What are the pros and cons of a Chevy Cruze?

The Cruze is a budget-friendly compact sedan with strong highway fuel economy and easy daily usability, but it carries reliability caveats and is no longer sold new in the United States.

Across generations, the Cruze offered good value for budget-conscious buyers, with efficient engines, straightforward handling, and a family-friendly interior. This article weighs the main advantages and drawbacks to help you decide whether a used Cruze fits your needs, and how it stacks up against rivals in today’s market.

Pros of owning a Chevy Cruze

Below is a summary of the most commonly cited strengths owners and reviewers point to. The Cruze tends to shine in everyday practicality and running costs, especially for those seeking a compact sedan with good fuel economy.

• Affordability and value: Low purchase price in the used-car market, with inexpensive maintenance and parts relative to many peers.


• Strong highway fuel economy: Notable efficiency for a compact sedan, particularly with the 1.4L turbo and automatic transmission.


• Comfortable ride for a compact car: A smooth, composed feel on paved roads and decent noise insulation for its class.


• Practical cargo options: Sedan offers a usable trunk; the Cruze hatchback (when available in the market) provides even more cargo versatility.


• Solid tech on newer trims: MyLink infotainment with Bluetooth connectivity and, on later models, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.


• Ease of ownership: Relatively simple mechanical design and a broad network of parts and service outlets for maintenance and repairs.

In summary, the Cruze delivers budget-friendly ownership with respectable efficiency and practical features, making it a sensible choice for first-time buyers or those prioritizing cost savings.

Cons of owning a Chevy Cruze

These are the potential drawbacks to consider before committing to a Cruze, especially if you are evaluating newer models or comparing against rivals with fresher technology.

• Not sold new in the US since 2019: If you’re shopping today, you’ll be looking at a used example, with limited factory support and older safety/tech packages by today’s standards.


• Mixed reliability history: Some model years have reported reliability and quality concerns, so careful year-by-year research and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are important.


• Interior quality lags behind rivals: Hard plastics and a more utilitarian feel in earlier generations can make the cabin seem dated compared with newer compact sedans.


• Performance can be modest: The base engines are frugal but not sporty; the 1.4L turbo improves acceleration, but even then the Cruze isn’t a performance-focused car.


• Resale value and depreciation: As an aging model outside of production in the US, holding value falls more quickly than newer competitors.


• Tech and safety features vary by year/trim: Earlier trims may lack the latest driver-assistance tech that’s common on newer compact cars.

Taken together, these drawbacks suggest the Cruze is best suited to budget-minded buyers who want inexpensive, uncomplicated transportation and are comfortable shopping for a used car with some age-related tradeoffs.

Additional considerations by category

Performance and efficiency

The Cruze generally delivers solid fuel economy for its class, especially with the 1.4L turbo engine. However, it lacks the punch of more modern rivals and the driving experience is more about commuting comfort than spirited performance.

Interior, tech, and features

Newer trims added upgraded infotainment options and smartphone integration, but older Cruzes can feel dated inside. If tech is important, verify the exact feature set and screen size for the specific model year you’re considering.

Summary

The Chevy Cruze remains a practical, economical choice in the used-car market, particularly for buyers who value good highway mileage and low ownership costs in a compact sedan. Its downsides include aging technology, a mixed reliability record across model years, and the fact that it is no longer sold new in the United States. If you’re shopping used, prioritize a well-documented maintenance history, inspect for wear typical of higher-mileage small cars, and compare with similarly priced rivals that offer the latest safety and tech features. For the right buyer, the Cruze can still be a sensible, economical daily driver.

Which year of Chevy Cruze to avoid?

Problems with Chevy Cruze: 1st-Gen
The worst Chevy Cruze years for reliability are 2011, 2012, and 2014, but 2013 and 2015 aren't too much better. Some of the most complained-about problems owners face when driving these Cruze years include blown head gaskets, transmission failure, and brake failure.

Is the Chevrolet Cruze a reliable vehicle?

There's a 12% chance of serious problems for every year of ownership when issues do arise in a Chevrolet Cruze. RepairPal grants the Cruze a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0.

How long will a Chevy Cruze last?

A Chevy Cruze can last anywhere from 175,000 to over 250,000 miles, with some owners reporting even higher mileage, but this is heavily dependent on proper and consistent maintenance. Common issues that can affect the lifespan include problems with the PCV valve and coolant leaks, but the engine and transmission are generally considered durable if they receive regular fluid changes and tune-ups. 
Factors influencing lifespan

• Maintenance: Regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and other scheduled maintenance are crucial for maximizing the Cruze's lifespan. 
• Common problems: Owners frequently report issues with the PCV valve, valve cover gasket, and water pump, so be prepared for potential repairs. 
• Driving habits: Driving style can impact longevity. Gentle driving and avoiding harsh conditions can lead to longer life, while hard driving can shorten it. 
• Model year: Some model years and engine types may be more reliable than others, with some users recommending the 1.4T engine over the 1.8L. 

Achieving high mileage

• Use quality fluids: Using high-quality synthetic oil and changing it regularly, as recommended or even more frequently than the oil life monitor suggests, can help. 
• Change transmission fluid: Regularly changing the transmission fluid is also important for long-term durability. 
• Replace worn parts: Be proactive in replacing parts like water pumps and coolant hoses as they age, which can prevent more serious and costly issues down the road. 

What are the disadvantages of the Chevy Cruze?

The main cons of the Chevy Cruze are frequent and potentially expensive engine and transmission problems, particularly with earlier models. Common issues include coolant leaks from plastic parts, turbocharger failure, cracked pistons, and transmission shifting problems. These issues can lead to costly repairs, and the car's resale value is not as strong as some competitors.
 
This video highlights the top problems with the Chevy Cruze: 57sAlex The Car DoctorYouTube · Oct 27, 2023
Common problems

• Engine issues: Many model years are prone to engine problems, such as turbocharger failure, cracked pistons (especially on 2017 models), and ignition coil misfires. 
• Cooling system failures: Plastic parts in the cooling system, like the water outlet housing and coolant expansion tank, are prone to cracking due to heat, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating and head gasket issues. 
• Transmission problems: Some models have reported harsh shifting, slipping, and transmission failure. 
• Electrical issues: Some models have experienced problems with the electrical system, including general failures and grounding issues. 
• Steering problems: Owners of certain model years have reported steering-related issues. 
• Oil leaks: Oil leaks from various points, including the oil cooler, are a reported problem. 

Other cons

• Lower resale value: The Cruze generally does not hold its value as well as some competing compact cars.
• Interior materials: Some sources mention that the fabric interior materials are not high-quality and some light-colored panels can scratch easily. 

This video discusses the common problems with the Chevy Cruze: 51sDanielJaegerFilmsYouTube · Jul 25, 2021