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:

• 

  Great small car - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By karl_swift - April 28 - 11:56 am

  I use this car on a daily basis, for both city and highway driving. I average about 35 MPH, and the cruze does not use a drop on oil, between 6,000 mile changes. Most of my driving is highway in excess of 70 MPH. The vehicle currently has over 40,000, and i have no complaints.

• 

  Poor Quality - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Patty Chaffee Herr - April 14 - 12:46 am

  I had to replace the air compressor at 3000 miles, The entire backseat upholstery tore loose and had to be restrung, It stopped running at 40000 miles, just after my warranty was out. I had to replace a sensor. My car turned over to 54000 and the water pump went out. Now it has 54500 and the check engine light is back on for who knows what. Tried to trade it in and I am negative about $4000, This car is a joke and I wish I had never bought it !!!So dissatisfied. This is only a disposable little car which doesnt last until it is even paid for.

• 

  Nice solid car. - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By jamie330 - March 18 - 10:39 am

  after driving many german cars, I decided to buy the chevy cruze diesel. I can honestly say this car is absolutely wonderful. It takes eats my expectations in all aspects. This car has been 100 percent trouble free, recall free, inafter driving many german cars, I decided to buy the chevy cruze diesel. I can honestly say this car is absolutely wonderful. It takes eats my expectations in all aspects. This car has been 100 percent trouble free, recall free, and a great pleasure to drive everyday.living in Southern California San Diego area, there are lots of hills. even with the hills Im getting around 40 miles per gallon combined city and I went with the Chevy Cruze d GM has not disappointed

• 

  One Happy Owner!!! - 2015 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Ryan Thiess - March 2 - 7:50 pm

  I just purchased a new 2015 Chevy Cruze LS Automatic, and I absolutely love it. My mother has a 2014 model, and she loves it as well. The Cruze is a fine choice for anyone looking for reliable and comfortable transportation. It is one of the best compact cars out there.

• 

  Cruze ECO was an excellent choice for me! - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By benrey - March 1 - 4:26 pm

  I leased a 2014 Cruze ECO last October. I love this car. Even though I drive city mostly and only live 10 miles from work I still average above 30 MPG. Any time I take a road trip I get over 40 MPG. The the steering feel and Mylink system. Awesome to play my Spotify app right through my phone to my car. Only drawbacks is the seats are a little uncomfortable for long drives. Other than that it is an awesome affordable car. Cool to get oil changes covered by Chevy as well.

• 

  great mpgs yes, build quality not so much. - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By cjonesls7 - February 24 - 10:34 am

  Like the title says. I bought this car used. I wasnt expecting a new car but I was expecting some kind of stand. Interior is clean and roomy, leather seats a little hard, LCD is a nice touch and the upgraded sound system is great in theory. In the 6 months I have owned this car ,mind you nothing was wrong with it when I bought it. I now have two blown out subs, check engine light that repeatedly comes on, steering wheel that is falling apart and a transmission I am convinced thinks its supposed to be a manual. not impressed and I have owned a boat load of chevys. this by far is the absolute worst I have ever had. my 16 year old trans am that has a dead fuel pump has more value to me.

• 

  Great Car - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By David Man - February 19 - 3:11 am

  Best car Ive owned in a long time, I have been waiting for a reliable American diesel car. The VW reviews and horor stories make the Chevy Cruze a easy choice.

• 

  I love this car!! Really. - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Kirk Paulding - February 18 - 11:18 am

  We purchased our Cruze NEW in the spring of 2011. It is metallic black with the cocoa/light neutral interior. We have almost 61,000 miles on this car and it is my wifes commuter car. She averages 27-28 mpg. Our Cruze handles quite well with excellent road feel. This car looks awesome inside and out and is surprisingly comfortable in the front (IMHO). Other than a leaky water pump, which was replaced under warranty (our dealer also flushed out the cooling system at NC) and a minor transmission leak, also under warranty, this vehicle has been a joy to own. Our dealers service department is exceptional and puts the customer first (my personal experience).

• 

  Last Straw - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By hofmann_brian - February 15 - 12:03 pm

  I have taken the car into the shop 3 times for problems with overheating, and am about to take it in for the fourth. I was driving home and the overheat light came on and before I could get off the Interstate I was stopped behind a jackknifed truck for 3 hours in weather below 20 degrees. I could turn the car on for 5 minutes and then had to turn it off for 25 minutes. When I was able to get going I was only able to make it a couple of miles before the overheat light came on. At midnight I had to pull off the road and get a hotel even though I was only 45 minutes away from home. This problem has been "fixed" 3 times already. It has not taken 4 years for this car to start nickel and diming me

• 

  Need Reassurance - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By newchevydriver - February 11 - 9:13 pm

  I understand theres a recall on the airbags Ive called GM numerous times and they WILL NOT give me any satisfaction as to why my car is not part of the recall. I know they check the vin # but they must have a list somewhere as to where the cars were manufactured, the date, etc.. How do they know which one to recall? They are giving me the run around and I guess I have no other choice but to sell it. Can anyone enlighten me?