By Josh RosenbergHistorically high new and used car prices have forced buyers to look for "older" vehicles as a way of saving money. This has put an even stronger emphasis on reliability and dependability issues.
The question then arises, has the 2012 Cruze aged well? It seems to be the case that while many owners have had very good experiences with mostly routine maintenance and minor repairs, a significant number of others have reported multiple mechanical issues, with some being very costly.
And in addition to mixed reliability reviews from owners, Consumer Reports rates the first generation Cruze (2011-2015) as 'worse than average'. 2016 and newer models have done much better.
So here, ...
- We'll review this Cruze as it was released in 2012.
- Cover its general pros and cons.
- And also go over its areas of possible mechanical problems that should be checked before buying one today.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2012 Chevy Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze made its debut in 2011 and quickly rose to join the leaders in the small car segment thanks to its capable handling, healthy turbocharged engine, good gas mileage, high quality interior, generous trunk and excellent crash test scores. The 2012 version brought more of the same.
Other positives include its good looks both inside and out, a competive list of features and its solid build quality. And on the road, the Cruze displays its nimble yet secure handling while maintaining an impressively quiet cabin.
Of particular note, the turbocharged inline-4 found under the hood in most models provides a nice boost in torque and lively acceleration around town. The gas sipping Cruze Eco model also gets this engine and, along with other efficiency-friendly tweaks, is EPA-rated at an outstanding 42 mpg highway.
As much as the Cruze had to offer, it's always a good idea to check out other class leaders to help make the most informed buying decision. Top models also worth considering include the newly redesigned Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, the also redesigned Hyundai Elantra as well as the Mazda3 and VW Jetta.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2012 Chevy Cruze is available in four trims: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ.
Standard features on the Cruze LS include power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, air-conditioning, a theft-deterrent system with an anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer, OnStar, 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, and an auxiliary audio jack.
There's also an optional Connectivity package for the LS which includes steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth and a USB port.
The Cruze Eco model comes much like the LS but also includes aerodynamic body revisions, low-rolling-resistance tires, lightweight alloy wheels, a smaller fuel tank and several other weight-reducing adjustments.
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The LT model consists of two trims: 1LT and 2LT. The 1LT adds a turbocharged engine, the Connectivity package features, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and color-keyed exterior mirrors, while the 2LT goes on to add a sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, a 6-way power driver seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and remote engine start.
Moving up to the top-of-the-line Cruze LTZ adds automatic climate control, 18-inch alloys, keyless entry/ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear park assist and upgraded interior trim accents.
Many of the upper trim level features are available as options on the lower trims. Optional features for the upper trims include a sunroof, a navigation system, a 9-speaker Pioneer audio system and the RS appearance package which adds a rear spoiler, foglights and unique front and rear fascias.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the Cruze LS is a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine that produces 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Under the hood of the Eco, LT and LTZ models is a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 that's good for 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet.
While the increased power output is modest, the additional torque adds a significant acceleration boost. All models are front-wheel-drive. LS, LT and Eco models come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, while a 6-speed automatic is optional. The LTZ comes standard with the automatic.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for an LS with the manual transmission is a frugal 25 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. The automatic LS is rated at 22 mpg city and 35 highway. Fuel economy for the LT and LTZ models with the turbo engine are the same with either transmission, coming in at an impressive 26 city and 38 highway despite the livelier performance.
The gas mileage for the Cruze's most pump-friendly model, the Eco, comes in at an outstanding 28 mpg city and 42 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission and 26 and 39, respectively, with the automatic.
Safety:
Standard safety features across all 2012 Chevrolet Cruzes include antilock brakes (ABS), stability control, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side impact airbags. The LS, Eco and 1LT models come with front-disc/rear-drum brakes, while the 2LT and LTZ are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
In government crash tests, the Cruze was awarded with a top score of five out of five stars, earning five-star ratings in all frontal and side-impact occupant protection categories.
Interior:
The 2012 Cruze's cabin has an attractive two-tone color scheme and plenty of soft-touch surfaces, making for a more upscale overall environment than one might expect in this price range. This ambience is also enhanced by solid construction and above average materials quality. The cabin also stays impressively quiet for a small car.
The front seats are both comfortable and supportive, although they may be a bit narrow for some adults. Legroom in the rear is about average for the class, but the somewhat low backseat can make for less comfortable accommodations for taller passengers on longer trips. On the other hand, the trunk's maximum cargo capacity is a quite large 15.4 cubic feet.
Drive:
Where the Cruze shines the brightest is on the road where it displays surprisingly agile handling while still being able to provide an overall comfortable and secure driving experience. Even the 2LT's and LTZ's sport suspension, while naturally providing a firmer ride, avoids becoming harsh.
Most drivers who are attracted to a fuel-efficient small car will likely be satisfied with the peppy personality of either engine, although the turbocharged version's additional torque provides added liveliness around town.
2012 Chevy Cruze Pros
Fuel Efficiency: It offered good fuel economy, especially with its Eco model, making it cost-effective for daily commuting.
Comfortable Interior: The Cruze had a spacious interior with comfortable seating, making longer drives more enjoyable.
Safety Features: It had a range of safety features like stability control, anti-lock brakes, and multiple airbags, providing a sense of security for passengers.
Quiet and Smooth Ride: The car was known for its relatively quiet cabin and smooth ride, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Attractive Design: Many found its exterior design appealing, with a sleek and modern look.
2012 Chevy Cruze Cons
Sluggish Acceleration: One common criticism was its sluggish acceleration, especially with the base engine, which could feel underpowered.
Reliability Issues: Some owners reported issues with the car's reliability, including problems with the transmission and electrical components.
Limited Cargo Space: While the interior was roomy for passengers, the trunk space was smaller compared to some rivals in the same class.
Outdated Technology: The infotainment system and tech features were not as advanced as some of its competitors, lacking certain modern amenities.
Resale Value: The Cruze tended to depreciate faster than some of its competitors, affecting its resale value.
2012 Chevy Cruze Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
The 2012 Cruze faced several reported mechanical issues, although it's essential to note that not all cars experienced the same problems. That said, these potential problems should be checked before buying:
Engine and Transmission Problems: There were reports of issues with the turbocharger, particularly on earlier models, leading to reduced power or failure. Transmission problems, such as jerky shifting or slipping, were also noted in some instances.
Cooling System Concerns: Some owners reported problems with the cooling system, including leaks or issues with the water pump, causing overheating problems.
Electrical System Issues: Complaints about electrical issues, such as problems with the power windows, malfunctioning sensors, or dashboard warning lights appearing without an actual problem, were reported by some drivers.
Suspension and Steering Components: Premature wear of suspension parts and issues with the steering system, causing noises or instability, were reported by a fraction of owners.
Braking Problems: Some drivers reported premature wear of brake pads and rotors, requiring frequent replacements.
Timing Belt or Chain Issues: Instances of timing belt or timing chain failures were reported, leading to engine damage in some cases.
These issues weren't universal and varied in severity and occurrence among different cars. Regular maintenance and timely servicing could help mitigate some of these problems. Additionally, Chevrolet addressed certain concerns through recalls and technical service bulletins to rectify issues for affected vehicles.