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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  Gas? - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Nur2652 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very happy with it do far. Love the style of the body, if you catch it from an angle it looks like a BMW, really nice interior, love the 2 tone color (black & red) nice dash gauges pretty easy to use. Im 6,0 315 and I fit very comfortably. Metallic black paint color looks great. Very quiet ride, only 1 problem. Ive used 3 tanks of gas already and avg only 18 mpg. 810 miles in 45 gallons of gas. Where is the 24/36/29 they claim? I travel city and highway plenty. Did I get a fuel lemon? I really really like car, but pretty disappointed in gas mpg. Also new cars need an easier way to raise and move seats, not a fan of the pump system.

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  Economical Luxury - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Houston Gal - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I came across the Cruze by accident while looking for a small car with good gas mileage. Well, it is a a luxurious, smooth driving, economical car.I could not have asked for anything more. I looked at the Jetta, Corolla, Mustang, and even a Saab. All were more expensive with fewer perks and luxury.

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  Just bought a new 2017 Chevy Cruze LT - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By William Shawns - May 4 - 9:32 pm

  After being in a 2004 Toyota Corolla I took a leap of faith and went with a 2017 Chevy Cruze. I am very happy with my choice. I think the engine is peppy and has good acceleration. I dont understand why there are a few pro blogs and reviews that this engine is not strong enough. I test drove a few other cars like the new Civic, new 2016 Corolla, and an Elantra... This 1.4 Turbo engine deigned by GM is more than fine. Especially for an entry level price point. I am tall 63" and I weight 275... Yet I fit perfectly. I think this car is an excellent choice and I am glad I took it over the other competitors.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Jim LaMaster - April 18 - 12:08 pm

  My wifes 2011 Cruze LT has been a wonderful car for her. It was purchased in October of 2010 and one of the first Cruzes sold in the U.S. We had some safety issues to begin with such as a faulty gas line and a passenger seat that would not recognize the passenger and therefore not turn on the air bag. But once this was resolved (GM and the dealer made it a priority to resolved these issues pronto) it has been a very reliable car. The car is spunky for the little 4 cylinder it has, thanks to the turbo, gas mileage is very good and I recommend the Cruze to folks as it has been good to us.

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  Crazed Cruze - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Allieverhoped4 - March 13 - 9:15 pm

  Its not a luxury sedan with a V6

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  Stupid Design Decisions - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Paul Mathis - February 13 - 7:01 pm

  Ls version has no rearseat cup holders which should be standard...ridiculous. Its also suboptimal to have a back up camera but no xm radio..should at least be a option...and no driver side vanity light on mirror...really...I mean really.

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  Love my Cruze - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Sean M - January 16 - 1:20 pm

  Have had an excellent experience with my Cruze. Bought new in Hawaii at Cutter Chevy. My first "new" car in 16 years. Purchased as a commuter car with the intent of keeping it for 8 to 10 years. I chose the Chevy, 1st because I love the fuel economy of diesels and 2nd, I was excited that Chevy brought to the North American market a compact diesel sedan in over 25 years. I did a lot of research on the 2.0 diesel and test drove a few gas Cruzes. I liked the ride and feel of the gaser although the gas models lacked a little power. Not so in my diesel. This car has power and performance! It can get up and pass at 70 mph with ease. Now in California, and at over 16,000 miles, I still love my Cruze. It rides like a full sized car and is comfortable inside. Love the leather seats. I have realized an average in low to mid 40s mpg. My best has been 62 mpg at 70 mph with cruize control. I have had one issue that was resolved easily. Took to dealer, Cutter Chevy, Honolulu once for a bad sensor. Replaced under warranty, with loaner car for the day! No problems at all since. Changing oil is a pain though due to GM engineers locating the filter up against the passenger firewall. Now my wife and kids fight me to drive the Cruze. They like it better than our 2009 VW Jetta. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my Cruze. If I had to, Id buy another one! UPDATE 20170201 My 2014 Cruze is still going strong at 33,000 miles. No issues so far. I have to change the fuel filter soon according to the cars computer. The dealer says it will cost $120.00. Thats a lot for a fuel filter!! Wix needs to start making Cruze fuel filters! Other than than the exobinent cost of the fuel filter, I still love my Cruze.

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  A wonderful surprise - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Alan K - January 16 - 1:29 am

  I bought this car new (first American car I had bought in 40 years) to help my son who was a young salesman at a Chevrolet dealership in NC. It has been by far the best car I have ever owned. With over 260,000 miles on the car since March of 2012, I have spent less than $2,500 in total maintenance (not counting oil changes). I had to replace the clutch after 210,000 miles, first set of tires gave me 98,600 miles and had to replace the thermostat and some cooling hoses. I just ordered parts to replace the coolant expansion reservoir and am needing to replace the Valve Cover as it is idling poorly. But these latest repairs are going to be less than $300! Because the average "trade in " value is about $1,200 - $1,500, I am going to keep driving it until it dies!

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  Bought it for the long haul - 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Iowa Stater - January 13 - 9:13 pm

  Put over 10,000 miles on the car in the first 3 months. 200 to 1400 mile trips on highway and interstate. Have had from 36 mpg to 44 mpg with an average just below 40. Odometer mileage shows just a little better than actual. Wish you could disable auto stop and buttons on steering wheel need to be raised a little more so you arent feeling around or looking at the wheel. But it does what I bought it for. Good mileage in relative comfort. Good commuter car.

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  Still going strong after 90k miles - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rbeach - December 29 - 8:59 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Cruze brand new and sold it at 38,000 miles because I needed a minivan. Im in touch with the new owner, who has been cross country a few times with it. The car has been very good to both of us, with no major issues other than routine maintenance.