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Used car guide
Used Chevrolet Cruze: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every Chevrolet Cruze from 2011 to 2019, across 2 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $5,000 to $11,000), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2016, 2016–2019. Look harder at or skip 2011–2015.
2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze
A lighter, more efficient compact offered as a sedan, a hatchback or a frugal diesel.
Years to target: 2016–2019. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $8,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~115,000 |
| 2017 | $9,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~105,000 |
| 2018 | $10,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~95,000 |
| 2019 | $11,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~85,000 |
Worth knowing
- The updated turbo is better but can still leak coolant, so check for low coolant or a sweet smell.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the LT: it adds alloy wheels and nicer trim over the LS, with packages for heated seats, remote start and a power driver seat. CarPlay is standard on most trims.
On the test drive
Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Corolla 2012–2013 · $9,000–$9,500
- Acura TSX 2011, 2013 · $8,500–$10,000
- Toyota Yaris 2016–2019 · $8,000–$10,000
Find one near you
2011–2016 Chevrolet Cruze
A solid, quiet compact sedan with a choice of gas engines and a rare diesel.
Years to target: 2016. Look harder at or skip: 2011–2015. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $5,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~145,000 |
| 2012 | $5,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~135,000 |
| 2013 | $5,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~125,000 |
| 2014 | $6,000 | Skip | 4 of 5 | ~115,000 |
| 2015 | $6,500 | Skip | 4 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2016 | $6,500* | Target | 4 of 5 | ~100,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Skip 2011–2015. The 1.4-liter turbo is known for coolant leaks, PCV valve failure, and oil leaks.
- The 1.8-liter avoids many turbo issues, but thermostat housing and coolant leaks are common on both engines.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the 1LT or 2LT with the 1.4 turbo: it adds cruise control, better wheels and nicer trim over the LS. Check for coolant leaks common to the turbo engine.
On the test drive
Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Hyundai Accent 2014–2016 · $6,000–$7,000
- Toyota Yaris 2012–2014 · $6,500–$7,000
- Honda Insight 2013–2014 · $6,000–$6,500
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.