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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Overview

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Review

By Beth Lear-VanderYacht, KBB.com Editor

KBB Expert Rating: 6.7

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.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a well-executed blend of fuel-efficiency, design, refinement and performance wrapped in an affordable, compact sedan package.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Chevrolet Cruze doesn't have the time-tested records of the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla and therefore doesn't have as high a resale value.

What's Significant About This Car?

With an available turbocharged engine, 36 mpg highway fuel economy, more overall interior room than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla and design that sets it apart from the rest, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a formidable entry in the compact segment.

Driving the Cruze

Driving Impressions The 2011 Chevy Cruze is available with a 1.8-liter or 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While the naturally-aspirated base 1.8-liter would suit most commuters just fine, it's the 1.4-liter turbo that...

gets our vote for most fun to drive. It's quiet, produces more torque, and, overall, gets better mileage. Our only complaint was there was a bit of lag when it came to power delivery, but that's a small price to pay for a much more enjoyable driving experience. As for ride, the Cruze proved to be a comfortable and quiet but still dynamic vehicle: It was soft enough that we didn't feel like we were bouncing over broken pavement, with just enough feedback to feel sporty but not overly buffeted. The Cruze's steering was reasonably direct for an electric power system, with a lighter feel that would be appreciated on the highway.

Favorite Features

1.4L Ecotec Turbo
The Chevrolet Cruze's four-cylinder turbocharged engine not only delivers ample torque for a fun drive, its also quiet and fuel efficient.

RS Trim
The Chevy Cruze RS features bold rocker panels, fascia, lamp treatments and a spoiler on the outside, while inside chrome accents, ice-blue backlighting and an uplevel instrument cluster complete the sporty look.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Details

Interior

The 2011 Chevy Cruze really shines on the inside. With soft-touch materials throughout and the availability of a leather interior, this compact sedan looks and feels like a car from a higher price point. The seats are very comfortable, with ample thigh and lower-back support, and there's plenty of head and legroom in the Cruze as well. All of the gauges and center stack controls are intuitive and easy to reach, and the optional RS package brings an upgraded gauge cluster with chrome surrounds and cool blue back-light to the dash.

Exterior

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicle features a bold split grille that leads back into an aggressively molded hood, framed by strong shoulder lines that give the Cruze a muscular and athletic look. The optional RS Appearance Package adds Euro-like flair to the vehicle, with rocker moldings, a rear spoiler and foglamps. While the base trims get 16-inch wheels in the wheel wells, 17- and 18- inch wheels are available.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base Chevrolet Cruze LS comes equipped with a 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, 10 airbags, Bluetooth connectivity, and OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation. Opting for the 1LT model brings a six-speed automatic transmission paired to a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and power mirrors into the mix, while the 2LT adds standard cruise control and leather seating surfaces. The top-of-the-line LTZ trim further enhances the Cruze with rear park assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and dual-zone climate control.

Optional Equipment

Options on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vary by trim and include a Connectivity Package with Bluetooth, a USB Port for portable music devices and steering-wheel mounted stereo controls. A sporty RS Package is also available, offering front fog lamps, rocker panel moldings and a rear spoiler. Stand-alone options include a power moonroof, a GPS navigation system and a Pioneer premium audio system.

Under the Hood

Two engines are offered on the 2011 Chevy Cruze: A naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque (standard on base LS models) and a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. If you're hoping to outfit a Cruze with a six-speed manual and the turbo engine, unfortunately you're out of luck. Although a six-speed manual is available, it is only found on the base LS trim, which comes standard with the 1.8-liter. All other trims get a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission.

1.8-liter in-line 4
136 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
123 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/35 (automatic, manual TBD)

1.4-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
138 horsepower @ 4900 rpm
148 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/36

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 277 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.9/10

LOVE my Cruze!!

By JP (CA) on Monday, February 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "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! :)"

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Good car for value

By Art (MA) on Thursday, February 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "great handling with snow, ice, rain."

Cons: "suspension could be enhanced"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Minor problems resolved at dealership One factory recall Two minor engine problems quickly resolved at dealer (electric thermostat replacement and new antifreeze, ignition part replacement all under warranty)"

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