I LOVE my 2013 Cruz ECO.. I've owned the car one month and driven 800 miles and no buyers remorse at all. I test drove a manual and automatic and bought the manual because it is more fun to drive and can really take off. The automatic didn't even seem like the same car to me. If you are normally a pretty light footed sedate driver you probably would be happy with the automatic though.. the Cruze ECO is a great car.
I purchased the Aussie Hatch version "Holden Cruze SRIV" about a month ago.... And I am still amazed at the fuel consumption even around city driving.... And the handling is great... Well done GM
I've been driving Cruze Eco manuals since they came out in 2011. Good little cars. My 11 had about 80k when I traded it for my 13 which now has 86k. No problems with either car, change the oil and air filter is the only expenses I've had... and tires on the 13. I will say though, my 11 got better mpg and more consistent at that. I drive around five hundred miles a week. week so wish I would've kept my 11 sometimes but still a gas saver.
i really like your review. very enthusiastic, fun, goofy but also get straight to the point with details. awesome work man. should i get this or the ford fusion?
I almost purchased this car. I was so impressed buy the way it drove. It is very quick. You can lug it around 1800 rpm on the hwy and pass without downshifting. I took it for an 10 mile test drive. I averaged 33 mpg. I was gunning it. The car I drove was $20k. The only reason I did not buy it was because of the useless back seat. May as well get a 2 door (i did). Hell of a car for 20k. The coupe and the Diesel should both do very well. I am 6.5 feet tall no human can sit behind me in the Cruze.
I own a 2014. I do mostly highway driving. So my combined mileage this summer has been a little higher. I drive "smart." And I get between 39-41 all around. When I do all highway, if there is no wind that I am fighting, I get 42 on the highway. And if I keep it around 62, no wind, I've gotten 48. Even in the winter I get better than 33 all around. I love it. I have the manual and once you figure it out...you have power when you need it...and economy the rest of the time. I recommend them.
My buddy has the non turbo cruze automatic which I drive quite a bit and I have to be honest, it's a fun little car to drive. I do use the manual mode and this thing really will hug a corner.
I have a 2012 identical to this one, and I LOVE the thing! Truly is fun to drive and I deliver pizzas in it I still average 29.8 MPG with almost 30k on mine! Highly recommend it!
Hey guys! I love your videos. But a few videos back you guys commented on a viewer's question and told them that you would make a video of the cars YOU personally would buy out of all the reviews you have done. I'm very curious! I'm still waiting for the video :D
I am assuming you want an automatic? I would go for the Cruze because it looks more appealing to me. The thing I don't like about the LS Cruze is that there are no power mirrors and the rear brakes are drums. Sentra and Cruze get around the same gas mileage.
i started watching your program in october 2012 and really enjoy it...however I live in an area that has high winds and ice during the winter. Is there any chance you guys could do a series driving in ice and snow and give some commentary about car handling? I am really curious about the new ford focus and the dodge dart...thanks and have a great new year!
My mom has a Daewoo and this Cruze blows it out of the water, in terms of reliability, mpg, comfort, practicality, maintenance, you name it. A Corolla with Chevy badges? I thought the Corolla was a respectable automobile? If Chevy's is relatable to that then I think it's doing alright =) I don't wanna start anything, I'm just saying I've experienced these cars first hand and the Cruze is definitely a worthy machine.
My be when the Coupe comes out it will keep the short wheelbase. They can add an inch or so to the 4 door. I think GM designed it that way so you would step up to the Malibu. The new Malibu has a tight back seat also?
I like the cruze but at chevy were I work almost everyday we have one come in saying the horn won't stop, engine squeaking, one even bured all the oil?
Because VAG does diesel the best in the U.S. market. Audi is bringing lots of new TDI models to the states which is great in my opinion. BMW and Mercedes have some good diesel offerings here in the states too.
"A compact car (North America), or small family car in British acceptation, is a classification of cars that are larger than a subcompact car but smaller than a mid-size car, equating roughly to the C-segment in Europe"
I can't. These cars may compete in the same class, but the Dart is what I would buy for the money. The Cruze is smaller and has been around for a few years, so it's a (somewhat) proven vehicle.
Sorry Benjamin. I had no place to even attempt a proper 0 to 60 mph. I have the data which states it does it (with the manual) in about 8 seconds near sea level.
Sorry, but some Americans actually love diesels, including me (which is why I've got two TDI's in my driveway now). I also see plenty of other diesels where I live too.
Joe I have done 44 mpg on the hwy and 34 mpg gunning it. In the Cruze. I have a friend that has the Prius his average is 45 mpg. Dive it yourself see what you can get. Unless you drive behind a tractor trailer at 45 mph you wont see 60 mpg. At a steady 75 mph the low 40's are the norm. Dog a Prius (no fun) it will dip into the 30's. If you hipermile in the city the Prius will crush the ECo economy wise. Driving normal on the Hwy the Eco is more efficient and way faster.
Yes, this car is brilliant! With 15.000 euros you can have a 2.0 diesel engined car with 150 HP, the design from the panel is the same as in a Opel Insignia, same comfort, same engine provider, same performances, and a different price. Chevrolet Cruze 15.000 euros, Opel Insignia 25.000 euros. It`s your choice! ;)
I bought my 2014 Cruze new with 1.8 and 6 speed manual. I have had nothing quit yet, except an aftermarket fog light system quit. They replaced the wiring on warranty. I drive manual transmission cars only and I love my 6 speed manual. GM. Are you listening? We manual enthusiasts want a close ratio transmission! That slow 2nd gear shift is really a bummer. Little old ladies honk at me at lights because I refuse to force it into 2nd. Yup, it is slow into second. The rest of the gears are closer ratio and faster. An evenly spaced 6 speed close ratio manual would be great! GM. Fix it !
Howdy all...This particular model of the Cruze is quite interesting, and I would consider purchasing it if only for one thing: I wish the suits at GM (Chevy) would include a factory power sunroof as an option with it. I know the sunroof would add some weight to the Eco, but driving with a sunroof is such a joy plus having the economy of this model would make this a perfect machine to own IMHO. Cheers! Peace!
The Dodge weighs about 300 pound more so I dont think its real world miledge will equal the Eco's. The Dart is almost as fast and sounds awesome and has a real back seat. I dont know how it will hold up. The Cruze has been doing very well.
42 mpg is the hwy rating. the 30 mpg average he is getting is from stop and go driving and the usual overtaking of slower cars on the road. Our 2010 Versa 1.8L is rated at 32mpg hwy but I get an average of 28 mpg, and on long hwy trips i have seen 34 mpg.
I have one 1.8 lts 140hp high level trim lile usa LTZ but here in Venezuela we donnt have gas price problems... I fill my tank with 25 cents US($) so you guys can imagine we dont have any gasprice issue
Prius is hell for folks that like to drive. In the real world there would only be about a 6 or 7 mpg difference in the city. On a long hwy drive the Cruze Eco would get BETTER mileage.
I had drum rear drum brakes on my 2000 Celica strait from the Corolla and they were horrible. The only bad part of that car. The Cruze ECO is all good. They even lowered it a half inch and put stiffer springs vs the stock Cruze. Gm also took out 150 pounds of weight out (another reason they have drum brakes) and shortened 1st and second gear. Because of the aerodynamic improvements it tops out at 130 mph.
Get the L1lt. If 4 wheel brakes are that important. Its $1300 more and 150 lbs more weight. The manual is almost 1 second slower to 60. It is not as much fun to drive. You will have 4 wheel discs.
"The cruze is just a corolla with Chevy badges" Actually, it's a Daewoo Lancetti with Chevy badges. Which is precisely why I won't own/drive/consider one. I don't deal with auto manufacturers that hide things and lie about what they sell.
Believe it or not the Cruze eco gets far better gas mileage and can outrun all but the new Focus ST. The Cruze is just shy of the Focus ride handling balance. The Cruze is pound for pound 2 to 4k cheaper in price. The Cruze Eco is also 300 pounds lighter than the Focus. The back seat is useless in the Focus also. Do not get me wrong the Focus is a better car overall. It is more solid and refined. You pay for that refinement in weight, dollars and fuel economy.
while nothing seems to be wrong with the cruze, it's still looks abit behind other competitors despite this is in the market for 4 short years so it would'nt hurt for GM to updates the cruze so it won't be so....gm!
i found a 2012 with the bigger 4 cylinder with 70k miles for 7400 bucks am thinking about getting it this weekend. anybody have a similar car have any issues so far ?
Actually, GM Daewoo (which is a company in Korea) created and designed the Cruze. I don't know why Chevy is trying to play it off as an "American" vehicle, as it is only a rebadged Daewoo.
Fun to drive where? The mall? At least the 200 has power and fuel economy. You can get a 200 with the v6 for less than 20k with all the incentives Chrysler offers. The 200 has a bad rap from the old Sebring which it's not. Get in and drive a 200 and you can tell Chrysler has their head in the right place. The cruze is just a corolla with Chevy badges. Cheap, slow, and enough room for groceries.
I really like the Chevy Cruze. What I have not heard in any review is that it has rear drum brakes. Really? Really?? I't's 2013 and the cruze has rear drumb brakes. You have to step all the way up to a 2lt for 4 wheel discs. Funny this and every other review does not mention this. This is the ONLY reason I would not buy a cruze eco.
No its not. Drive it normal and 38 mpg average is easy. At a steady 65 mph you can hit 45 mpg. The Cruze Eco is way more fun to drive than to 200. Almost all of the ECo's are 20k on the lot. Chrysler has made massive improvements on the 200. Aside from power it is not very competitive in this class. The Malibu is its direct competition and that is a much better car also. Sorry.
I LOVE my 2013 Cruz ECO.. I've owned the car one month and driven 800 miles and no buyers remorse at all. I test drove a manual and automatic and bought the manual because it is more fun to drive and can really take off. The automatic didn't even seem like the same car to me. If you are normally a pretty light footed sedate driver you probably would be happy with the automatic though.. the Cruze ECO is a great car.
i got 55,000 miles on my cruze not a single problem been a good little car so far
I love that cars like these are finally finding a place in the US market. Nice review!
Great review, Nate! This car looks like its fun to drive, with the lowered ride height and 6 speed stick.
Nathan does the best reviews. Keep up the good work.
I purchased the Aussie Hatch version "Holden Cruze SRIV" about a month ago.... And I am still amazed at the fuel consumption even around city driving.... And the handling is great... Well done GM
I've been driving Cruze Eco manuals since they came out in 2011. Good little cars. My 11 had about 80k when I traded it for my 13 which now has 86k. No problems with either car, change the oil and air filter is the only expenses I've had... and tires on the 13. I will say though, my 11 got better mpg and more consistent at that. I drive around five hundred miles a week. week so wish I would've kept my 11 sometimes but still a gas saver.
Totally agree with the reviewer. I've spent about 1,000 miles behind the wheel of a then-new 2011 Eco model and it was shockingly fun to toss around.
i really like your review. very enthusiastic, fun, goofy but also get straight to the point with details. awesome work man. should i get this or the ford fusion?
This is one of the best handling car along with 3 and Focus. Nice Chassis.
I almost purchased this car. I was so impressed buy the way it drove. It is very quick. You can lug it around 1800 rpm on the hwy and pass without downshifting. I took it for an 10 mile test drive. I averaged 33 mpg. I was gunning it. The car I drove was $20k. The only reason I did not buy it was because of the useless back seat. May as well get a 2 door (i did). Hell of a car for 20k. The coupe and the Diesel should both do very well. I am 6.5 feet tall no human can sit behind me in the Cruze.
I own a 2014. I do mostly highway driving. So my combined mileage this summer has been a little higher. I drive "smart." And I get between 39-41 all around. When I do all highway, if there is no wind that I am fighting, I get 42 on the highway. And if I keep it around 62, no wind, I've gotten 48. Even in the winter I get better than 33 all around. I love it. I have the manual and once you figure it out...you have power when you need it...and economy the rest of the time. I recommend them.
I love your reviews. Actually keeps me entertained the whole time! Are you going to review the 2013 updated Civic?
It stops fine. Good feel and the brakes are easy to modulate. The low resistance tires effect the stopping distance more.
My buddy has the non turbo cruze automatic which I drive quite a bit and I have to be honest, it's a fun little car to drive. I do use the manual mode and this thing really will hug a corner.
My cruze still under warranty and i love it but waiting for parts replacement took a few month.
I have a 2012 identical to this one, and I LOVE the thing! Truly is fun to drive and I deliver pizzas in it I still average 29.8 MPG with almost 30k on mine! Highly recommend it!
Joe, The manual Eco. The Auto Eco is about 6 or 7 mpg down on the manual in most driving.
i sat in a sentra and it was awesome space in the back! so we need the cruze engine and the sentra packaging :)
I see. Do you by chance know for the Turbo Diesel Cruze, will they ever come out with a manual transmission?
Hey guys! I love your videos. But a few videos back you guys commented on a viewer's question and told them that you would make a video of the cars YOU personally would buy out of all the reviews you have done. I'm very curious! I'm still waiting for the video :D
They sure are: 2012 Passat TDI and a 2013 Jetta TDI. We love them both!
Sure will. Hopefully soon!
@FrostedCold Whats the problem that you see in the cruze ??
I am assuming you want an automatic? I would go for the Cruze because it looks more appealing to me. The thing I don't like about the LS Cruze is that there are no power mirrors and the rear brakes are drums. Sentra and Cruze get around the same gas mileage.
i started watching your program in october 2012 and really enjoy it...however I live in an area that has high winds and ice during the winter. Is there any chance you guys could do a series driving in ice and snow and give some commentary about car handling? I am really curious about the new ford focus and the dodge dart...thanks and have a great new year!
My mom has a Daewoo and this Cruze blows it out of the water, in terms of reliability, mpg, comfort, practicality, maintenance, you name it. A Corolla with Chevy badges? I thought the Corolla was a respectable automobile? If Chevy's is relatable to that then I think it's doing alright =) I don't wanna start anything, I'm just saying I've experienced these cars first hand and the Cruze is definitely a worthy machine.
Can you get this car in Automatic with the Eco trim?
My be when the Coupe comes out it will keep the short wheelbase. They can add an inch or so to the 4 door. I think GM designed it that way so you would step up to the Malibu. The new Malibu has a tight back seat also?
Aha i see, looking forward to that one too. Thanks Nathan
I just bought one today and its sick I got the fully loaded with a black metallic paint job.
Nathan Give me one reason other than fuel economy to get this over a Dodge Dart?
love this car
Roman was reviewing the '13 Beetle convertible at the same time.
I like the cruze but at chevy were I work almost everyday we have one come in saying the horn won't stop, engine squeaking, one even bured all the oil?
when are you gonna review the Equus or Genesis R spec sedan?
Because VAG does diesel the best in the U.S. market. Audi is bringing lots of new TDI models to the states which is great in my opinion. BMW and Mercedes have some good diesel offerings here in the states too.
From what i've read only a 6spd auto is available and GM probably won't put a manual in since most modern automatic trans get better mpg than manuals.
VAG group diesel by any chance ?
I like your vids, and you're funny...subbed!
A positive review of the Cruze...who would've thunk? Probably because is wasn't in a comparison.
"A compact car (North America), or small family car in British acceptation, is a classification of cars that are larger than a subcompact car but smaller than a mid-size car, equating roughly to the C-segment in Europe"
I can't. These cars may compete in the same class, but the Dart is what I would buy for the money. The Cruze is smaller and has been around for a few years, so it's a (somewhat) proven vehicle.
And thanks Nathan this is my favorite compactt car! Nice review bu the way
The Eco looks better than a LTZ. I want one with a manual.
He was testing the '13 VW Beetle convertible while I tested the Cruze.
Sorry Benjamin. I had no place to even attempt a proper 0 to 60 mph. I have the data which states it does it (with the manual) in about 8 seconds near sea level.
Yep, those are drum brakes. It is a bit of a mystery why GM sticks to this, but the Cruze does stop well.
I think this is second best looking compact car. And it also has a great a engine.
perhaps you missed it, but this is a car with the name "eco" written on it. It's economical
Sorry, but some Americans actually love diesels, including me (which is why I've got two TDI's in my driveway now). I also see plenty of other diesels where I live too.
Joe I have done 44 mpg on the hwy and 34 mpg gunning it. In the Cruze. I have a friend that has the Prius his average is 45 mpg. Dive it yourself see what you can get. Unless you drive behind a tractor trailer at 45 mph you wont see 60 mpg. At a steady 75 mph the low 40's are the norm. Dog a Prius (no fun) it will dip into the 30's. If you hipermile in the city the Prius will crush the ECo economy wise. Driving normal on the Hwy the Eco is more efficient and way faster.
Yes, this car is brilliant! With 15.000 euros you can have a 2.0 diesel engined car with 150 HP, the design from the panel is the same as in a Opel Insignia, same comfort, same engine provider, same performances, and a different price. Chevrolet Cruze 15.000 euros, Opel Insignia 25.000 euros. It`s your choice! ;)
I bought my 2014 Cruze new with 1.8 and 6 speed manual. I have had nothing quit yet, except an aftermarket fog light system quit. They replaced the wiring on warranty. I drive manual transmission cars only and I love my 6 speed manual. GM. Are you listening? We manual enthusiasts want a close ratio transmission! That slow 2nd gear shift is really a bummer. Little old ladies honk at me at lights because I refuse to force it into 2nd. Yup, it is slow into second. The rest of the gears are closer ratio and faster. An evenly spaced 6 speed close ratio manual would be great! GM. Fix it !
Nathan, why do you start the reviews, popping out of the trunk?
I think for the price and gas mileage, the little Chevy Cruise eco is a very compelling car. That gas mileage would be very nice...
can u plz review the 2014 cruze ltz?
Where's Roman?
Does anyone know what color this is?
A car is more than the sum of its parts. Drive it.
Howdy all...This particular model of the Cruze is quite interesting, and I would consider purchasing it if only for one thing: I wish the suits at GM (Chevy) would include a factory power sunroof as an option with it. I know the sunroof would add some weight to the Eco, but driving with a sunroof is such a joy plus having the economy of this model would make this a perfect machine to own IMHO.
Cheers!
Peace!
mine is automatic but it is also automatic manual witch is like driving a manual without a clutch super fun.
@ssllhh100 Were do you live??
From what I read, it's not uncommon for Prius owners to get 60 on the hwy and 50 in the city.
DRUM BRAKES!!! THEY STILL MAKE THOSE? o.O
Thank God the new cruze has much more back seat room
I'll wait for the 4 wheel discs.
The Dodge weighs about 300 pound more so I dont think its real world miledge will equal the Eco's. The Dart is almost as fast and sounds awesome and has a real back seat. I dont know how it will hold up. The Cruze has been doing very well.
In a Manual transmission? Sweet!
wheres Roman?
42 mpg is the hwy rating. the 30 mpg average he is getting is from stop and go driving and the usual overtaking of slower cars on the road. Our 2010 Versa 1.8L is rated at 32mpg hwy but I get an average of 28 mpg, and on long hwy trips i have seen 34 mpg.
for a moment there, i thought Larry the cable guy was getting out of the trunk.
I have one 1.8 lts 140hp high level trim lile usa LTZ but here in Venezuela we donnt have gas price problems... I fill my tank with 25 cents US($) so you guys can imagine we dont have any gasprice issue
no 0-60?
@Joe Wilder it's more than a couple thousand more
Prius is hell for folks that like to drive. In the real world there would only be about a 6 or 7 mpg difference in the city. On a long hwy drive the Cruze Eco would get BETTER mileage.
Thanksssss Romannnn you listen me ! Niceeee car
I had drum rear drum brakes on my 2000 Celica strait from the Corolla and they were horrible. The only bad part of that car. The Cruze ECO is all good. They even lowered it a half inch and put stiffer springs vs the stock Cruze. Gm also took out 150 pounds of weight out (another reason they have drum brakes) and shortened 1st and second gear. Because of the aerodynamic improvements it tops out at 130 mph.
Get the L1lt. If 4 wheel brakes are that important. Its $1300 more and 150 lbs more weight. The manual is almost 1 second slower to 60. It is not as much fun to drive. You will have 4 wheel discs.
This car really needs a refresh
He never explained the significance of him being in the trunk of the car. I am guessing that the trunk is big enough to store a 6'1" man?
"The cruze is just a corolla with Chevy badges"
Actually, it's a Daewoo Lancetti with Chevy badges.
Which is precisely why I won't own/drive/consider one.
I don't deal with auto manufacturers that hide things and lie about what they sell.
Believe it or not the Cruze eco gets far better gas mileage and can outrun all but the new Focus ST. The Cruze is just shy of the Focus ride handling balance. The Cruze is pound for pound 2 to 4k cheaper in price. The Cruze Eco is also 300 pounds lighter than the Focus. The back seat is useless in the Focus also. Do not get me wrong the Focus is a better car overall. It is more solid and refined. You pay for that refinement in weight, dollars and fuel economy.
Did he just say this car averages 30 mpg? I thought it was suppose to get 42 mpg.
@johngoodwin86
Your last sentence doesnt make sense. You obviously have never driven manual car. I dont want to be rude, just saying
while nothing seems to be wrong with the cruze, it's still looks abit behind other competitors despite this is in the market for 4 short years so it would'nt hurt for GM to updates the cruze so it won't be so....gm!
i found a 2012 with the bigger 4 cylinder with 70k miles for 7400 bucks am thinking about getting it this weekend. anybody have a similar car have any issues so far ?
Yes it was Mulholland... but it was pissing rain and I hand to drive like an old lady. I'll flog that road next time - promise!
I like the cruze but something about it just seems cheap and tinny to me compared to its domestic competition - the focus
Fusion is higher end car and is not comparable to the Cruze, in fact, Fusion is the winner in its class, the Ford Focus is a comparable car though.
considering the LTZ RS.
Other reviewers don't complain about legroom I'm confused(backseat)
Chevy calls it "Atlantis Blue Metallic"
Actually, GM Daewoo (which is a company in Korea) created and designed the Cruze. I don't know why Chevy is trying to play it off as an "American" vehicle, as it is only a rebadged Daewoo.
Why not buy a Chrysler 200 limited instead? Average 28mpg with a 286 hp V6 with leather and navigation? Clearly a better choice.
Fun to drive where? The mall? At least the 200 has power and fuel economy. You can get a 200 with the v6 for less than 20k with all the incentives Chrysler offers. The 200 has a bad rap from the old Sebring which it's not. Get in and drive a 200 and you can tell Chrysler has their head in the right place. The cruze is just a corolla with Chevy badges. Cheap, slow, and enough room for groceries.
lots of cars in this class still have rear drums
I really like the Chevy Cruze. What I have not heard in any review is that it has rear drum brakes. Really? Really?? I't's 2013 and the cruze has rear drumb brakes. You have to step all the way up to a 2lt for 4 wheel discs. Funny this and every other review does not mention this. This is the ONLY reason I would not buy a cruze eco.
No its not. Drive it normal and 38 mpg average is easy. At a steady 65 mph you can hit 45 mpg. The Cruze Eco is way more fun to drive than to 200. Almost all of the ECo's are 20k on the lot. Chrysler has made massive improvements on the 200. Aside from power it is not very competitive in this class. The Malibu is its direct competition and that is a much better car also. Sorry.
Why not get a Prius for a couple thousand more? Get 50 mpg and a decent back seat.