Chevrolet Cruze Overview
The Chevrolet Cruze was introduced in 2009 to replace the Cobalt. The Cruze is a global platform being offered under various names and brands around the world. In North America, the Cruze is a compact four-door car offered as a sedan and a hatchback/wagon. The Chevrolet Cruze is known for its efficiency, compact versatility, and high safety standards. Although there have been recalls associated with the car through its history, General Motors has been proactive in recalling before serious reputation losses could begin. Globally, engines ranging from 1.4 liters to 2.0 liters were used in the first-generation Cruze with North America seeing primarily larger displacement four-cylinder options. Transmissions included a five-speed manual and several six-speed automatics. In 2015, a second-generation Chevrolet Cruze was introduced as an entirely new design for the car. A full revamp of the interior and exterior were done, including several chassis modifications to improve handling and NVH (noise-vibration-harshness). Only one engine is offered in the second-generation Cruze, a 1.4-liter from Chevrolet's new Ecotec family of turbocharged powerplants. A six-speed manual or automatic are also offered. The new Chevrolet Cruze has received accolades from many press outlets and dependability studies. The majority of problems reported with the Chevy Cruze are with the first-generation of the vehicle, especially in its later years after a midcycle refresh in 2011-2012. These include transmission failures and engine coolant (antifreeze) leaks. These usually occur within the warranty period for the car.
Test Drive Reviews
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze was redesigned a couple of years ago, with the new hatchback and a diesel engine option coming out last year. This year both the diesel and hatchback are available in one model, completing the new Cruze lineup.
The little 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is sporty and economical, and has an appealing interior. With versatility and comfort in spades, it's a great entry-level compact option. The interior design and on-road presence are high points for this little car, marking it as a highly competitive option for small-car buyers.
The 2018 Chevy Cruze is a five-seat sedan or hatchback available with a gasoline or diesel engine option. The sedan model has four trim levels and the hatchback has two.
See the full 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Test Drive Review.
2017 Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet and small cars. Much like oil and water, the two never seemed to mesh. The Cavalier never really made any inroads and the Cobalt was a decent attempt, but its reputation has been torpedoed by the ignition switch recall. Chevrolet's recent attempt at a compact was the Cruze and it showed some promise. It might not have been the most exciting vehicle to look at or drive, but it proved that the bowtie brand was starting to understand the key fundamentals: decent fuel economy, a long list of standard features and a roomy back seat.
Last year Chevrolet started selling the second-generation Cruze. The new model takes the ideas that worked on the first-generation, along with a number of improvements to try and make it one of the best models in the class.
See the full 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Test Drive Review.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is an all-new offering for this model year. Completely revamped, the Cruze is now much sexier and far more sophisticated than its previous generations have ever been. High points to the new design are a compelling exterior, a smart and roomy interior, and a decidedly top-notch value proposition. We drove the 2016 Cruze both at a Chevrolet-hosted event earlier this year, in which several trim levels were sampled, and as a week-long loan from the manufacturer. In all, more than 500 miles were put on the car and we enjoyed every one of them.
See the full 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Test Drive Review.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze
For years, buyers looking for a solid, fuel-efficient compact car had the choice of a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, even a Mazda3 if more nimble handling was desired. Since the debut of the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan for the 2011 model year, however, the small car landscape changed with the addition of a nimble handling, sharp looking sedan that also boasts top safety scores and is one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in the market (depending on model). For 2013, the Chevrolet Cruze continues its stellar track record, adding enhanced safety and infotainment features to keep consumers coming back.
See the full 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Test Drive Review.
