2011 Chevrolet Cruze ECO 1.4 turbo 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Has exceeded my expectations for drivability and fuel efficiency - awesome car!

Faults:

Car is new - no issues to report.

General Comments:

I absolutely love this car.

I bought the car for its fuel efficiency. So far I am averaging 46mpg. It's rated for 28/42.

I coast wherever I can - and when coasting, this car has very little resistance (wind/tires) so it can go quite a ways in neutral with just the slightest of downhill slopes.

The six speed shift is smooth, and the car is VERY quiet.

Has Onstar, Sirius, aux jack to connect my phone or iPod etc (no Bluetooth or cruise control with this model).

My car insurance didn't go up much either - compared to my 2007 Mercury Mariner - same coverage, just $217 more per year.

Cabin overall feels smaller due to the dark interior (black cloth/dashboard). Views behind me are limited - have to be careful when reversing out.

Highly recommend... especially those looking for high MPG, but afraid of jumping into the hybrid/electric car market.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2011

3rd May 2011, 13:56

Please report back after you've had it awhile. 48 mpg seems a bit optimistic. 48 mpg under what conditions? Reading through all the user comments at Edmunds and various Cruze forums, they mostly pan their actual mpg's vs. the EPA estimate. Including the Eco model.

In reply to 3rd May 2011, 13:56

4th May 2011, 07:59

They did say they coast a lot; maybe trying to get the most mileage. Most people don't do that, and therefore won't get nearly the mileage. Just yesterday I was on the parkway, and a Prius came down the ramp about 1/4 mile ahead of me, and disappeared doing about 80. I am sure they are not getting the EPA rated mileage with their car. These fuel efficient cars are rated high if you drive them very easy. As soon as you stomp the gas, your mileage will drop to pretty much average. It works similar to the energy star ratings on appliances. If you actually use the settings to maximize that rating, they don't perform as well in many cases. There is always a catch to getting better efficiency. You just have to be willing to live with a little less performance and the payoff will be great... especially at well over $4 per gallon!

View 28 more comments

2011 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Cruze to a Honda Dealer

Faults:

Wipers stopped working.

Ignition immobilizer over and over and over.

Cold weather, the transmission will only stay in 2nd.

Radio screen blank.

On Star calls because it senses that the SRS has deployed (I am driving with the Cruise on at 100 km/h when the call to ask me if I am okay and are dispatching EMS). REALLY???

General Comments:

I had a Cobalt before this.

I had a Civic before the Cobalt.

The lease was up on the Civic, and I got a Cobalt, and the Cobalt was terrible. It would have random fits of not starting... The Cruze, I can't believe it, has the same issue.. I had the Cobalt bought back from GM because of these issues, they gave me credit towards a Cruze.. So I leased the Cruze... This isn't really much different than a Cobalt.. Anyone happy with their Cobalt will like a Cruze... I don't like it at all.. 4x on a tow truck is enough.. GM rep is in disbelief after this is the second GM that is in the process of being bought back... I will have a 2012 Civic in my driveway once it comes out. I have my Cruze sitting at the GM dealer, and I am driving my other half's 1997 Civic with 410,000 kms on it till the '12 Civic arrives.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th February, 2011

13th Feb 2011, 10:17

Based on your review, you made a rush decision on getting the Cobalt; then you didn't like it, but don't diss the cars because you're not happy driving them. I love my Cobalt, but do not like the Cruze...

13th Feb 2011, 14:40

Sorry you got a lemon. I've said the same thing about the Fiesta. Just because a new car is proven elsewhere, does not mean it is proven in North America. It's wise to wait a couple of years to see the reliability of a new car, no matter how much you hear how fantastic and proven it is elsewhere.

View 262 more comments