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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

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Overview

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.0

One of the most competitive and lucrative segments in the auto industry is that of the compact car. Until recently, foreign competitors dominated the market, with Ford, Chevy and Dodge offering weak or sub-par offerings. But domestic manufactures have begun turning the tables on their overseas rivals and regaining the trust and confidence of American buyers. One example of this turnaround is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, a sleek and efficient compact that offers impressive features, handsome styling and fuel economy figures even the staunchest tree-hugger would concede are pretty darn good. Because of the wide model range and options list, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze possesses a broad price spread that ranges from around $17,000 to just under $27,000 when fully loaded. That's quite a chunk of change for compact car and it might be a tough sell, especially when compared to the equally attractive and fuel efficient Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic. But, the Chevrolet brand is on fire right now. So while models like the Elantra and Civic may provide many of the same features as the Cruze they don't feel as solid or connected to the road, an attribute many budget-minded enthusiasts look for in a compact sedan.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're shopping for a compact car with a more refined look, ride and interior quality than the average economy sedan, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze sedan is sure to win you over. The Eco model's 40-mpg highway fuel rating also can't hurt.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although handsome, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze doesn't have the youthful, cutting-edge styling found on the 2012 Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra or Kia Forte. Those looking for more than the Cruze's 138 horsepower might be happier in a Mazda Mazda3 or Honda Civic Si.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.0
Driving Dynamics

6.5
Comfort & Convenience

8.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.7
Value

6.8
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#12

out of 23

MPG

#14

out of 23

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

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.

Driving the Cruze

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2012 Chevy Cruze sedan offers two engine choices: a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder and a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. While the 1.8-liter engine is bigger, it is only available on the base...

LS Cruze and is nowhere near as fun to drive as the smaller turbocharged engine. Despite the smaller displacement, the 1.4-liter Ecotec engine is quiet and smooth, and actually produces the same horsepower as the 1.8-liter but with stronger low-end torque. If the turbo has one drawback, it's the momentary lag experienced upon acceleration, a result of the few seconds it takes the turbocharger to wind up and do its power-boost thing. We were equally impressed with the Cruze sedan's driving dynamics which are best described as sporty and fun, but not overly harsh. The adept suspension does a good job smoothing out small pavement irregularities, and during aggressive driving, it keeps the car fairly level and free of body roll. Added to save weight and fuel, the electric-assist power steering delivers good feedback and generally feels direct and well balanced.

Favorite Features

1.4-liter Ecotec Turbo Engine
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze sedan's 4-cylinder turbocharged engine not only delivers ample torque for a fun drive, it's also quiet and fuel efficient.

RS Trim
The 2012 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 up-level instrument cluster complete the sporty look.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Details

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Chevrolet spent a lot of time and effort the get the 2012 Cruze's interior right, and it has paid off handsomely. The quality of the materials combined with their design and execution are far and away above anything else in this price range. Seat comfort, both front and rear, is another area where the Cruze sedan shines. Legroom up front is excellent while the rear seats offer a comfortable place for two adults – as long as the front seats are not fully extended. Attention to safety is evident by the Cruze's 10 airbags, including front and rear seat-mounted side airbags and front knee airbags. Ample use of sound deadening material makes the Cruze sedan's cabin one of the quietest in the segment.

Exterior

Chevrolet gave the 2012 Cruze sedan an aggressive hood and front fender treatment connected to a split front grille that has become the company's new "face." The Cruze's wide stance and big wheel and tire combo impart a solid, stable look that makes the car seem larger than its compact status. Base models ride on 16-inch rims, with the more expensive models owning 17- and 18-inchers. For those who might prefer a more stylized ride, Chevrolet offers a number of exterior and interior appearance packages that add machine-finished wheels, a rear spoiler, body-colored mirrors and door handles, and fog lamps.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base Chevrolet Cruze LS comes equipped with a 1.8-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, 10 airbags, air conditioning, keyless entry, and power windows and door locks. Opting for the 1LT model brings a 6-speed automatic transmission paired to a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, cruise control, Bluetooth, a USB port, power mirrors and steering wheel audio controls. The 2LT Cruze adds leather seating surfaces, a 6-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. The top-of-the-line LTZ trim further enhances the Cruze sedan with rear park assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-zone climate control.

Optional Equipment

Options on the 2012 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, rear parking sensors, GPS navigation and a Pioneer premium audio system.

Under the Hood

Two engines are offered on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze: A naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque (standard on base LS models) and a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque. This year, addition of the 6-speed manual to the turbo models makes them ultimately more fun to drive, but we know the vast majority of Cruzes will go out the door with the very capable Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission. Using a combination of lighter materials, better aerodynamics and low-rolling-resistance tires allows the Cruze ECO to achieve hybrid-like fuel economy that exceeds 40 mpg.

1.8-liter in-line 4
138 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
125 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/36 (manual), 22/35 (automatic)

1.4-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
138 horsepower @ 4,900 rpm
148 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,500 rpm (manual), 148 lb.-ft. @ 1,850 rpm (automatic)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/38 (manual), 26/38 (automatic), 28/42 (manual, ECO), 26/39 (automatic, ECO)

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the base 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS starts close to $17,500, while the LT is closer to $20,000. The miserly ECO model starts at a reasonable $20,000, while the feature-laden LTZ begins just under $24,000 and can reach close to $28,000 with all the options. Although nicely equipped, the 2012 Chevy Cruze runs on the high side price-wise to a comparably equipped 2012 Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Sentra. Before you buy, be sure to check the most recent Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the Cruze. We expect the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze sedan to retain an average value over a five year period, but to remain below segment leaders like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and newcomers like the Hyundai Elantra.

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2012 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."

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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."

1 person out of 1 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."

1 person out of 1 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