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Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT

Family Friendliness: 7.7

Recommended: Not Yet Driven

Specifications also apply to 2LT and LTZ models.

What it Is: A five-passenger, four-door small midsize sedan.
Who it's For: Budget conscious families who need no more than two LATCH points and a good-sized trunk.
What's Hot: Many luxury amenities not usually found in this class are available.
What's Not: Price can climb quickly.
Family Friendly Options: Bluetooth, USB input, back-up sensors, navigation.
How It Got Its Score: Crash tests have not yet been conducted on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, but the Cruze only needs to equal the performance of its predecessor to be one of the highest-scoring compact sedans available.

The Chevrolet Cruze replaces the Chevy Cobalt for the 2011 model year, and not a moment too soon. While the Cobalt was a relative underachiever in the compact car segment, the Cruze promises to break new ground in terms of refinement, features and fuel economy. Key to this is the 1LT, 1LT and LTZ models, which share a fuel-efficient and peppy 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The Cruze also boasts a 15.4-cu.-ft. trunk, huge for the class, and bigger even than many mid- and full-size sedans that cost a lot more. The options list is also plentiful, with features that you don't normally associate with a compact sedan, like back up sensors. If you spring for the LTZ model, you're even treated to soft leather upholstery, an upgraded audio system complete with USB input, standard Bluetooth and a lot more. It all sounds good, but prices add up quickly, with even the standard LT costing nearly $19,000 including the $720 destination charge, and the top-line LTZ costing well more than $22,000. It sounds like a lot, but the price on a fully loaded Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla isn't much different. One thing's for certain: the Cruze is a quantum leap ahead of the Cobalt it replaces, and once crash tests are conducted, we predict its Family Friendliness will leap to the head of the class.

Note: The Family Friendliness rating for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is preliminary pending final NHTSA and IIHS crash test results.

Specifications

Price


MSRP $18,175
Destination $720
Other Models (Base Price) 2LT ($21,395)
LTZ ($22,695)

Mechanical

Engine Size


1.4 liters
Engine Type Inline-4
Horsepower 138 hp
Torque 146 lb.-ft.
Fuel Regular Unleaded
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Transmission 6-Speed Automatic

Fuel Economy

EPA City


24 mpg
EPA Highway 36 mpg
EPA Combined 28 mpg

Utility

Vehicle Type


Compact
Family Friendliness 7.7
Doors Four
Seat Rows Two
Passengers Five
LATCH Positions Two
Cargo Space 15.4 cu. ft.
NHTSA Overall 5 Stars
NHTSA Front 5 Stars
NHTSA Side 5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover 4 Stars
IIHS Front Good
IIHS Side Good
IIHS Rear Good
Stability Control Standard
Traction Control Standard
Brake Assist Standard
Side Airbags Thorax and Curtain
Collision Avoidance Not Available
Active Cruise Control Not Available

Photos

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