcoming spark plug change, transmission flush and new front disc brake pads will be needed soon. That being said i think that I will be able to get another 100K out of this vehicle! Another 8,000 miles on the clock and after replacing plugs and timing belt as recommended the Cruze continues to serve us well! Now at 118,000 miles and counting. Another set of tires will be due to be put on. Brakes were changed and probably had a few thousand more miles in them. Regular oil changes, tire rotations and all is well. The interior of the car has also held up well with only the wear you would expect from nearly 6 years of use.

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  Owner of a 2012 - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Guess who - March 25 - 3:08 pm

  Great car for long or short distances in regards to gas mileage. I drove from NY to DC on 1 tank of gas ( not bad). It can be quit snug if youre 6 or taller and getting out can be a pain in the butt. I have had 3 recalls on the car but nothing serious and everything was covered by manufacturer.

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  Worth the Look - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By tat1739 - March 21 - 1:53 am

  Loyal Honda fan won over by Chevy! I have loved my car! Steering is responsive. Ride is nice and quiet especially for a small car. Lots of pep. Nicely appointed dash. Classy interior. Mileage has been running about 30 mpg - and this is with an average speed of about 37 mph. I typically drive more in-town. I expect to see upper 30s - 40 mpg on the highway. Yeah! Eager to get it on the road to stretch her legs. I was a "hard sell" customer - and looked at this car with a very critical eye. Drove and compared it to every comp car - just couldnt resist it, tho I surely tried. If you want a small sedan at reasonable price, this is the car for you!

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  What did GMs Cruze Lose? - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By gandalf7719 - January 25 - 12:29 am

  I have been eagerly anticipating the release of GM’s Cruze since it first appeared on the horizon, a compact chocked full of technology forward engineering economy and the first to bring Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology to a fuel efficient compact. So imagine my surprise when after negotiating my best deal at my local dealer when my excitement of the vehicle’s capability to run on E85 a fuel produced in America was met with a blank stare. He went on to explain that “FFVs have yellow gas caps, and the Cruze doesn’t.” In simple terms on the way to market the Cruze did lose its FFV capability un-noted in most arenas and media outpourings. So just when it seemed

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  Still a Ways To Go to Catch the Asians! - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Steve - December 27 - 3:08 pm

  There are several reasons I chose the Cruze to replace my 2014 Hyundai Elantra Limited. The first is price, I couldnt get a better price for a Honda or another Hyundai. I couldnt even come close. The second it the engine, the turbocharged 4 in the Cruze was better than all of the other cars I test drove except the Honda Accord 4 cylinder. The Cruze was also the lowest priced car I could find with Apples Car Play. If Chevrolet really wants to complete with the Asian imports it had better upgrade its interior finish choices. As it sits right now the chosen pieces look and feel cheap.

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  So far so good! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Josh R - December 1 - 11:05 pm

  Car has just passed 120,000 miles. I commute long distance with my job so this car has received a lot of highway miles. MPG is ok (upper 20s, lower 30s). Drives quiet and smooth. Great road handling. I am 6 tall with a husky build and I can get in and out very well, backseat not so well. Have only had to replace a PCV valve cover (out of warranty) and a cracked thermostat housing (In warranty) and the required recalls. Hoping I can get a few more miles out of it.

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  You WILL be replacing a transmission - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rotary - November 11 - 12:52 pm

  I purchased a brand new (at the time) Chevy Cruze back in May 2012 and since then have put 70,000 miles on it over the course of 5 years. Pretty standard, Id say. Last week I was on my way to work and the check engine light came on, the engine started revving high, almost like it was downshifting, and when I pulled it to the side of the road it no longer would accelerate. I turned the car off, turned it back on, it would drive a bit but then the same thing would happen. In a nutshell, I took it to a transmission shop and I have to replace the whole dang thing. $3400. Apparently these transmissions are notorious for doing this which leads me to this: Why hasnt GM fixed this in affected vehicles? Wanted to make all aware that are thinking about buying this vehicle.

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  Red Hot Cruzer! - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Scotty B - October 21 - 10:55 pm

  Bought my Cruze LT used at a Honda dealer with 11,800 miles on it. The price is what drew me in as it was under $13000 before the dreaded haggle process. I love the car, its whisper quiet, has good pick up for a small 4 cylinder engine and I average 38 miles a gallon driving highway and city. The car came with heated seats, and the upgraded auto start keyless features. I am very impressed with the 7" information center as it links my phone apps to the screen. Maps, music, phone contacts and text are all hands free and work like a champ. The cars new sharper lines mimic the new civic and it really makes the car stand out. Many Cruze owners with older models stop and ask me about my experience in the new style. I formerly had a Kia Soul, loved it and it was very reliable, but the Cruze is my new favorite. Trunk space and passenger room is exceptional as well. Highly recommend checking it out.

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  Great Surprise - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Marty - August 29 - 1:26 pm

  Traded in a small SUV. This car is a wonderful surprise. The handling, transmission and motor provide a sports sedan feel in comparison. Great gas mileage and logical technology - the WiFi is useful. Interior and exterior are tight and attractive.