Chevrolet

Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT

Family Friendliness: 7.7

Recommended: Yes

Specifications apply to test vehicle only.

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By Keith Buglewicz

Let's be honest: We're spoiled. We've become so used to our power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth, satellite radio and other luxury doodads that they're no longer optional. They're mandatory. The problem is, $4-per-gallon gas is forcing many to give up their bigger cars for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, a segment that historically has been short on features and refinement.

But no more. Automakers have responded to downsizing customers like never before, and the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a good example. Replacing the unloved rental-fleet special known as the Cobalt, the Chevy Cruze offers up a comfortable and fuel-efficient package that offers a surprising amount of refinement and features considering its size and price. If the kids-only rear seat doesn't bother you, it's easy to let the big trunk, quiet highway manners and comfortable driver's seat win you over.

Model & Pricing

The test car that Chevrolet provided was a mid-level Cruze with the 2LT option package. That means that the engine was a 138-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, a combination that's standard in every Cruze except the base-model LS. The Cruze also comes with a satisfying array of standard equipment, including power windows, remote door locks, and GM's OnStar suite of emergency services, including automatic crash response. On top of that, the 2LT package adds an upgraded audio system with a USB input, cruise control, leather seats with a power driver's seat, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and other niceties. Only two options were added: $395 alloy wheels with rear disc brakes, and a $100 compact spare tire, which replaces the standard can of fix-a-flat. The total came to a somewhat eye-popping $21,890, including the $720 destination charge. However, that price is actually in line with other similarly equipped small cars.

Safety

The Chevrolet Cruze is one of a new generation of small cars that's engineered to withstand the worst the world can dish up, and so far crash tests are proving that it works. The Cruze gets five stars in the new, tougher NHTSA front, side and rear crash tests, and gets four stars in its rollover test. The IIHS likes it even more, with the Cruze scoring Good in front, rear, side and rollover; throw in the standard stability control and you have an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Backup sensors are optional on the Cruze, but there's no backup camera available, even with the optional navigation system.

Behind the Wheel

For those who think compact cars are noisy, uncomfortable vehicles that you put up with to get good gas mileage, the 2011 Chevy Cruze is a real treat. The first thing you notice is that it's quiet. Very quiet. In fact, on a 100-mile drive from Los Angeles to San Diego, engine, wind and road noise were conspicuous by their absence. It all contributes to an overwhelming sense of sophistication in the Cruze. It doesn't feel jittery or nervous as so many small cars do. It soaks up bumps with the same unflappable nature as a much bigger car, but in a package that's easier to park.

Unfortunately, part of the Cruze's feeling of heft is actual weight, which is higher than you'd expect for a small car. The added pounds hurt fuel economy, with the Cruze coming in at 27.3 mpg with about 60 percent highway miles. That's not bad, but considering the 36-mpg highway rating, I was expecting better.

Despite its small size, the turbocharged four-cylinder packs enough punch that I was never left wanting. It's not the most powerful or fastest car in its class, but it offers good low-end response when you accelerate from a stoplight. The six-speed automatic transmission wasn't quite as smooth though, and shifts into third gear in particular were notably harsher than the norm.

Utility & Comfort

The 2011 Chevy Cruze gives its driver plenty of room to stretch out. Even though I'm 6-ft. 2-in. tall, I had plenty of headroom in this small Chevy, and legroom to spare. Even on a long drive I never squirmed or wished for a more comfortable seat. The steering wheel's multiple controls are easy to figure out, and the gauges are big and easy to read. Rear visibility could be better, and a few controls were oddly placed -- such as the power door lock button on the center console -- but overall this is a comfortable and easy car to drive.

There's decent storage space in the Cruze, too. In addition to two cupholders on the center console, there are small bins under the parking brake handle and ahead of the shifter, decently sized door pockets with big bottle holders, a small center console bin, average-sized glovebox and a handy small bin on top of the dash that's perfect for your cell phone or wallet.

Chevy also improved the materials it's using in its small cars. For example, dash panels in front of the driver and passenger use the same material that's on the seats. There are padded spots for your elbows, and all the switches and knobs had a high-quality heft. With a few minor exceptions, everything felt like it was solidly constructed as well, with very few of the fit-and-finish issues that used to be so prevalent in small GM cars.

The 2011 Chevy Cruze is also blessed with a large trunk. And by large, I mean huge for a car that competes in the budget category. At 15.4 cu.-ft., it's not only bigger than the trunks of similarly sized cars like the new Elantra (14.8 cu.-ft.) or the Toyota Corolla (12.3 cu.-ft.). It's also bigger than the Honda Accord (14.0 cu.-ft.), Toyota Camry (15.0 cu.-ft.) and even Chevy's own Malibu (15.1 cu.-ft.). That extra space means it's easier to fit a stroller plus a load of groceries, and the trunk opening was usefully large in spite of the short-looking rear end. There's a one-touch fold-down mechanism for the split rear seatbacks, so you can carry long cargo and an additional passenger or two in a pinch.

The Cruze's biggest weak spot is its rear seats. All small cars have small rear seats, but the Cruze was particularly short on legroom. Granted, smaller children may not notice, but if your kids are hitting the growth-spurt 'tween years, a bigger rear seat will be necessary. That said, there's plenty of headroom, and there was enough shoulder room for three first-graders. One particularly neat addition is the seatbelt positioning clips built into the outboard positions on the rear seats. These help keep the seatbelt on your kids' shoulders where it belongs, rather than up around their necks. The clips even tuck away into a handy pocket when not in use.

Family Friendliness

The Cruze is a small car, so it's obviously handicapped a little when it comes to family life. Still, it does surprisingly well. The Cruze's big trunk had no problem swallowing way more cargo than you'd expect, with room to spare. The kids will have an easier time getting into the Cruze than they will a crossover like the Chevy Equinox, and as long as they're not too tall they won't be bothered by the legroom. The LATCH hooks were a little hard to reach, but not too bad. Keep in mind that an infant seat may rub against the front seatback if someone tall is sitting up front.

There was one feature in this particular test car that wasn't very family friendly: The seat upholstery. It certainly looked upscale, and it felt richer than you'd expect for this price. However, the light color was already starting to look dingy after 1,000 miles. Since kids will invariably walk on the seats as they clamber in, or kick the front seatbacks, or do whatever it is they do, they're only going to get dirtier over time, and it's something to keep in mind as you pick your interior color.

Conclusion

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a gigantic leap forward from its predecessor, the Cobalt. However, that's pretty low hanging fruit. What's really surprising is how much better the Cruze is than many of its competitors. It's more family friendly than segment leaders such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, and it's quieter and more refined feeling than pretty much any small car in its class. While it'd be nice if it were a little lighter, and if fuel economy were better, overall this is a solid performing small car, getting a solid Recommendation for families on a budget.

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