The big news for 2014 Cruze models is the availability of a turbodiesel engine. This is the powerplant of choice in about 40 percent of European Cruze models because of its fuel economy (40-plus mpg) and power output. Unlike diesels from decades ago, today's engines are quiet and don't emit stinky fumes.
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze sees a two-mpg increase in the highway fuel economy on models equipped with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. A 6-speed manual is now standard on LT trims, while the Connectivity Plus Cruise package is made standard on 1LT and Eco trims. LTZ trims gain keyless entry and start as well as fog lamps.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is just the kind of vehicle that GM - a company in the midst of a turnaround - needs to have on the market to prove that they're making major strides forward. Replacing the aging and lackluster Cobalt, the Cruze is a fresh entry into the increasingly competitive compact segment, offering a fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, a refined and quiet interior, and plenty of driver-pleasing techno-features. Whether the Cruze can continue to stand out with an all-new Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus on the horizon remains to be seen, but this Chevy compact is certainly a step in the right direction.
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why ads?By Bill (OH) on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,500
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsPros: "Very good fuel economy for a non-hybrid"
Cons: "Uncomfortable seats on long trips"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"This car has been an extremely good car from day one.It is fun to drive and delivers very good gas mileage.Combined city/highway mileage is 34.5 mpg.Highway mpg averages 37mpg.It has a throaty exhaust sound under acceleration and the 1.4 liter turbo-engine provides very good passing ability.I rated the interior/comfort ratings a little lower than the others because the interior panels and dash have a unique design but dirt gathers in this design and is difficult to clean.The seats are stiff and while they may provide a sport car feel they are not for long trips.The seat belts are difficult to engage because the holders are too short at the console.Chevrolet will provide extensions free upon request.The oil filter is in a clumsy location on top of the engine and is difficult to access. It is a slide in paper filter and because of its location has led to a recall from Chevrolet for dripping oil during oil changes.This oil could hit hot engine parts and cause a fire.I just received this recall so I will have to see what is done to correct this.I should tell you I believe Chevrolet intended this car for a younger generation.I am a senior citizen who has enjoyed many cars in my lifetime.With better seats and an easier to clean interior this car would be a hit for seniors.I found the 6 speed transmission to be very smooth shifting and easy to use.However,I am not comfortable with very hard acceleration from a standing start due to what I feel is that the engine revs too high.I feel the shift points need changed to shift quicker.The transmission shift lever has a feature that allows you to shift gears manually which I really feel is not needed on this car unless you are hot-rodding it.This lever if accidentally bumped will scare you as the car will not shift and the first time it happened I thought the transmission had gone beserk.The exterior stying/fit/paint is very good and has held up great as I do not have a garage to keep it in.Overall I am very pleased with my Cruze and would buy it again."
20 people out of 20 found this review helpful
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By FloridaDriver (FL) on Wednesday, November 07, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "MPG is awesome."
Cons: "For the $ -no complaints. Chevy hits home run."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I am so confused by some of the reviews about this car. Yes, if I run this car like I am in a NASCAR race I will get only mileage in the 30's.....but if I drive sensibly - I have NO problem getting wonderful mileage. My average (for the whole 21,000 I have driven it) mileage is 44. I easily hit 50 often. I drive country roads - do a little "hypermiling" (pop it in neutral and coast towards stops)and I accelerate moderately. To work and back I average about 47 to 48 mpg daily. Awesome. Car is fairly quiet, very comfortable, and is pretty sharp looking - especially if you tint the windows. I can't believe anyone complaining about the mpg. It is better than advertised for me. I LOVE this car....."
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful
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By JP (CA) on Monday, February 25, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,600
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Awesome car for the money!"
Cons: "Low front end so it scrapes on parking blocks."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I had a long running history of Lemon-esque vehicles for many years that was totally compounded by the purchase of a "new to me" (1 year old) Chevy Aveo. There is a reason they aren't selling the Aveo anymore and it is because that car is the biggest waste of money on the market. When I went through the whole buy back process with GM, I just assumed that any Chevy I could afford was going to be a total piece of junk, but I was required to buy another Chevy for the terms of the agreement. I started doing some research and I found the Cruze Eco which in theory would fit my needs and be a safe, reliable transport for my young son. I will tell you that the Cruze is not only an amazingly comfortable, safe and BEAUTIFUL car, but it is absolutely fantastic on gas, has very limited maintenance requirements and has the get up and go that you need to be able to commute where I live. I absolutely love this car!! I HIGHLY recommend this car to people with kids because it has a five star safety rating (10 airbags standard) and it has a great grip of the road. It comes standard with OnStar for 6 months which I also highly recommend. The OnStar service is amazing! The car gets incredibly good gas mileage and even in-town, I am still averaging 25-30 MPG. Freeway is closer to 35-40. I could not be happier with my decision to purchase this vehicle! I am a huge fan of the Cruze Eco! :)"
9 people out of 9 found this review helpful
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