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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  Very impressed - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cruzer - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my Jeep Wrangler for this Chevy Cruze and I thought I would never go back to a chevrolet again but when I drove this car and found out what the gas mileage was I was impressed. Only time will tell just how reliable it is but the quality of the car far outweighs the competitors so far. It doesnt even feel like im driving an economy car. Great job GM!

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  chevy cruze - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By chris g - April 29 - 1:07 am

  I dont have much to say, to many recalls on this car. mpg average if you drive 55. Weak on power before turbo kicks in I gave chevy a chance and they failed me. They shouldnt have never gotten a bail out.

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  2012 Chevrolet Cruze - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Mario - April 27 - 1:06 am

  I love the Chevy cruze . 80.000 miles in 4 years with almost no big issues . nice looking car and good MPG

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  Great change from a foreign to a domestic - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Cruzing on the Highways and Byways - March 9 - 5:11 pm

  When I compared this vehicle to the foreign cars that I owned in the past, it was more superior in ride, technology system integration, price, interior/ exterior design and safety. American made cars have come a long way, I thought I would never own one, I had always owned foreign cars had three (3) Nissans, and four (4) Mercedes. This car provides great use for my business when I am away from the office; I am always connected to the internet.

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  Decent enough car - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By JC - February 26 - 12:33 am

  I got stuck with a Cruze on a Maui visit and drove the car for about 500 mostly highway miles. Pro: compared to Chevys of older vintage the car doesnt look as cheap and it rides relatively well. The Apple Car Play works very well. Con: I averaged 30.6 mph in very conservative mostly highway driving which is a far cry from the stated fuel economy. I often got into L when wanting to shift into D, and at times would forget the key in the car (it has one of those useless start/stop buttons). Also the back of my seat wasnt padded adequately and I could feel my kids moving around behind me. Loading stuff into the trunk was a chore due to the height of the trunk entry. Overall: decent enough but why would you buy one when the same money gets you a Golf, Civic or Corolla?

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  very nice functional car - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Scott Thompson - January 31 - 5:43 pm

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  Very surprised - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Harry I. Rod - January 29 - 7:44 am

  Ive always had Asian cars and German cars but I wanted to give it a try to American cars and I chose the Cruze. I couldnt be more surprised with this car and how smooth it drives. The interior design is beautiful and its very comfortable. Im a 6 ft guy and even though the back seat can have more head room, its very comfortable to be a small car. The front seats are very comfortable, ironically I think the hatchback is more comfortable than the sedan (my opinion). The auto start and stop feature is awesome, its a very smooth transition and you wont even notice it. The auto start feature is a lot better than BMWs which is not as smooth as the chevys. Its very quiet and smooth on the road, you barely can feel harsh roads. Im a commuter so I do not care much about power. MPG is amazing as well. Im also impressed with the technology. Im sure Chevrolet will keep improving this car. Overall, Im pretty satisfied with this car!!

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  My Favorite GM Car - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By JIMMY G. - December 26 - 6:11 am

  I have owned many GM cars over the last 55 years. I always was pleased but my Cruze Premier model exceeds all the others. The new styling is very eye catching. Mine has the RS package and has all the extras available and love them all. Mine has the two tone calihari/ black interior and have had many, many compliments. The color plus the interior makes the car very eye catching. I have had a lot of individuals see the front chevy bow tie and ask what model is it. When I ask what do they think it is most get it wrong. Until you see the premier cruze badge in back that is the definitive clue. It is a joy to drive and has gotten 41/42 miles per gallon on long trips. Other cruze owners when they see it actually tell me they wish they had bought the Premier addition. It has all the bells and whistles and not cheap but you get exactly what the more expensive GM models I.E. (Cadillac and top of the line Buicks) offer for much less. Maybe it is just me but I love it.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Karin - October 29 - 3:13 am

  I love the look and interior of the car, beautiful. It has pretty good acceleration, but lags and the turbo sounds like a weedeater. The weird jumping forward while braking is kinda scary. At 50k miles driving down the highway the turbo blew- without warning. No lights came on until about 10 minutes later, the famous catch all- stabilitrac light. Folllowed by a bevy of every light in the car. The turbo also caused the engine to blow. Pulled into an NTB (nearest thing) they looked at for $100 determined it was something to do with engine- so warranty. Towed it to dealer. After some run around, turning in every maintenance record- they decide to replace engine and turbo. Then would not reimburse me for the tow or the $100 fee I paid at NTB- very long BS story even after I gave them receipts. 2 days after I got it back- the car would not start. I panicked, called dealer and had it towed again. Guess what- just the battery went dead. So, not warranty and would not pay for tow. Six months now- on the brand NEW engine- coil pack has gone bad, not warranty and the coolant hose is leaking- not warranty. DONE!

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  GM MAKES HORRIBLE VEHICLES - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By smwavon - October 3 - 9:01 pm

  Horrible vehicle. I have had nothing but problems. Car revives up and has problem shifting in automatic. I was able to move to manual one time and noticed that going 35 miles an hour the computer had me in 5th gear when I was in automatic. I almost rear ended a semi because the car lunged forward. Sometimes anti freeze smell leaves the engine and comes into the cabin of the car; I have three small children and its either smell the anti freeze or freeze in the winter. I have had the car overheat on me and have to shut it off for no reason at all; fluids were all at normal levels. I have had the breaks decide to not work on me and ended up in a middle of an intersection and three months later