Chevrolet Cruze: Overview

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze replaces Cobalt as the compact car from General Motors' volume division. Cruze is a 4-door sedan that comes in LS, LT, LTZ, and fuel-economy-oriented Eco trim levels. LT models are subdivided into 1LT and 2LT. The LS has a 136-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and Eco use a 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS and Eco. A 6-speed automatic is optional on those models and standard on the LT and LTZ. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front- and rear-side airbags, and front-knee airbags. Cruze Eco models have ultra-low-rolling-resistance tires and other aerodynamic tweaks designed to increase fuel economy. Available on the LT and LTZ is an RS Appearance Package, which includes fog lights and specific exterior trim. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote engine start, and a wireless cell-phone link are standard on the 2LT and LTZ. A sport suspension is standard on LTZ. Rear-obstacle detection is optional on the LT and standard on the LTZ. This evaluation is based on preview test drives of pre-production vehicles.