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2012
Chevrolet Cruze

Starts at:
$16,800
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn LS
    Starts at
    $16,800
    22 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LT w/1FL
    Starts at
    $18,275
    26 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LT w/1LT
    Starts at
    $18,555
    26 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn ECO
    Starts at
    $19,325
    26 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LT w/2LT
    Starts at
    $20,685
    26 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LTZ
    Starts at
    $23,190
    26 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Notable features

Improved gas mileage for 2012
1.8-liter or turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder engines
Six-speed manual or automatic
10 airbags
High-mileage Eco model

The good & the bad

The good

Roomy cabin and trunk
Higher-quality interior
Choice of transmissions
Built in U.S.

The bad

No coupe or hatchback
Drum rear brakes
Eco model not cheap

Expert 2012 Chevrolet Cruze review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Chevrolet Cruze replaced the Cobalt compact car when it debuted for the 2011 model year. It boasts a larger interior than both its predecessor and most competitors in its price class. The Cruze marks the first compact car to reflect the higher-quality approach GM has taken with many other models’ interiors. The car has room for up to five people, and competitors include the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.

(Skip to details on the: Cruze Eco)

New for 2012
Models with the turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder and the six-speed automatic transmission are more efficient for 2012 with the regular Cruze rated at 38 mpg on the highway and the Cruze Eco at 39 mpg. The Connectivity Plus Cruise Package is standard on 1LT and Eco models. It features Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, which has audio controls. All models except the manual-transmission Eco come with a compact spare tire.

Exterior
Despite its larger interior volume, the Cruze is a few inches shorter than the Cobalt from bumper to bumper. The Cruze’s styling isn’t daring, but it’s distinctive in this class and a big improvement over the bland Cobalt. Exterior features include:
   

  • Available 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Standard 16-inch steel wheels
  • Available fog lamps
  • Available power sunroof
  • Available remote start

Interior
In addition to being roomier than the Cobalt, the Cruze’s cabin has higher interior quality. Interior choices include interesting rough-hewn woven trim or more conventional leather-style appliqués on the dashboard and door panels. Interior features include:

  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard cloth upholstery; leather optional
  • Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Standard CD stereo with MP3 jack
  • Optional touch-screen navigation system
  • 15.4-cubic-foot trunk

Under the Hood
The Cruze is offered with a choice of four-cylinder engines: a 1.8-liter and an optional turbocharged 1.4-liter. Mechanical features include:

  • Standard 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes 125 pounds-feet of torque
  • Optional 138-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder makes 148 pounds-feet of torque
  • Both engines use regular gas
  • Standard six-speed manual transmission
  • Optional six-speed automatic transmission

Safety
The Cruze was the first affordable compact car to include 10 airbags standard. In addition to the required front pair, there are seat-mounted side-impact airbags for all four outboard seats, curtain airbags to cover the side windows on both sides and front knee airbags. The knee airbags protect the occupants’ legs and help prevent them from sliding forward, which would make the other restraints less effective. Additional standard safety features include:

  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system


Cruze Eco

The Eco is a high-mileage version of the Cruze whose modifications improve upon the car’s already respectable fuel economy without adding as much cost as a hybrid system would. However, the Eco is based on a higher Cruze trim level and uses the turbo 1.4-liter engine, so it’s nicer than a stripped-down version, but correspondingly not super cheap. The Cruze Eco gets an EPA-estimated 28/42 mpg city/highway when fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.

The Eco’s efficiency provisions include different gearing, lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires and numerous aerodynamic treatments, including a lower grille with shutters that close at higher speeds. Back to top

2012 Chevrolet Cruze review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Chevrolet Cruze replaced the Cobalt compact car when it debuted for the 2011 model year. It boasts a larger interior than both its predecessor and most competitors in its price class. The Cruze marks the first compact car to reflect the higher-quality approach GM has taken with many other models’ interiors. The car has room for up to five people, and competitors include the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.

(Skip to details on the: Cruze Eco)

New for 2012
Models with the turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder and the six-speed automatic transmission are more efficient for 2012 with the regular Cruze rated at 38 mpg on the highway and the Cruze Eco at 39 mpg. The Connectivity Plus Cruise Package is standard on 1LT and Eco models. It features Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, which has audio controls. All models except the manual-transmission Eco come with a compact spare tire.

Exterior
Despite its larger interior volume, the Cruze is a few inches shorter than the Cobalt from bumper to bumper. The Cruze’s styling isn’t daring, but it’s distinctive in this class and a big improvement over the bland Cobalt. Exterior features include:
   

  • Available 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Standard 16-inch steel wheels
  • Available fog lamps
  • Available power sunroof
  • Available remote start

Interior
In addition to being roomier than the Cobalt, the Cruze’s cabin has higher interior quality. Interior choices include interesting rough-hewn woven trim or more conventional leather-style appliqués on the dashboard and door panels. Interior features include:

  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard cloth upholstery; leather optional
  • Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Standard CD stereo with MP3 jack
  • Optional touch-screen navigation system
  • 15.4-cubic-foot trunk

Under the Hood
The Cruze is offered with a choice of four-cylinder engines: a 1.8-liter and an optional turbocharged 1.4-liter. Mechanical features include:

  • Standard 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes 125 pounds-feet of torque
  • Optional 138-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder makes 148 pounds-feet of torque
  • Both engines use regular gas
  • Standard six-speed manual transmission
  • Optional six-speed automatic transmission

Safety
The Cruze was the first affordable compact car to include 10 airbags standard. In addition to the required front pair, there are seat-mounted side-impact airbags for all four outboard seats, curtain airbags to cover the side windows on both sides and front knee airbags. The knee airbags protect the occupants’ legs and help prevent them from sliding forward, which would make the other restraints less effective. Additional standard safety features include:

  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system


Cruze Eco

The Eco is a high-mileage version of the Cruze whose modifications improve upon the car’s already respectable fuel economy without adding as much cost as a hybrid system would. However, the Eco is based on a higher Cruze trim level and uses the turbo 1.4-liter engine, so it’s nicer than a stripped-down version, but correspondingly not super cheap. The Cruze Eco gets an EPA-estimated 28/42 mpg city/highway when fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.

The Eco’s efficiency provisions include different gearing, lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires and numerous aerodynamic treatments, including a lower grille with shutters that close at higher speeds. Back to top

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.9%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.9%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 100,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.0 / 5
Based on 268 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 4.3
Performance 3.8
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • Everything goes wrong with it.

    Everything goes wrong with it. I just bought one for 8000 . Very good condition, a few months later trouble with turbo and oil all over the engine needed to change the gasket
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I bought my 2012 Cruze new that year, and it was the very

    I bought my 2012 Cruze new that year, and it was the very worst car I ever owned. The Engine Light stayed on more than it was off. When I first took it home, the trunk would not close after being opened. The water pump required replacement twice, as well as the thermostat. After it hit 100K miles, it was in the shop at least every 2 weeks. I could not charge my car phone in it after two months because none of the sockets would work even after multiple fuse replacements. I paid for the car twice with all the repairs required to be made to it. I owned a Ford Taurus for ten years prior to the Cruze, so I know what a car is like when it requires little or no repair with proper maintenance. BEWARE BUYER: DO NOT GET NEAR A 2012 CHEVY CRUZE LT
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Car really need repairs

    The alternator went out keeps draining battery .it leaks oil,and the engine knocks.the gas tank is loose.but other than that the car runs great and is good on gas
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    20 people out of 22 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I wanted to save gas.....guess I am......

    I had not hat my pre owned 2012 Chevy Cruz Turbo for a month before I had a blown head gasket and only three months in my starter went out. I sold my mustang and bought the Chevy cruz to save me on gas. I guess I should be more specific when making my wishes. It's been sitting in the same place since December 28th. So I've only put two tanks of gas in it and the last one is still at three quarters. Guess I'm saving on that gas ain't I.......
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    36 people out of 39 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Engine overheating problems on multiple unexpected

    This vehicle since purchased 2014 has had multiple engine cooling problems, leaving me stranded on several occasions , water pump, water inlet, thermostat, radiator, cooling fan, overflow reservoir, hoses, have all been replaced before 134,000 miles, and still continues to have cooling issues
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    23 people out of 23 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Complete Lemon

    This is the absolute worse car I have ever driven. Every mechanic that I have dealt with has told me how terrible this car is. Major, major problems costing a lot of money to repair only to have it break down again. Not worth the money at all.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    16 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Could’ve bought a way better car for what I spent

    I bought a 2012 Cruze eco 3 months ago. I’ve had nothing but problems. The car came with the abs, brake, traction control light on, the dealership said they didn’t know what it was. Turns out it was the rear speed sensors and the wheel bearings. The cars cooling system was the first hidden issue. The water pump, all of the hoses, the heater core, and the radiator fan relay was replaced. After that, it started misfiring after starting for 5 minutes. The coil pact, plugs, and pcv hose was replaced. The car still misfires to this day. I’m thinking the headgasket is bad and coolant is getting into the engine. Then, it started slipping, I haven’t done anything with the transmission yet because it’s too much money, all I’ve done was use transmission treatment and replace the fluid. After that, the hoses started blowing. The fix to that was the surge tank and the cap. A diagnosis from a mechanic said that the oil cooler, transmission cooling line, and the thermostat housing needs to be replaced. The thermostat housing was already replaced twice. I bought the car for 4k, and then put 7k into repairs, and there’s still probably 4k in repairs to do yet. I can’t sell the car because it’s under shared ownership.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I wish I could afford to get the interior cleaned

    The plastic plate across the front of the car comes off and have had to replace it once and now can't afford to put a new one back on!!!! The car has less then 40,000 not bad for 2012 when I bought with 139 miles...LOL! Breaks need to be replaced and the interior of the car needs deep cleaning. I love my Cruze man!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Lemon

    To many problems with car !! The car is comfortable beautiful style , but to much money maintaining car ! Everything breaks down !owned my car for 5 years , just spent another’s 4 thousand dollars fix turbo , breakers , and much more !!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Head gasket blows on the vehicles very eazy an die

    Head gasket blows easy on 6 speed manuel an leaking oil with only having 120,000 miles on it.Wouldn't suggest buying car at all especially to transport family.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    10 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • xxx backwards

    On the diagram for the psi it's backwards... so when you put air in or take it out it shows on the wrong tires, vice versa. Exhaust comes into car when windows are closed. No trunk button and the turbo makes a ticking sound thats not ok.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    20 people out of 27 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The most unsafe vehicle that I have ever driven.

    This vehicle was programmed with "insanity braking". With the 6 speed automatic, the computer could choose to brake at any time. The xxxx thing just constantly fought the driver, braking all of the time. The computer was programmed to do this. The four speed automatic did not have this problem.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    11 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is available in 6 trim levels:

  • ECO (1 style)
  • LS (1 style)
  • LT w/1FL (1 style)
  • LT w/1LT (1 style)
  • LT w/2LT (1 style)
  • LTZ (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 35 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2012 Chevrolet Cruze owners.

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 75.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.0 / 5
Based on 268 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 3.8
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.0

Chevrolet Cruze history

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