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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  Its The Best "C" car out there - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Matthew - November 16 - 11:26 pm

  Totally average, it looks like a Honda or a Toyota but for half the cost. Drives very well, cornering with stock tires is excellent, and getting in and out of the vehicle is a snap. The problem is in the false fuel economy reports for this car. The average is nowhere near 30 miles per gallon, its about 24. In the city, the computer constantly showed about 16.5 miles per gallon. For a four cylinder???? How is this possible! I didnt get on it very much, just your average driver, and I could not get above 17 miles per gallon. The EPA fuel economy estimates are WAY off. On the freeway, its advertised as getting 36 MPG or better, but in REALITY (theres that word again), I was getting about 28 miles per gallon. For a four cylinder car, this is supposed to be an economy car, it is totally inexcusable. What I really disliked about my Cruze was the rapid devaluation; the value was going down by the week much faster than my payments, so that if I would have kept it, I would have paid $32,000 for a car that would be worth only $3,500 at the end of the payments. Totally unacceptable. I had to get rid of it. And being as this is a first car for many new, young car buyers, the insurance costs were much higher than normal--right up there with the Camaro and Ford Mustang. Ownership costs for this average car are ridiculous. But it was fun to drive and had a very quiet ride with a great stereo system.

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  impressive car! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By seahawk01 - November 6 - 1:47 am

  Traded my Civic in on a new Cruze, it has been a long time since an american car was in my garage, and im happy as can be with the Cruze. I got the fully loaded LTZ model with the 1.4 t automatic. I have a very long daily commute and have been on several long trips, i rack up miles very quickly. I thought i would wait for a few miles to give my review/impressions on the car, i just passed the 20,000 mile mark. Early on my fuel economy was a bit dissapointing at around 28mpg (like some other reviewers here) It has been getting better as the miles go by, my last tank was 34 mpg. This is winter mileage which includes more idle time than normal, i keep a very close eye and records of my economy

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  Get used to more! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Michael - August 12 - 10:00 am

  You have to sit in this car and drive it yourself to believe how nice it really is. We currently own a Corolla but decided to take a look at this car and I have to say it reminded us of a much more expensive car Acura TSX comes to mind - a car costing 10-15k more. This is supposed to compete with Civic and Corolla??? Sit inside both of those then take a look at the Cruze. High quality materials all around and a quiet refined interior. Very well done!

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  Should have bought the Corolla - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Jake - July 27 - 4:40 am

  This is a cheap unreliable car. Electrical problems, Numerous recalls, cheap interior, A transmission that cannot decide which gear it wants to be in, 5000 mile oil change intervals by me with Mobile One fully synthetic and now the Turbo is out with only 56,000 miles. THIS CAR IS A JOKE. My daughter is still driving this car. Coolant leaks have been a huge problem with this car, water pump, thermostat housing, hose fittings. I have all the leaks repaired at this time.

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  Love my Cruze - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Susan Brigham - July 20 - 6:37 am

  I just love this car. It is perfect for me

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  So Far So Good Really Impressed - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Have been a F150 Lariet Truck fan for over 20yrs. Commute over 100 miles per day & was tired of waisting $$ on fuel. Cruze was 1st car I test drove & loved the leg room. Seat fits great, controls etc are nice.Ride is quiet & nice. Live in northern MN so was not sure of giving up 4WD for front wheel but so far so good. Handles great. Very impressed with my avg 38MPG on the highway. Over double what my truck was getting. Plan to use my savings for extra trip to the Caribbean.

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  Good car for tall guy - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Bill Rawlins - April 27 - 7:41 pm

  Several good points with our 2017 Chevy Cruze Premier Hatchback: 1) Though my wife is the main driver, I can fit in it comfortably at 66". Try that with a Ford Escape on a long trip. 2) Very peppy. The 1.4L Turbo has a lot of power - sufficient for us. 3) The ride is super-smooth, like a big luxury car; probably because the Premier model has a Watts suspension. 4) We use the Apple Car Play with our iPhones and Apple GPS. My wife buys the unlimited wifi and streams Pandora through the Bluetooth interface. .... The Auto-Stop can be a bit annoying, but you can keep it from kicking in by braking slowly. Pay a little extra for a higher model like the Premier and get the cruise control, seat warmers, rear cup holders, etc. ... Have had no problems so far - Knock on wood!

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  Good Car - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By funrun25 - March 23 - 1:02 am

  This was my first brand new car. I did a lot of research on a lot of different cars. I test drove this car and loved it. Its quite, great get up and go. I love the interior, it feels like a luxury car. I got the connectivity package and I use every part of it daily. The car averages about 29mpg combined fuel economy. Minor issue, there was a huge rain storm that lasted a week and the trunk of my car was leaking. Issue was fixed and so far no other problems. Ive had the car for 2 months.

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  2016 Checrolet Cruze - 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Carol stilwell - March 17 - 3:02 pm

  I just bought a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze and am I sorry. The acceleration is sluggish and the seats are extremely uncomfortable.Im sorry I bought it. I wish I would have leased it so I could get rid of it in 3 years.

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  Lemonaide is made GM - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By dickyeakel - March 3 - 6:52 pm

  Car was great for first 60,000 miles than all h_____ broke out for most which the factory and dealership provided little support. When heat is on strong smell of antifreeze though intermittent at gets stronger as the fan runs. On Star was great when works. It to failed and to expensive to repair. I have invested over $5,000.00 in other emission repairs over the last 10,000 miles. Many repairs the same, but just out of warranty per the dealer. Best if the government had just let GM fold. They make a terrible product.