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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Chevrolet Cruze

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Overview

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2013 Chevrolet Cruze Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.9

With the exception of one or two models, foreign manufacturers have pretty much dominated the lucrative compact-car segment. Determined to put an end to this cycle, General Motors has rejuvenated its Chevrolet division to embark on the mission for which it was originally created: building solid, affordable and attractive cars at a fair price. To this end, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze sedan seems to hit all the right marks, offering a desirable blend of styling, comfort, economy and features. And, while it's true that the entry-level Cruze isn't priced as competitively as some compacts, the price gap quickly closes once comparable features are added. When it comes to ride, handling, interior appointments and overall drivability, Chevy's 2013 Cruze sedan is a step above most other compacts.

You'll Like This Car If...

Where some compacts feel light and flimsy, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze exudes a feeling of solidity and strength. Those seeking maximum fuel economy will likely be impressed by the Eco model's 42-mpg EPA highway figure.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If exciting exterior styling and a powerful engine top your list of must haves, Chevrolet's 2013 Cruze compact sedan takes a backseat to cars such as the Mazda Mazda3, Ford Focus and Honda Civic Si.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.9
Driving Dynamics

6.4
Comfort & Convenience

7.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.6
Value

6.7
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#8

out of 16

MPG

#9

out of 16

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

For 2013, Chevy's Cruze receives a number of electronic and safety upgrades, including the availability of the MyLink infotainment system and two new color touch-screen radios, one of which features navigation. Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also made available.

Driving the Cruze

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze offers two engine choices: A 1.8-liter 4-cylinder rated at 138 horsepower and a peppy 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with the same horsepower but more torque and better...

fuel economy. While we love the turbocharged engine, we did find some lag upon acceleration from a dead stop, a characteristic we blame on the somewhat sluggish 6-speed automatic's inability to downshift with any authority. As for the Cruze's driving dynamics, we mostly found them pleasant and even a bit sporty. The ride is impressively stable and smooth and the steering, although a bit numb in the corners, is nicely weighted. Even when the road ahead gets a bit twisty, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze manages to remain poised, with minimal body roll and lean. The electric-assist power steering, which weighs less than hydraulic types and thus enhances fuel economy, delivers good feedback and generally feels direct and well balanced.

Favorite Features

1.4-LITER ECOTEC TURBO ENGINE
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze sedan's 4-cylinder turbocharged engine not only delivers ample torque for a fun drive, it's also quiet and fuel-efficient.

MYLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
MyLink provides voice controls for the phone, music and radio, as well as Bluetooth music streaming. MyLink can also pair with certain smartphones to stream such popular apps as Stitcher and Pandora.

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Details

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Chevrolet spent a lot of time and effort the get the 2013 Cruze's interior right, and it has paid off handsomely. The quality of the materials, combined with their design and execution, is 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 2013 Cruze sedan an aggressive hood and front fender treatment connected to a split front grille that has become the company's current "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 on 17- and 18-inchers. For those who might prefer a more stylized ride, Chevrolet offers a number of exterior and interior appearance packages that include 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, voice-activated MyLink infotainment system, a 6-way power driver's seat, color LCD touch-screen radio 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, 18-inch wheels and dual-zone climate control.

Optional Equipment

Options for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze vary by trim and include the Technology Package with MyLink and a rear-vision camera, and the Enhanced Safety Package that brings rear park assist, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. A sporty RS Package is also available, offering front fog lamps, rocker panel moldings and a rear spoiler. Additional features include a power moonroof, color touch-screen GPS navigation, heated outside mirrors and a Pioneer premium audio system.

Under the Hood

Chevrolet offers two engine choices for the 2013 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. An available 6-speed manual on 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 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 on the EPA highway cycle.

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

Cruze LT, LTZ and Eco
1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
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 mpg (manual), 26/38 mpg (automatic), 28/42 mpg (manual, Eco), 26/39 mpg (automatic, Eco)

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the base 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LS starts close to $18,000, while the LT is closer to $19,500. The fuel-miserly Eco model starts around a reasonable $20,500, while the feature-laden LTZ begins just over $24,000 and can reach close to $28,000 with all the options. Although nicely equipped, the 2013 Chevy Cruze runs on the high side price-wise to a comparably-equipped 2013 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 Chevrolet's 2013 Cruze sedan to retain an average value over a five-year period, slightly below the Ford Focus and well below such segment leaders as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra.

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2013 Chevrolet Cruze Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 303 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 commuter car in over 50+ purchased

By pwrdad (CA) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "None for the use"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I bought this car new the first year out, LTZ. I averaged over 31 mpg since purchase. I travel >100 miles each day to work, highway/in town, high desert/ocean climates and over a major grade splitting the county. I have had many other commuter vehicles, including Honda and Toyota, none compare with my Cruze. It has everything I need including inexpensive cell phone through on star. In California we must have hands free and this feature allows me to work even when in the car through my sound system in the car. I am a Porsche lover and this car gives me the ability to drive a fun car at a lot less cost, this is the 5th one I have purchased for Exes and kids. My only dilemma now is do I trade for the diesel? No I am not comparing to any of my Porsches, but it is by far the best of all my cars to make these long daily trips and it is fun!!!"

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IT WAS A GAS SAVER & STYLISH

By bigdawg (MI) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: car was totalled - My approximate mileage is 24,200

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "comes in a stick, real peppy, 29.7 cmpg etc."

Cons: "it isnt a v8 when it comes to power!"

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

"With just a few hundred dollers i turned my normal cuze into a sporty gas savin machine! installed a cold air intake and was getting 29.7mpg city! with 87! do 55-60 on the freeway and get 45-50mpg! i had the 1.4T and loved it if i could afford another one i would but sadly mine was wrecked :( i deffinately recommend the manual version though feels alot more peppy."

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Cruze! It's made for cruising not racing

By johhnyboy07 (TX) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 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: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "138 turbo charged engine feels weak"

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

"Had the car for a while now, I don't do a lot of driving but overall I am very impressed with Chevy. I like everything about the car. I wish it had more horsepower, it is pretty slow in acceleration but it gets up at speed. Where is the turbo? lol. I used to drive a customized Civic so I'm used to fast acceleration that I had. Anyways, Love the car for going to work/school, great mileage."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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4 issues from the start

By Veronica (VA) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

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

"I purchased the LTZ and I am in love with the car but my heart is breaking. Bluetooth cannot find my phone. My right headlight does not work from week one and today the left side speakers no longer work either. I just made 500 miles this afternoon and still have a temporary plate. Going to the dealership tomorrow... Mind you I DO LOVE THE CAR just sad, too sad to be angry. Riders well, all n, all I do recommend to anyone to give this beauty a try."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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I love my Cruze!

By Sara (FL) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

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: 10/10

Pros: "Great gas mileage, interior space, classy design"

Cons: "none"

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

"I used to sell cars at a dealer and I have driven many of the new cars out there (Our dealership had over 5 new car franchises.) I never found a car worthy enough of trading my 2003 VW Jetta VR6 until I drove the Cruze. It feels so solid but turns and drives like a dream! It will turn on a dime! Also I like the look, it is very classy. It has enough space for my fiancé and I, and he is 6'4" as well as family in the back seat. I have the LS Cruze manual and love the shifting, the car actually learns your driving habits. Chevrolet really outdid themselves with this!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great Car

By Bubby774 (WV) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Excellent gas mileage, nice looking, quiet ride"

Cons: "None for me"

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

"Mileage rating 26/36, I get exactly 28.3 around town. Never had any problems but cooling fan went bad around 34000 miles. Car rides good and is very quiet inside. Power is adequate with the 6 speed manual and good in snow."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 303 reviews