2012 Chevrolet Cruze Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Chevrolet Cruze gets more user friendly for 2012, with tech and equipment upgrades across the model lineup and a 2-mpg bump on the...
The Chevrolet Cruze gets more user friendly for 2012, with tech and equipment upgrades across the model lineup and a 2-mpg bump on the highway for the automatic transmissions. There’s also a new 5-door hatchback configuration, but we won’t get to see it on these shores.
The Cruze has a lot pressure on it to perform, with Chevrolet hoping it’ll be the lynchpin of its continued expansion in Europe, pinning it to compete with brands in the old world. Over there, compact hatchbacks are king, but here we’ll have to deal with the sedan version alone.
Thankfully, it’s an easy burden to lift, with the Cruze superseding expectations set in years past by dismal entries like the Cobalt and the Cavalier. Things get even easier in 2012 with this FWD 4-door sedan offering previous options as standard features. In 2011 a Connectivity Cruise Package was offered for $525 and got you Bluetooth with USB, cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel, as well as leather trim there and on the shifter. For 2012, the 1LT and Eco trims both receive these features standard. The 2LT and LTZ trims get keyless start, while the Eco, 2LT and LTZ trims get a 7-inch touchscreen display. Additionally, the LTZ gets foglamps this year, and all trims benefit from remote keyless entry with push-button start.
These changes – especially considering they aren’t part of a planned mid-cycle refresh – show Chevrolet’s continued attempts to up its game. This has been increasingly necessary in light of the updates to the Focus we’ve seen, which have definitely shown that economy cars don’t need to feel cheap.
All Cruze trims except the LS share the same turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, producing 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Buyers have a choice of 6-speed transmissions, and the automatic gets an economy bump of 2 mpg on the highway this year, topping out at 38 mpg for non-Eco trims. The Eco does even better, managing 42 mpg with the 6-speed manual on the highway. These improvements are due to a lowering of the final drive ratio down to 3.53 from 3.87, essentially making overdrive more efficient without losing power down low where the Cruze is certainly not flush. The LS gets a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine, good for 136 hp and still managing 26 mph city/36 highway.
Additional features for the Cruze start with a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, an 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a satellite-ready CD and MP3 player with auxiliary input. The Eco trim also gets lighter wheels wrapped in low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic improvements and additional weight-saving deletions. Unfortunately, one of those adjustments is a smaller fuel tank, which seems a bit like robbing Peter to pay Paul.
More for less is always welcome, and it seems Chevy has figured that out. With competitors continually raising the bar in this previously maligned class, the offerings should only improve. If this is what Chevy has in store for a yearly update, the official mid-cycle refresh should be an interesting affair.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers feel that the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a good choice, especially for new drivers or those looking for a stylish, fuel-efficient car. Many appreciate its reliability, comfort, and value for money. However, some reviewers express disappointment with its performance, particularly regarding power and size, which may not suit taller passengers or families needing more space."
Engine light is on, no one even mentioned it. Drove an hour to look at it, car was barely running and I was genuinely worried it was going to stall on the test drive. I wouldn’t pay $50 for this!
December 6, 2025It was an amazing price for an amazing vehicle! The car is definitely of good value! The car was not missing anything. It is a luxury,nice , and clean reliable car!
December 7, 2020I had a 2012 Chevy Cruze. Cute car. But it’s AWFUL. Broke down so many times, overheat, coolant leaks even after I got it fixed. I spent more money at the mechanics then I spent on the car. TRADE IT IN! Mine only had 102,000 miles and it was done for. They are horrible, please please do not get a Cruze. Of any year. My neighbor had a 2020 and hers was already having problems.
April 21, 2023What owners say
Engine light is on, no one even mentioned it. Drove an hour to look at it, car was barely running and I was genuinely worried it was going to stall on the test drive. I wouldn’t pay $50 for this!
December 6, 2025It was an amazing price for an amazing vehicle! The car is definitely of good value! The car was not missing anything. It is a luxury,nice , and clean reliable car!
December 7, 2020I had a 2012 Chevy Cruze. Cute car. But it’s AWFUL. Broke down so many times, overheat, coolant leaks even after I got it fixed. I spent more money at the mechanics then I spent on the car. TRADE IT IN! Mine only had 102,000 miles and it was done for. They are horrible, please please do not get a Cruze. Of any year. My neighbor had a 2020 and hers was already having problems.
April 21, 2023The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS sedan offers solid fuel efficiency and a spacious interior, making it a practical choice for daily commuting. However, its performance might feel underwhelming, especially compared to some rivals in its class. While its reasonably priced, it lacks some upscale features found in other compact sedans. Potential alternatives to consider could include the Honda Civic or the Toyota Corolla for a similar blend of reliability and value.
May 10, 2024For a car with an "Eco" label, it's surprisingly peppy and nimble. For a daily commuter, it's actually pretty fun to drive! The gas mileage is great as well. The front seats are too hard and are a bit too narrow for my personal taste, though.
March 31, 2012Wonderful automobile! Peppy smooth riding fun sedan ! Great features and amazing mpg ?!!
December 24, 2023so far so good! Absolutly fun to drive,4cyl.with the turbo charger is way more powerful then I would amagined. The low profile tires grip the road very well.The on board GPS works well with directions well in advanced.Would recommend to anyone.
July 4, 2014The cruze is a excellent car for new drivers or college freshman. It is a stylish, fuel efficient vehicle with loads of amenities. However, this isn't a car to use when chaffeuring friends or for passengers with long legs. I would recommend the vehicle as a great first car.
November 11, 2012I like this style of car, great all around car, its hard to pick another car to compare it with, because I dont see anything that i would compare it with.
August 17, 2022I personally love my Cruze! Some of the features are a little outdated, but it’s a great first car for someone, and also for anyone not wanting to spend an arm & leg. Stylish, good on gas, roomy, and a great drive. You won’t be disappointed.
May 29, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,190 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 31 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,800 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 138 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Cargo Capacity 15.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 30 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,685 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 31 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,555 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 31 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,325 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 34 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,275 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 31 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$16,800 - $23,190
Current avg. market price
$5,722
Trending down by 1.9% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
