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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 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Overview

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Review

By KBB.com Editors

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

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Cruze vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 292 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.6/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

9.0/10

Best vehicle for the price

By JW (IL) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"I added all the features I could and still get a stick shift. It is comfortable, ergonomic and well made, for the cost. Handling is a bit dull, but I got it to drive every day not as a sports car, I already have one of those. The sound system, GPS and communication electronics are all excellent and would be tough to beat (unless you have $1000's more to spend on that), leather heated seats are nice, fairly firm and comfortable for long trips. The interior finish is in line with the cost. At half the cost of a 3 series BMW it offers a lot of the features in a low cost car."

2 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Glad we bought the Cruze

By Chumpkinizer (PA) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, maneuverable, decent mileage, price"

Cons: "Tranny sometimes hunts for gear. Blind spot"

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

"I have never liked Chevy cars and haven't bought one in 42 years of driving. Till I met the Cruze. I was looking for a new car to replace my 19 year old beater and the Cruze made the short-list based on the numbers. I test drove one and was blown away by the performance compared to cars with similar size/price. Then my wife's car blew an engine and we needed to make a fast purchase decision. We chose Cruze and I'm glad we did. The 1.4L Turbo feels like a much larger engine and has plenty of get-up when you punch it. It maneuvers nicely and handles well. It is a very responsive car and the overall driving experience is very positive. Now with 5500 miles on ours and a winter under our belts I can definitely say that I have very positive feelings for this car. Two weeks after we bought the car, I hit some black ice and the car's stability and traction controls kicked in and held the car straight till I was off the ice. Without those systems, I would have skidded across the line into oncoming traffic. During the winter in hilly PA, I have felt the assistance on a couple of occasions and I am glad the car is watching out for us. The front seats feel like a larger car (but the back is a bit cramped). The trunk is much larger and deeper than the exterior size of the car would suggest, and we've never had a problem hauling our gear around, or doing a major shopping trip. The electronics package and driver information displays are nicely done, and the bluetooth/hands-free phone feature is a definite plus for me. The two downchecks that I have noted is that a short driver may have a serious blind spot seeing to the right front corner of the car due to the placement of the righthand rear-view mirror and roof pillar. Less of a problem for taller driver. (Think husband OK, wife not so much). Also, while the engine has substantial acceleration available, the 6-speed automatic sometimes delays the acceleration for a fraction of a second while it selects the appropriate gear to use, then kicks in and takes off. Gas mileage is very dependent on driver technique. Running stop-and-go in mixed rural and city driving, with steep and hilly terrain my wife gets about 29-30 MPG. I tend to try to stretch the gas when I can, and I get in the low to mid '30s over the same runs. We haven't really had it out on the open highway for long cruises, so I can't report on highway mileage numbers. Thus far, the car has needed no service attention other than an oil change. The body and fittings are still "tight" and the car has developed NO rattles, squeaks or annoying little sounds that every car I've ever owned have had. Overall opinion is very positive. I would recommend this car to anyone who asks. I still need to replace the beater I commute in, and I am seriously considering another Cruze."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great Price, Great Mileage, Great Car

By Mallory (NY) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

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: "Gas Mileage, toys"

Cons: "None"

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

"Purchased my Cruze LTZ 2 wks ago and already 3000 miles on it. The price ($20,000) was fantastic for the amenities... Sunroof, Heated Seats, Rear Camera, Leather Seats, Onstar, Satellite radio, etc. I traded in a Ford Escape that I loved, but couldn't afford the gas.(21mpg) I am saving approximately $50.oo more per month on gas than my car payment is. Last fill up my average was 38.5 mpg, that's a combination of city/hwy. The 6 speed manual transmission is fun and gives me more control. Overall great value. Buy one have some fun!"

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pretty good value

By thecruze (CO) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Fun little sporty car, great MPG, drives well."

Cons: "without correct throttle response, it may lag"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This car is better than I was thinking, especially with some performance modifications, it really helps. For being a 4cyl this car really gets up the hills and mountains very well with the stock turbo."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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2013 1LT Manual 6 Speed Turbo

By Hoosier (IN) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 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: 10/10

Pros: "6 speed, turbo, quiet, sturdy, stereo, on star"

Cons: "Tight cup holders, door locks under radio"

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

"Less than 600 miles, but so far so great. I had a 2010 Mazda 3I and traded it in on this ride. The Manual transmission is a blast to drive and I highly recommend it if you don't mind shifting. It is very low geared so be prepared to to shift often if you are in town. So far getting 37 MPG with 70% rural and Hwy driving, and that is with the AC running about half the time! Very quiet and comfy ride. I love the two toned interior and everything is easily within reach. Only complaint is the cupholders. They seem to swallow a large MacD ice tea cup and it's almost a two handed job to get it out. Hopefully the cup grasps will wear with time and it won't be such a pain."

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Finally!!!

By Finally!!! American (WA) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 250

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: 10/10

Pros: "WAY TO MUCH TO LIST. Go test drive, now."

Cons: "Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and the like should fear."

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

"I am a 15 year diehard Toyota man who has ecstatically found American know how, intelligence and capability screaming back into the automobile market. I Love this Car!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 292 reviews