Wife and I just bought the LT hatchback and have to say so far it's way better than the Equinox. It took me a few hours while driving to notice that right behind the steering wheel (right sde) are the volume radio controls and (left) you can change the radio station. Our fearless sales person forgot to mention that.
Best decision I made was buying this car, 2018 Cruze Hatch LT RS Redline, has the space and gas mileage I needed, additionally it’s a comfortable and solid commuter. (Canadian commenter). 5 years on, still love this thing!
As an import guy, I don't normally care for domestic compacts, but the Cruze really is a good looking car. My brother got the sedan and I was pleasantly surprised by it's appearance. It's designers did a really nice job sculpting it's lines and it looks attractive from all angles. Despite it's nice look, my brother's is pretty much the base model and it feels a little cheap.
Been a hatchback guy since 1988 when I got my license and a '89 CRX Si. Funny how 8.0 seconds to 60 MPH is now considered somewhat slow. Watch some of the Retro MotorWeeks and 8.0 sec was blazing fast. 12.0 sec was about average then...too finny
Auto journalists are spoiled brats - the whole lot of them! New 4-cylinder Camaro & Mustang's are rivaling older generation V8 powered models. Go figure.
I only had my Cruze for, like, a month... But I always felt like it had some balls on it. It isn't like my V6 Impala, of course... but it was a nice, springy little drive. Would definitely recommend it to compact car buyers!
8 seconds sluggish ? I know it's 2017 but 8 seconds isn't sluggish. There are lots of cars today that struggle to 60 in less than 10 or 11 seconds even today. Would I like it to go faster ? Of course I would ! But yeah 0 to 60 in 8 seconds isn't sluggish.
The Cruze Hatch is assembled in Mexico, but those who like the Honda Civic Hatch will be surprised that it's assembled in England, at least the early editions. However, just as other commenters has said, the Cruze sedan is assembled in Lordstown, OH and most Civics are assembled in Greensburg, IN.
Not bad! I have a Civic Hatch Sport that I absolutely love. We're looking for a third car, and this Cruze hatch just might fit the bill!! Good review, MW!
Meh... I never really disliked hatches, but I prefer them to be more upright and stout looking, like the Sonic's is. The Cruze is nice, though. I only had mine for about a month, but I probably would have kept it longer with different circumstances. It was a sedan, but it was smooth and comfortable-riding, and it did have a lot of effortless, user-friendly gas mileage to it. Largely well-styled. Had some balls in real world driving. I wish it were easier to get comfortable behind the wheel, and the engine stop-start thing was as much pointless as it was obnoxious, but I felt like the Cruze was a solid little economy car. I sure wouldn't have bought it before its redesign, anyway. I think Chevy did pretty well with it.
It wins in looks and interior. Much better looking than the gaudy spaceship looking civic. The engine lets it down however. I just don't get G.M.! The 1.6 is gutless down low. This is not how you enter the hatch segment. It doesn't need to be fast, just enough to be fun. Then it appeals to common drivers and enthusiasts.
Back in the 80s GM had a hatchback version of their J-body (like Cavalier). It wasn't a true functional hatchback. When did mass market compact class engine 0-60 of 8 seconds become gutless? Base engine compacts of old were lucky to get under 10 seconds 0-60.
I think that the reviewer's seat-of-the-pants impression of gutlessness with the Cruz has to do with its traction control, which cannot be fully disabled. But I doubt that it could do the acceleration run much quicker even if traction control were fully defeatable, as it's still a 2900 lb fwd car with 153 bhp and 177 lb-ft.
0-60 in 8 seconds is plenty of speed for everyday driving. Twenty years ago that was actually considered pretty fast. But I think these reviewers are so used to driving high performance cars all the time, that it seems slow to them. Everything's relative.
it's 2017 now, where hyundais run 5 seconds to 60 Edit: actually for better comparison, the kia forte hatchback sx does 0-60 in high 6 seconds or low 7s.
The Cruze's performance compares well with the base models of competitors. Some don't have turbos and are slower, like the base Corolla and Sentra models (0-60 in almost 10 seconds for both of them). However, the Cruze lacks a high-performance variant, like the Ford Focus RS and VW GTI. But as far as base models go, it actually has above-average power for its class.
And in regards of the gutless engine in a compact vehicle... they're designed for fuel efficiency not speed. Want speed in your compact car?... try VW GTI or GLI, Ford Focus ST or RS or the upcoming Civic Si.
Couple nitpicks here. The 18" wheels in 2017 came with the Premier package, not RS. Also its NOT the same engine as the Trax. It's the same size, but its a totally different design architecture.
Chevy needs a better base engine option. I have a 2014 Ford Focus Hatchback SE " Flex fuel" 2.0 Direct injection DOHC VVT at 160 Horse Power; Cheaper, better, more reliable, it does pack some punch, if my gas mileage is a bit lower, I have less to go wrong in the long run than a turbo engine!
0-60 in 8 seconds flat is considered gutless nowadays? In the 80's/90's, that was considered fairly quick. Regardless though, I love hatchbacks because of all the cargo room with the back seats folded down.
Times have changed. In the current days of Teslas whooping 3 second 0-60 times, even a 5 second flat car is considered ho-hum compared to twenty years ago where your eye would bulge out hearing of such claims.
Always hate those 7-8 inch remove from all hatch version of a sedan . Chop those rear overhang does'nt make sense when you are looking for max cargo . The new Regal Sport back seem to not follow that trend . And the TourX ( wagon ) too .
GUTER FÜHRER ! I just would like to point out that where I live the fastest sportiest versions of most hatchbacks hardly do much better. And 8 seconds 0-60 is more than enough for everyday driving, I mean, I considering 8 seconds 0-60 fast!
My 2000 Impala that is as heavy as a tank gets 7.6 seconds with a beast of a 3.8 V6. Granted it gets 20/29 MPG (23 avg for me). It is impressive how far along 4 cylinders have come along. After renting a Cruze and getting 47 MPG on the highway, the cruze is on my short list.
If there is a possibility to make gm great again is to stop badge engineering meaning allow brands such as chevy, Buick, Cadillac , Holden and others be an independent company of their own. Yes badge engineering is cheaper for General Motors but then brands having shared components such as chevy/Daewoo for Asian markets, Cadillac Escalade/ chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon and others. They just have no personality because these brands don't have their own personality and individuality that represents their own brand. Driving a Cadillac Escalade with some parts from chevy and gmc? C'mon I want to get a car that represents the brands history and heritage
Brazil Chevrolet built an ss with 297 hp. I would have bought one in a heart beat ! Boring GM did not want to mass produce it and months later killed the Cruze!
very attractive car however for the first time in our family history we finally bought a Honda Civic and I cannot believe how good that car is, 35 years of driving and never knew.
Chevy has a bad habit of being late to the party! This thing needs a sportier version to compete directly with Ford, Mazda, Honda, & Volkswagens sport compacts! Give this thing an adrenalin injection a manual gearbox, a sport suspension & a more aggressive styling & voila it's a hit!!
Buy an RS. It comes with sporty body kit with accents, sway bar, stiffer shocks, larger wheels (with premium machine face wheels), manual 6-speed or 9-speed auto and of course the Red RS badge. You can even go a step further and buy redline version and get rid of all chrome for black.
If you're looking for a good hatchback that gets good mileage, and is reliable, you would be far better off looking back 20-30 years, or even to other foreign car makers. This car was designed for the chinese market, had its parts imported to mexico, and was put together in mexico. dont waste your time with this pile folks. There are far better options out there.
I would buy another General Motors product, regardless of origin before I bought a Toyota or similar import, GM has never let me or any of my family down.
Ron L why do you bring politics into this ,it's MotorWeek review of a Chevy Cruze .Can you understand that you f****** brain-dead libtard. what's the L for Ronnie loser or lunatic. You're covered in hate, you can't even enjoy MotorWeek without mentioning Trump. How miserable and f***** up you must be. You got a long way to go moron Trump until 1- 20- 24.
These ecotec motors are absolute garbage. I have seen these back in the shop time and time again with piston or ring failures with less than 50,000 miles.
Made in Mexico. A friend bought a brand new Chevrolet a few weeks ago and you can really tell it was Mexico quality! Chevrolet does make great Corvettes and Tahoes and Impalas though.
It's too bad that *everything* from GM is junk that breaks constantly and falls completely apart well before 100K miles. My father loved GM cars until the day he died. I have had nothing but trouble with them - they are unreliable and in constant need of repair. Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac G6 just to name two. No more. I will NEVER buy another GM vehicle of any sort ever again.
It's so awesome that MotorWeek is still running and still has the same host after all these years.
Wife and I just bought the LT hatchback and have to say so far it's way better than the Equinox. It took me a few hours while driving to notice that right behind the steering wheel (right sde) are the volume radio controls and (left) you can change the radio station. Our fearless sales person forgot to mention that.
Best decision I made was buying this car, 2018 Cruze Hatch LT RS Redline, has the space and gas mileage I needed, additionally it’s a comfortable and solid commuter. (Canadian commenter). 5 years on, still love this thing!
As an import guy, I don't normally care for domestic compacts, but the Cruze really is a good looking car. My brother got the sedan and I was pleasantly surprised by it's appearance. It's designers did a really nice job sculpting it's lines and it looks attractive from all angles. Despite it's nice look, my brother's is pretty much the base model and it feels a little cheap.
So, it is not a performance car. IS it sold as one?
I wish the performance was not called gutless, because it fulfills its mission on point
It is a shame GM didn't put the 1.5T from the Malibu in this RS model. That would make it really great!
Been a hatchback guy since 1988 when I got my license and a '89 CRX Si.
Funny how 8.0 seconds to 60 MPH is now considered somewhat slow. Watch some of the Retro MotorWeeks and 8.0 sec was blazing fast. 12.0 sec was about average then...too finny
We take a lot for granted these days. I'm not even that old but get flabbergasted by the expectations of my current generation.
Auto journalists are spoiled brats - the whole lot of them! New 4-cylinder Camaro & Mustang's are rivaling older generation V8 powered models. Go figure.
I thought I was the only one who thought 8.0 sec 0-60 and 16 second quarter mile times were actually pretty quick!
I only had my Cruze for, like, a month... But I always felt like it had some balls on it. It isn't like my V6 Impala, of course... but it was a nice, springy little drive. Would definitely recommend it to compact car buyers!
I prefer a million HBs than Xovers.
8 seconds sluggish ?
I know it's 2017 but 8 seconds isn't sluggish.
There are lots of cars today that struggle to 60 in less than 10 or 11 seconds even today. Would I like it to go faster ? Of course I would ! But yeah 0 to 60 in 8 seconds isn't sluggish.
Def feels sluggish. As someone who owns one it can hardly get out of its own way
@@dana8190 that’s why I’m looking at one of these for my 16-year-old boy. With a manual. Keeps the phone out of his hands.
Absolutely nice!
The Cruze Hatch is assembled in Mexico, but those who like the Honda Civic Hatch will be surprised that it's assembled in England, at least the early editions.
However, just as other commenters has said, the Cruze sedan is assembled in Lordstown, OH and most Civics are assembled in Greensburg, IN.
Billy Sou yup civic sport is an import
looks great
Not bad! I have a Civic Hatch Sport that I absolutely love. We're looking for a third car, and this Cruze hatch just might fit the bill!! Good review, MW!
Meh... I never really disliked hatches, but I prefer them to be more upright and stout looking, like the Sonic's is.
The Cruze is nice, though. I only had mine for about a month, but I probably would have kept it longer with different circumstances. It was a sedan, but it was smooth and comfortable-riding, and it did have a lot of effortless, user-friendly gas mileage to it. Largely well-styled. Had some balls in real world driving. I wish it were easier to get comfortable behind the wheel, and the engine stop-start thing was as much pointless as it was obnoxious, but I felt like the Cruze was a solid little economy car. I sure wouldn't have bought it before its redesign, anyway. I think Chevy did pretty well with it.
It wins in looks and interior. Much better looking than the gaudy spaceship looking civic. The engine lets it down however. I just don't get G.M.! The 1.6 is gutless down low. This is not how you enter the hatch segment. It doesn't need to be fast, just enough to be fun. Then it appeals to common drivers and enthusiasts.
Back in the 80s GM had a hatchback version of their J-body (like Cavalier). It wasn't a true functional hatchback. When did mass market compact class engine 0-60 of 8 seconds become gutless? Base engine compacts of old were lucky to get under 10 seconds 0-60.
Sailor Dave you're right even a Ferrari 308 back in the day might have gotten 7
I think that the reviewer's seat-of-the-pants impression of gutlessness with the Cruz has to do with its traction control, which cannot be fully disabled. But I doubt that it could do the acceleration run much quicker even if traction control were fully defeatable, as it's still a 2900 lb fwd car with 153 bhp and 177 lb-ft.
0-60 in 8 seconds is plenty of speed for everyday driving. Twenty years ago that was actually considered pretty fast. But I think these reviewers are so used to driving high performance cars all the time, that it seems slow to them. Everything's relative.
it's 2017 now, where hyundais run 5 seconds to 60
Edit: actually for better comparison, the kia forte hatchback sx does 0-60 in high 6 seconds or low 7s.
The Cruze's performance compares well with the base models of competitors. Some don't have turbos and are slower, like the base Corolla and Sentra models (0-60 in almost 10 seconds for both of them). However, the Cruze lacks a high-performance variant, like the Ford Focus RS and VW GTI. But as far as base models go, it actually has above-average power for its class.
Chevy was so close with these, hard to match civic sales when you lack any real performance option
And in regards of the gutless engine in a compact vehicle... they're designed for fuel efficiency not speed. Want speed in your compact car?... try VW GTI or GLI, Ford Focus ST or RS or the upcoming Civic Si.
is that an opel or chevy? ;)
Couple nitpicks here. The 18" wheels in 2017 came with the Premier package, not RS. Also its NOT the same engine as the Trax. It's the same size, but its a totally different design architecture.
Chevy needs a better base engine option. I have a 2014 Ford Focus Hatchback SE " Flex fuel" 2.0 Direct injection DOHC VVT at 160 Horse Power; Cheaper, better, more reliable, it does pack some punch, if my gas mileage is a bit lower, I have less to go wrong in the long run than a turbo engine!
Interior on par with a luxury car? Which one, Motorweek?!
0-60 in 8 seconds flat is considered gutless nowadays? In the 80's/90's, that was considered fairly quick. Regardless though, I love hatchbacks because of all the cargo room with the back seats folded down.
There are these things called advances in technology. 8 seconds is no bueno.
Times have changed. In the current days of Teslas whooping 3 second 0-60 times, even a 5 second flat car is considered ho-hum compared to twenty years ago where your eye would bulge out hearing of such claims.
should have made an ss version to complete with the focus st
Bryan Oviedo the have a rs verzion
Exactly my thought
If all goes well with 2019 remodeled rs hatchback... there could be an SS in the making
- the RS offers no performance increase; it's basically an appearance package.
Plus no manual transmissions on the 2019 models.
Thumbs up for the first line in this review being a dig at the annoyingly memorable Chevy commercials.
could some body please tell me why 18 inch wheels looks small on this hatchback ? i really don't get it because 18 inch are not small wheels ?!!!
The big ass wheel well
Always hate those 7-8 inch remove from all hatch version of a sedan . Chop those rear overhang does'nt make sense when you are looking for max cargo . The new Regal Sport back seem to not follow that trend . And the TourX ( wagon ) too .
Can we get some wagon styled hatchbacks? The rear ends are so short.
Look no further than a Subaru Outback if you want a wagon styled hatchback.
Its good
I have a light blue one
Chevrolet will never make a better car than the late 90s model Cavalier Coupe.
Cavalier is the American Corolla, very dependable !
GM finally gets the small car right. So, let's stop making cars. WTF.
8 seconds on a wet track isn't too bad.
GUTER FÜHRER ! I just would like to point out that where I live the fastest sportiest versions of most hatchbacks hardly do much better. And 8 seconds 0-60 is more than enough for everyday driving, I mean, I considering 8 seconds 0-60 fast!
My 2000 Impala that is as heavy as a tank gets 7.6 seconds with a beast of a 3.8 V6. Granted it gets 20/29 MPG (23 avg for me). It is impressive how far along 4 cylinders have come along. After renting a Cruze and getting 47 MPG on the highway, the cruze is on my short list.
Put that f-ing 2.0L 250hp motor in it. Call it a super cruze. Thats one place GM is always behind. Every one else has a sport package with more hp.
It was assembled in Lordstown Oh.
The hatch wasn't assembled in Lordstown, only the sedan.
No CD player :(
Not all of us want to listen to crappy mp3's. Even at 320, some mp3's sound bad (some sound fine.
It'll look better if the wheels are just as big as the Chrysler 300's!
looks good but they should make an ss
The review style is outdated, like something you'd expect in the 90s. However, information is adequate.
Aaahhh by the Opel Astra for America.....
Looks alot like an Opel/Vauxhall astra
If there is a possibility to make gm great again is to stop badge engineering meaning allow brands such as chevy, Buick, Cadillac , Holden and others be an independent company of their own. Yes badge engineering is cheaper for General Motors but then brands having shared components such as chevy/Daewoo for Asian markets, Cadillac Escalade/ chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon and others. They just have no personality because these brands don't have their own personality and individuality that represents their own brand. Driving a Cadillac Escalade with some parts from chevy and gmc? C'mon I want to get a car that represents the brands history and heritage
Well said !
If you want heritage, they’ve always rebadged some vehicles such as trucks
HA, cruise...noice.
the review is funny considering th eRegal wont be a pure wagon
Brazil Chevrolet built an ss with 297 hp. I would have bought one in a heart beat ! Boring GM did not want to mass produce it and months later killed the Cruze!
Cruze SS anyone??
Put a 2.0 liter turbo 4 in it and I'll buy it
Opel Astra O_O
very attractive car however for the first time in our family history we finally bought a Honda Civic and I cannot believe how good that car is, 35 years of driving and never knew.
Chevy cruze
Let’s get into the meat and Po-ta-toes 🍖🥔
@2:02 I can fit that in a Ferrari. Put the old school motorweek luggage in there
Now make a Cadillac version!
Kaelin Curtsinger, haha
Kaelin Curtsinger Unlikely...
They made a Cadillac station wagon. It was not a great seller so they discontinued it. Too bad, the V version was awesome.
and name it Cimarron ...hopefully cady is in Rwd era
Doubt it
These aren't assembled in Mexico. They are assembled in Ohio.
Only the sedan was, the hatch is assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.
Chevy has a bad habit of being late to the party! This thing needs a sportier version to compete directly with Ford, Mazda, Honda, & Volkswagens sport compacts! Give this thing an adrenalin injection a manual gearbox, a sport suspension & a more aggressive styling & voila it's a hit!!
Buy an RS. It comes with sporty body kit with accents, sway bar, stiffer shocks, larger wheels (with premium machine face wheels), manual 6-speed or 9-speed auto and of course the Red RS badge. You can even go a step further and buy redline version and get rid of all chrome for black.
Great review! We did a fuel economy test on the Cruze Hatch on our channel. Check it out :)
the look is on par with VW GOLF, COROLLA, CIVIC, MAZDA 3, etc but... it lacks some kinda of performance... THUMBS DOWN
elantra gt
No thank you....
If you're looking for a good hatchback that gets good mileage, and is reliable, you would be far better off looking back 20-30 years, or even to other foreign car makers. This car was designed for the chinese market, had its parts imported to mexico, and was put together in mexico. dont waste your time with this pile folks. There are far better options out there.
LRulesTheWorld
YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT CHINESE MARKET.
I would buy another General Motors product, regardless of origin before I bought a Toyota or similar import, GM has never let me or any of my family down.
Import? Almost all of the Toyota's available in NA where made in Canada or the US.... What the heck ya talkin about?
first
Anything is better than the new civic
Lol
CVT transmission is trash.
It looks like a face lifted Subaru Impreza
Nope!
hahah you drive 20 year old slammed civics hhahahlol
the sedan is faster
Mexico!!!????? Time to send in Trump!
I don't recall the exact number, but I think that they said that 4% of Cruse models will be hatchback. Hardly worth the effort. Beside, screw Trump.
one of the original "American" companies sending work to overseas lol
skwon9642 been happening for alot of years.
Ron L why do you bring politics into this ,it's MotorWeek review of a Chevy Cruze .Can you understand that you f****** brain-dead libtard. what's the L for Ronnie loser or lunatic. You're covered in hate, you can't even enjoy MotorWeek without mentioning Trump. How miserable and f***** up you must be. You got a long way to go moron Trump until 1- 20- 24.
Build The Wall
ugly dont make sharp design
Nothing new about it ,it's a redesigned Saturn Astra i.e. A 10 year old car
expensive and gutless
eww... worst made car out there quality wise
*Mitsubishi Mirage*
Looks a bit like a Ford Focus RS
AaronVincentPresent
$22K for a based model assembled in Mexico? Chevrolet will be in trouble with Trump. ^_^
Chevy lost me Built in Mexico.
Mexican assembled. Blah! No thanks.
wy make a hatchback of this crappy un-reliable car that breaks down 4 months after you buy it?
Gilberto Solorio cheap loss
. . .crappy un-reliable car that breaks down 4 months. . . so very credible. . .I might not buy one based on what you said. . .LOL XD
These ecotec motors are absolute garbage. I have seen these back in the shop time and time again with piston or ring failures with less than 50,000 miles.
VW Golf /civic/mazda 3.... any day over this Cruze.... not even close
haha no gives a shxxt about your opinion hhahalol
That dash looks horrible. The curves and tacky stitching...
its disappointing and a drab .. do better chevy !! they shouldve made a malibu wagon
I would take a civic hatch over this ugly thing
Made in Mexico. A friend bought a brand new Chevrolet a few weeks ago and you can really tell it was Mexico quality! Chevrolet does make great Corvettes and Tahoes and Impalas though.
p.s. I'm just guessing on the Tahoe and the Impala, as I have never driven those two, but those two are made in America at least.
The Civic is even uglier.
If it makes you feel any better the Cruze sedan is made in Ohio.
Yes in Lordstown, Ohio
It's too bad that *everything* from GM is junk that breaks constantly and falls completely apart well before 100K miles. My father loved GM cars until the day he died. I have had nothing but trouble with them - they are unreliable and in constant need of repair. Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac G6 just to name two. No more. I will NEVER buy another GM vehicle of any sort ever again.