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:

• 

  Worst mistake of my life - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Eric Maiden - March 29 - 2:20 pm

  At first I was excited to have my first brand new car but once the test drive was over and the paperwork was signed the nightmare began. My first day with the car I had a service airbag warning appear. Took it to the dealer they flashed the computer everything was OK or so I thought. Just before my first service I had noticed a bunch of extra wind noise in the cabin so when I talked to the dealership they said no problem we will fix it. However during the visit to the shop my brand new car was backed into a pole ... They tried to fix the damage but only caused more problems scratches in the plastic dents in the rocker panels paint runs ... It took over 9 months to get it back to brand new status and the noise in the cockpit was still there. The car will surge when it is first started until it gets up to operating temperature. I have had several oil leaks and it took 4 tries to get the intake manifold gasket fixed properly. The paint is flaking off that started at 40k miles the trunk button stopped working at 50k miles, have replaced all of the light bulbs (currently have 80k on the odometer) and at 78k miles the ac stopped working... Tried to get help from general motors but they refuse to admit I got a lemon I am currently in the market but will never buy another Chevy again

• 

  Great work car - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Cruze Driver - March 9 - 8:46 am

  Very reliable, and good on gas. Small gas tank though, so expect to still stop once or twice a week.

• 

  Cruze Diesel Problem Child - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Marconquistador - March 9 - 2:12 am

  I did not see an option for diesel in the Edmunds drop down, so I selected a gas option just to write a review about my 2014 Cruze Diesel. I bought the car new in 2014. Within the first few thousand miles I had warranty work done. After about a year, the car has been in the shop constantly. The warranty work usually takes a week by the time the tech dows the diagnistics, parts are ordered, etc. Some of the same parts keep getting replced. As of now, my tags are expired (registration is paid) because the car will not pass Smog in CA because the engine light is on. Emission parts keep being replaced, and the light keeps comming on. The support for Chevy diesels is aweful, atleast for the Cruze in my area. The car has less than 30k miles. I am suposed to pick it up today, but they want me to drive it for 100 miles before they try to Smog it just to see if the engine light comes on again. I had to get a TOP from DMV.

• 

  Cruze be nibble, Cruz be Quick, Cruze has no stick - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Mark Shirley - February 9 - 11:13 am

  This car was made for today. It shines in the city, country, and the highway. The "Auto Stop" (car shuts off at stops to conserve gas), was a little disconcerting at first; however, when you see your city gas mileage, you dont mind. On those long lonesome country 60 MPH roads, you can get nearly 40 mile MPG. And, even with all this fuel economy, this car is quick and nibble at freeway speeds. After coming from the city, and taking it easy on a 50 mile trip to visit in-laws in the country, I got 38 miles to the the gallon (without AC on), on my way to their home. Coming home, we were running a little late, and in freeway city traffic, my Cruze was so nibble and quick darting around the clustered traffic at freeway speeds, it was almost incredible. My car has remote & push-button start, and I can unlock the doors by touching the handles. After getting to work and waiting in my Cruze to punch-in for my shift, I switch the car off and the radio and electric windows still operate, until I exit the vehicle, which is a great feature. I read one review where the person was bemoaning the "Auto Stop", while trying to pull into traffic quickly. I found if you anticipate a quick move coming, you merely have to be proactive and step on the accelerator a couple of seconds before going to take it out of the "Auto Stop" mode. This hasnt been an issue and I live in the City. With the RS package and the addition of my fog lights to the front grill, this car is a looker. Even though the Cruze Hatchback isnt rated quite as high as some of the other Hatchbacks, I beg to differ. This car is all things to most people and a great value. Did I say it corners like butter. This car is a sleeper.

• 

  2011 Chevrolet Cruze - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By kazim - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car off the lot. I was in for a minor repair on my Chevy Cobalt. I noticed this car and was asked if I wanted to test drive it. That was my first mistake. I bought the car immediately. It is the first time in many years I have bought a car on impulse. I do not regret it. The car got 38 mpg on my first trip when it had less than 100 miles on the odometer. The fit and finish are excellent and the car is fun to drive. I tried the turn by turn On-Star directions and it worked better then the navigation system on my Yukon XL. This is an excellent car and I strongly suggest anyone look at it.

• 

  Not getting close to the mpg rating - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By poormpg - January 26 - 10:59 pm

  I have almost 3K miles on the car. I get between 24 and 28mpg. I do 85% highway driving. I am calculating this based on the amount of fuel used not the on board computer. This car will never see mpg in the 30s. I am taking it back a second time to the dealer for this issue. Either something is wrong with it or they need to be sued for lying about the mpg this car supposedly gets. I drive 100miles per day and the mpg is the only thing I care about in a car. I exchanged this for an Audi A4 quatrro which is much more fun to drive and gets better mpg... I got 28mpg with it doing the same commute. I owned the Jetta TDI before and may go back to it if I cant at least get into the 30s....

• 

  Gas Mileage Superhero - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Ron Potter - January 13 - 6:17 pm

  From day one I averaged 50MPG or better. Driving is mixed city and highway, usually with no other passengers. On a trip from Ohio to Florida with two passengers plus driver and luggage, running between 75-80 interstate with air on we still averaged 49 MPG. I have saved enough on fuel expense over my Ford Crewcab Gas to pay for the car. I have always driven either Mercedes or BMWs for daily use and this was my first new American car in 15 years....wished I had tried them before.

• 

  2014 Cruze 2LT RS 1.4 turbo 6A - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Rick S. - January 2 - 2:58 am

  I bought this car Labor Day weekend of 2015 and in the year Ive had it Ive had it in for only one warranty repair. Check engine light came on and that turned out to be a vacuum leak and needed cam cover replacement. This had been a rental car and I was a little leery but it has turned out to be a pretty good car, so far. Good gas mileage, decent acceleration and braking, good road handling, responsive steering. As others have noted, the front seats are a little firm and can be a little uncomfortable toward the end of longer trips, but not horrible. Ive put about 12,000 miles on it in the year Ive owned it. Hopefully it will last a good long while.

• 

  Cruzin in the manual hatch - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By greg koenig - December 31 - 6:55 am

  Even with a bit of a heavy foot I still get an average of 29 MPG whil driving about 90% in town. Its a solid overall car that has some great lines and can be pretty much outfit just the way you want. Its worth a drive in either Automatic or Manual. The bluetooth / apple carplay / android auto are great and make it more affordable than having to add options or go up trim levels for something so easy to replicate.

• 

  Als review - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Alton Thornton - December 12 - 4:56 pm