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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  Hit and miss - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Fritz - November 10 - 1:16 am

  Upon first driving car was impressed by acceleration for a diesel and smooth shifting and ride. Brakes are excellent. However after some time have found the ride to smooth and solid on smooth and solid roads. Anything but and the ride is as choppy and bouncy as my 2016 Jeep Cherokee(which is an appropriate ride for an SUV). Road impacts e.g potholes, manholes are loud and harsh for such a solid feeling chassis. Shifts are great unless you try evasive driving, three point turns or lift off and quickly accelerate again. Transmission moves to such a high gear, car barely moves or bogs down to no go which has become a huge safety concern for me. Full throttle, part throttle, nothing fixes it. God help you if a train is coming. Car auto stop feature has not returned car to on a couple of times when coming to full stop before a merge into traffic. Interior looks great except for uneven gaps, yellow foam from front seats showing. Navigation is voice request - call to get directions - no map. Android Auto works great but miss my Dodge that had great navigation options included with price of vehicle for five years. Road noise on all but new roads. Gas mileage is great, diesel is quiet in almost all situations. If they fixed the ride(without impacting the good handling) and transmission quirks in this car, it would be a delight five stars. 20% off purchase price PLUS incentives made this an economical purchase.

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  Amazing Ride - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Delreal98 - October 31 - 8:28 am

  Other shoppers should know how efficient this car is. It drives very smooth and helps you save gas by putting the vehicle in fuel economy mode. It is honestly the best car I have ever droven. Most importantly other than my new Chevy Cruze being as beautiful as it is, it also makes me feel safe!

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  Good car overall - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Bills - October 30 - 1:34 pm

  I got this car in November 2016 with 56k on it. Fast forward to December 2017, it now has 79k on it. I’ve spent a lot of time with this car. Overall I do like the car but their are some things I don’t like. The drivers seat has a power slide feature but No power recline. I thought that was odd considering it’s an LTZ model (they have rectified this for the newer models). The fake leather doesn’t wear well. The drivers seat has some noticeable wear on it and it’s starting to develop small cracks but nothing major thankfully. I just have to be careful getting in and out of the seat. My bosses 2012 VW Jetta has 90k miles on it and the Fake leather in his car looks flawless still. Their are some cheap bits in the interior but it’s not too bad. Really the one thing that bothers me is the gearshift. It looks and feels cheap to me but I’m probably just too nitpicky. I really like the way the interior is laid out though. Everything is where you would expect it to be (Except for the power lock controls since this is a 2014 Cruze. They are in the center but were moved to the door in 2015) I like how the radio has actual volume and tuning knobs because a lot of cars are going away with that. I’m surprised that it doesn’t have dual zone climate control since this is the top of the line LTZ model. Even to this day, you can’t get this on any Cruze. Other cars in the class have this so it would be nice if the Cruze had it also. Mylink is pretty easy to use and straight to the point and once you pair your phone through Bluetooth, it’ll automatically connect in the future once you get in and get the car going. The back up camera is nice too but since it’s a 2014, it doesn’t have the trajectory lines on the screen. That issue was resolved in the 2015 models. It doesn’t bother me really. I’m used to it now. The backseat legroom isn’t as good as its competitors. It’s tolerable if the front seats aren’t pushed all the way back but if they are, legroom is nonexistent. The car actually drives really smooth. A lot smoother than I expected. It surprised me honestly. When you try to take off from a stop in the car, it’s almost like their is a delay by 2 to 3 seconds which means making left turns can be a challenge sometimes. My grandparents have a 2015 2lt with the same engine and theirs drives like this too. Once the car gets into the higher rpms, the speed is adequate. As far as reliability goes, it’s been pretty reliable for the most part. The only thing I’ve had to have done/replaced was an ignition coil and a battery both at the same time around 72k. I have a 5 year 100k powertrain Waranty and I thought it would have replaced the ignition coil for free at least but it didn’t. Replacing both of these items at the dealership was $527 with parts and labor. Oh well. Other than that, it’s been pretty reliable. No complaints there. And since it’s an LTZ, it has smart key access which is pretty useful. I don’t have to take the key out of my pocket for anything even when going to the trunk which it great. When I get out of the car and close the door, 8 seconds later, the car locks automatically. Overall, I give this car a 4 out of 5 stars because it meets my expectations for the most part. All of the gripes mentioned above about this car, I remind myself that no car is perfect and the end of the day, it’s still an Economy car and their is no escaping that which is completely understandable and I’m okay with it. Would I recommend this car to anybody? Yes. However I will say that if you are looking for a car with a lot of room, you might want to look elsewhere.

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  Needs way too much work - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Niklas - October 6 - 3:53 am

  Avoid this vehicle! It needs way too much work from any other vehicle Ive owned. Since purchasing this Chevy 1 YR ago Ive had to replace the Battery; Fix the AC; Restore the transmission; and get new brakes. This Chevy is a money pit if Ive ever seen one.

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  2011 CRUZE 2LT Better Than Average - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By bradley2 - September 30 - 3:59 am

  2011 Cruze 2LT. Now has 5,000 miles. Overall, a fine car for the price. 4Cyl T more than adequate. Interior cabin design, fit and finish among the best I have ever owned from any maker. Averaging 29.5 MPG mostly HWY mosltly 75 MPH. Exterior design OK, nothing to shout about. I like the ride, steering, suspension, etc. in that it is tighter than most US cars, has more road feel and could even be described as fun. Back seat pretty tight. Dealer had to deal with (fix) a wicked rattle from driver door (window mechanism loose bolts) and trunk lid clearcoat streaks and bumps which they did at no cost to me, of course.

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  The Perfect College Car - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By JG - September 14 - 2:46 am

  I had a great experience with my 2014 Cruze so I did not hesitate to lease the 2017 once my current lease expired. The new and improved Cruze is just that in every conceivable way. Handling, safety, appearance, technology, visibility, fuel efficiency and rear seat room have all been improved. It is the perfect vehicle to take me back and forth from school. Dont let the start/stop technology get you nervous. If I didnt look for it, I wouldnt even know that the engine was turning off as I stopped at a red light. Its a seamless transition as the engine instantly starts the moment that begin to take my foot off the brake. There is no lag and no hesitation. The kinetic blue with the RS package looks great and the Apple Car Play works perfectly with my phone. It was between this and a Civic and this car looked better, offered more and the dealership closed the deal with a great offer.

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  -90 Day Repair - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Lifelyke - September 2 - 3:34 am

  Within 90 days my new 2017 Chevy Cruze stopped on me in the middle of an intersection. Fortunately two good Samaritans pushed the car from danger. The check engine light came on. Took the car in and they said nothing is wrong with the car. On-Star notification said critical engine and transmission repair. Chevy dealership says, "Well, just bring it back if it breaks down again. We cannot find anything wrong with it." Seriously!!!

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  Sorry car - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Sylvia gross - September 1 - 3:10 am

  I have had my 2012 for 6 months and the reliabilty is sad . It sounds lije a tractor running. Getting it fix is kije pulling your tooth without medication. Would not but or tell someone else to buy if it gives me any more problems will give it back.

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  2017 LT hatchback - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Tom Bradder - August 16 - 11:45 pm

  Highlights: I drive pot hole infested roads up a mountain to work and the suspension soaks up the craters and cracks like a champ. Transmission is unexpectedly smooth as well. I also like the diesel-like throttle mapping, as it allows you to drive very smoothly and efficiently. But if you need to speed up in a hurry, you feel that turbo kick in with a lot less lag time than other diesels Ive driven. The cabin is very well muted for its class. The amount of technology you get for the price is also impressive. I have the convienence package as well. The steering has a nice balance of responsiveness and road feel. I would have expected something a lot more numb feeling and sloppy. The rear legroom, though I dont have passengers often, is FAR larger than expected. Tall people can sit in the backseat even with the front seats pushed back. Cons: None. This car feels like a great value and seems to punch above its weight in terms of its luxury-like smoothness and solid feel.

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  MAIN FUEL LINE LEAKING - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By robin arrants - June 9 - 12:45 am

  I have not had any problems with my 2013 Cruze untill I noticed a gas ordor. Thinking I had stepped in gas at the pump I over looked it. Untill I got out of my car the next day and still smelled the odor of gas. Upon looking under the hood I saw the problem, my main fuel line had a leak. Well know that I could no longer drive the car I called GM about the warranty. Did I mention that this just happened on a Saturday afternoon in my yard. I called GM on Monday morning and yes it was under warranty they would have road side assistance come get it. After being put on hold and then the customer service person told me that I would have to have a fire truck be there when they arrived and escort them to the dealership. Mind you I live in a rural area that would require a fir truck from the county I live in then another one for the county it was going in. Yes there would be a cost involved. They laughed when I told them what I was told. So I them took matters into my own hands. I called a local wrecker company he said that he would get it on a roll back and charge me $75.00. So I called the local dealership to make sure that they would not have a problem with that. Did not want to void the warranty in any way. They told me it would be ok as long as I knew the libalities involved. My car was delivered on Monday they part was ordered and I picked up my car on Friday afternoon. The dealership was great had nor problem. But I am out of $75.00 and I do not want to go through the hassle of trying to get my monry back.