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2012 Chevrolet Cruze review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Chevrolet Cruze highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient turbo engine
  • Solid handling
  • Spacious trunk

Cons

  • Mediocre seating comfort
  • Sluggish transmission response
  • Hard plastic surfaces

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 36 highway, 29 combined

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5 reasons to buy the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

1. Sturdy and practical

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze can take you to your destination with ease. This compact car is low to the ground, without the glitz of newer models. Instead, it sticks to the essentials, getting an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the standard 1.8L engine and manual transmission.

 These fuel economy figures mean fewer trips to the pump and more time on the open road.

2. Manual transmission 

Before you throw up your hands, consider the perks of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze's stick shift. The standard manual transmission gives you a connection to the car you just don't get with an automatic gearbox. This makes it particularly suited to winding roads and fun drives where you really want to feel how your car is performing.

3. Five trims to accommodate your needs

With five trims—LS, 1LT, Eco, 2LT, and LTZ—it's easy to find the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze that meets your needs. If you're looking for improved mpg figures, the 2012 Cruze Eco with the 1.4L turbocharged engine and manual transmission gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 40 mph highway.

 But if manual transmission isn't your thing, don't discount the Chevy Cruze—each trim is available with an automatic transmission. Keep an eye out for features like cruise control (1LT and higher), leather seats (2LT and higher), and a push-button start (LTZ).

4. Small frame and engine to fit tight spots 

Even at the base level, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze's standard 138-hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine provides the power you need to get from point A to point B. With standard front-wheel drive and room for five, the Cruze is a great daily driver. Available traction control and heated front seats are new for the 2012 model year, making chilly winter mornings easier than ever.

5. Upgraded tech inside and out

2012 marked the end of an era of car technology, with buttons few and far between in modern vehicles. If you're looking for a sophisticated, button-optimized dashboard, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has what you want and need. Enjoy a tactile cabin alongside parking sensors and power locks, a Pioneer Bluetooth® speaker system, and more. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.1 out of 5

74 customer reviews
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze receives praise for its fuel efficiency, smooth handling, and stylish design. However, some find the cabin space limited and turbo engine underwhelming. Reliability is mixed, with frequent maintenance issues reported. Ideal for those prioritizing fuel economy over high performance or advanced tech features.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Cruze an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Cruze 33rd out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze features and specs

Curious how Chevrolet Cruze trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LTZ 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Remote Start
  • Heated Mirrors
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio

Optional Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Navigation System
  • Pioneer Sound System
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

138

Torque (ft-lbs)

148

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.6

Wheelbase

105.7"

Overall length

181"

Width

70.7"

Height

58.1"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 35.4"

Head room

F 39.3"/R 37.9"

Front tires

P225/45R18

Rear tires

P225/45R18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

150/1000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2012 Chevrolet Cruze FAQ

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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