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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  45K Update for Manual Eco - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  By gep10 - November 13 - 7:51 am

  My overall mileage is 37.5 MPG (computer) for 45,000 miles which is about 35 MPG actual. Not a single issue just routine maintenance. On one leg of a 1500 mile trip last summer the DIC showed 52.4 MPG driving 5 MPH over Virginias 55 MPH and 65 MPH limits with the A/C on. I added the Trifecta tune which adds 30% HP and 40% torque and, combined with the nimble handling, makes this car a lot of fun to drive. Overall, I highly recommend the Cruze Eco manual. Two of my BMW driving friends were very complimentary after a test drive. One wanted to trade his 5 series for it and the other, a 3 series driver looking for a sporty & fuel efficient American four door, is making this his next car.

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  First Compact Ive Ever Purchased - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By rampy - November 9 - 3:50 pm

  I never owned a compact before but after driving a Cruze on a recent business trip I knew it was time to buy one. Im 60" and find the Cruze a comfortable car that has been delivering 30 MPG city/highway mileage. I always thought compacts would be noisy and have a cheap feel to them. Im certainly very happy with the Cruze and the cost of less than $20K. Even my wife a staunch import fan really likes the Cruze. I would recommend this car to family and friends.

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  Chevrfolet Cruze is not worth its weight in salt - - 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
  By surfnmore - October 14 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my chevrolet cruze in hopes of obtaining a reliable vehicle. 1 year later at around 34k miles I started having problems. It stalled. I brought it to the dearlship. They couldnt figure it out and had to use a diagnostic tree since the computer wasnt operating properly. They then replaced the mass air flow sensor, billed me $300 and the vehicle is still there until corporate call them

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  Death Trap - 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
  By trivera21 - October 14 - 9:29 am

  I thought I found a great gently used deal and it turned out to be an absolute lemon. Thermostat housing unit, switch pump valve, hoses, oxygen sensors, spark plugs, ignition coil...you name it, I had to replace it. Engine overheating, check engine light constantly being on, never being able to use the automatic start...This car isnt worth the $300/month payments. I could care less about the gas mileage it gets me, because Im having to put hundreds into keeping it running. Recall after recall and now brake issues? No thanks. Stay far away. Im trading this puppy in for a jeep.

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  Most uncomfortable car I have ever driven - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By tony_aston - October 5 - 2:19 pm

  Hard to know where to start. Alarm system goes off when I try to get into car. I am normal size (510", 170 lbs.) but I have to contort myself to get into drivers seat. Seat belt has too much tension. Right knee rests against hard surface--gets sore on long ride. Very little leg room for driver. Very poor visibility. Head rests and rear pillars block view when I back out of parking space. Stereo sounds tinny. Style is bleh. Key body is too large and bulky. Passengers find it difficult to get in and out. Feels like a sardine in a can.

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  Wonderful Car - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By maikell77 - August 18 - 4:54 pm

  I drive on average 44,000 miles a year. I am reimbursed by the mi, so low cost of ownership is big. So far I have put 29,000 miles on the car. My lifetime average is 40.4 mpg. Thats city highway and high speed. I should say the trunk is good size and I typically have 200-300 pounds in the back. I have had averages as high as 55 mpg and never had a tank below 34 mpg. The tan interior is the color to get. The dash is covered in vinyl versus the course cloth on the black interior. The light and dark contrast looks GREAT. DEF usage is minimal 5 gallon per 10,000mi. Buying in the 2.5 gallon containers keeps cost down. Oil changes are a little pricey, $65.

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  Very mediocre - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By funruffian - August 4 - 11:10 pm

  What can you expect from a company vehicle? If you see a car simply as an appliance,its not bad. But if you are looking for a sedan with comfort and performance, shop somewhere else. The Cruze is pretty lousy. The car is underpowered for a sedan weighing over 3,000 pounds. If you are going 70 MPH on the highway and step on the accelerator, hoping to pass up another car, this thing is a dog. You are better off getting a Corolla for a little better price and better MPG. Only 29 MPG is not very rave fuel economy for a car with only 138 HP. Worst yet are the seats. its like sitting on a cement park bench. Everyone at my company who drives this car complains about the discomfort.

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  not great ,but ok - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By bischy - July 18 - 9:12 pm

  i bought the ltz, which i thought everything would come standard on, i was sorry to learn if i wanted a sun roof or spoiler, that would be an extra charge, and they put these puny splash guards on the car and charge you 170 .00,for things that barely even do the job, yes the car has a lot of room, i have been getting 35 mph with just about all highway driving. the radio is not worth the price either, if you drive in highway traffic with the window down, you can barely hear whats on the radio, i have been a Chevy owner for 24 years, next car i get will not be a Chevy!!!

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  42 mpg average for 11,000 miles - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By delawareroy - June 20 - 7:49 am

  I drive 54 miles round trip on a daily basic and am very happy with most aspects of this car. My drive consists of mixed driving and lots of different traffic flows. Right now with 11,000 miles on the car in 4 months I have little to complain about. The lifetime average with the car is 42 mpg. On trips where I can use the open road I get in the low 50s mph. The price of fuel here in Delaware is a little more than reg. gas but well below that of premium. My one and only problem with the service from my local dealer was that they did not carry the oil or oil filter for the car. Had to make a second appointment and return later for the oil change at about 6,000 miles. I highly recommend

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  20K and Counting - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By vod - June 16 - 12:21 pm

  Purchased in July 2013 and just turner 21,000 miles. Im 62", 205 lbs. and ergonomics are outstanding: seats, leg room, convenient controls, short throws on manual transmission. Suspension is excellent for low priced sedan. Decent performance in 3rd - 6th. Excellent gas mileage. Generally 33 - 35 mpg in mixed driving (70 - 30 highway vs. city). Can squeak out 40 on 4 lanes with cruise set at 60 - 62. However, prefer to cruise 75 - 80. Cabin is quiet little road or wind noise.