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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  Great Car - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Matt Garrett - July 12 - 7:21 am

  This a great car for a student or a person on a tight budget. Great dependable car, great fuel mileage, great extras.

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  Finally I can buy American - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By CarCool - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I was prepared to purchase the best car for my needs and if that car had a foreign name plate, so be it. I purchased the Chevy Cruze 1LT and love it. Great looking, a little bigger (inside and out) than most compacts, high safety factor which lowered my insurance substantially. Every time I drive it I am more impressed. GREAT CAR, GREAY Price and more than Great American Car it is a World Class Car.

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  Retro - Just Like GM Cars from 30 Years Ago - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By berlinetta - May 23 - 3:07 pm

  Poor assembly quality (squeaks and rattles) and an indifferent attitude in terms of customer satisfaction have marred my experience with my 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. After 30 days and 1,000 miles, this is the most disappointing initial new car ownership experience that Ive had in 25 years. This really is a nicely designed small car, fun to drive, and with a great interior. The back seat is cramped and fuel economy is very disappointing. Despite a real effort to make a competitive small car, my experience is that GM needs to work harder in terms of executing the details - especially in terms of build quality and customer assistance and satisfaction.

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  Super safe car - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By L. J. - April 24 - 9:21 pm

  My mom had a Cruze also. She was T-boned by a city bus. Airbags deployed fully. At 86 years old my mom had broken bones but required no surgery. I bought my Cruze for just over $16,000. I can drive from Davenport, Iowa to Cincinnati, Ohio easily on a tank of gas. I get much better gas mileage than the automatics do. The shift is smooth and easy to use. I love everything about my car! The only negative is the idiot shift light is annoying. Ive only had one recall since I purchased it new in 2013. A big bonus for me is the trunk size and set up. With the back seats down, I can easily fit large items through the frame. Makes it a great car for hauling when you just need a few 4x4x8 for a fence. Im keeping this car. Its not ever going to be for sale. Still lovin my Cruze! Ive had my Cruze now for over 4 years. Still in love with it! Wont be trading it in ever! Car companies can keep their expensive gas guzzlers. Im keeping my Cruze! Ive kept up my maintence schedue,had several oil changes and rotate my tires every oil change. No issues mechanically at all. 12/2017 Struts had to be replaced but were covered under my warranty. Still the best car Ive ever owned!

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  Nice cruz - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Gary kemp - April 17 - 4:14 pm

  Good mpg

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  This car is a nightmare a couple years in - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Steve - March 13 - 10:21 am

  We ll not much to say but this car has problems, at 50,000 miles its all downhill from there. Camseals leaked, oil pan leaked, need new valve cover because the intake manifold has a check valve that goes bad which screws up the PVC system in this car. Transmission seal leaked at 77,000. Now at 97,000 miles and out of warranty for 3 months and need a new valve cover again, oil pan leaking again. Never in my life have I had a car that has had so many leaks and engine problems.

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  Chevy has delivered the WOW - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By dwight - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a new Chevy Cruze to replace my Mazda 3. I didnt think I would end up buying a Cruze, the car sold itself. The Cruze is marketed to compete with the Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. You cant compare these vehicles. The Cruze beats them easily. The quality is several car classes above its competition. You have to drive one to fully understand how up scale this car really is. It drives like a luxury class vehicle. Its quiet and is packed with upgraded features. Chevy has outdone themselves with this car. My prediction is, this will be a hot seller.

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  Great car for the money! - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By mikeylikesit - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Cruze last week and now have 600 miles on it. Really impressed with the styling, inside and out. Im 6-4" and weigh 255 and I fit very comfortably inside this vehicle. Almost no road or engine noise, good job with noise reduction effort on this car. It feels as if you are driving an expensive sedan. The dashboard controls are easy to read and everything is within reach. Huge trunk space also! Chevy really did a good job on this car!

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  recalls - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By sabrina - February 29 - 8:05 am

  first of all i loved the color and the car dynamics but the car had 3-4 recalls, a peace off the motor that hose runs to the radiator was broke and over heated 2 times. i was also told that the reason my fans keep running even in winter i needed a water inlay Almost $170, My back up sinners messed up with in the first year $200 to fix. the car had a small pop every time i would first take off in the car. After a long hour drive i would pull in to a gas station or my destination the car would just die. just before i traded it the car have of the time would not start on the first try. I paid a good penny for the car and i traded it in Oct. 2014 and couldnt even get $4500 for it I still owed #8500 for the car. This is such Crap It was a 2012 Chevy Cruze with fog lights Update my review!? I traided that car in for a 2015 Nissan Sentra 2 years ago

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  2017 Cruze, great vehicle! - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Kevin vanDeutekom - January 22 - 11:03 pm

  The only complaint I have is that the paint on the vehicle seems to be paper thin. I have a new chip or ding every day. I bought a paint repair pen and it has been difficult keeping up.