Used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 9.31% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,417 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Yes — the 4.67/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and our experts rate it 6.67/10. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise the Cruze for its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. The review summary also highlights it as a good fit for families or students, which lines up with the overview’s focus on efficiency and everyday usability. If you want a compact car that prioritizes easy commuting and low running costs over strong acceleration, this Cruze fits that brief well.

Good and great deals make up 26.0% of listings, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The review summary points to a car that drivers find smooth, comfortable, and efficient, with many describing it as a great option for everyday use. That kind of feedback usually matters most when you’re trying to judge whether a used car will feel dependable over time. The expert notes also emphasize easy drivability and strong mileage, which supports the Cruze’s reputation as a practical commuter.

One ownership risk to keep in mind is that some drivers mention limited power and winter-driving concerns, so condition and maintenance history matter.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

At 55.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you’re comparing multiple listings with similar prices. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and whether the car still feels tight and well-kept on a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Available only in LT trim, the Diesel Hatchback comes standard with the Convenience Package, including a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start. That makes it the better-equipped choice if you want more everyday convenience without adding options.
• Powertrain: The diesel setup pairs a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine with a 9-speed automatic. It emphasizes efficiency and usable low-end torque more than quick acceleration.
• Safety package: Teen Driver is standard, and it lets owners set speed and distance limits for a secondary driver while sending app-delivered reports and notifications. Standard airbags include full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the Chevy MyLink system is part of the setup. The tech package also includes Teen Driver functionality.
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel powertrain is estimated at 35 mpg combined, and the expert’s testing returned at least 40 mpg on trips, with better than 50 mpg on a highway loop.

Which 2018 Chevrolet Cruze trim should I buy?

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is offered in 1 trim level: LT Diesel Hatchback.

Here's the short version:

The LT Diesel Hatchback: This is the only trim described here, and it’s the one to focus on if you want the Cruze’s diesel efficiency and the added convenience features that come standard with it. It suits you best if you value fuel economy, everyday comfort, and a more distinctive compact-car setup than the usual gas-only alternative.

The safety package includes Teen Driver as standard, along with the listed airbag coverage.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 26.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,417 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.31% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,841, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze's resale value?

The current average of $9,843 sits slightly below last year's $10,854.

That price movement suggests the Cruze has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it easier to move later if you price it competitively. For you as a future seller, the current market signals that value is being driven more by condition, mileage, and equipment than by broad price appreciation. If you keep the car clean and well-documented, you’ll be in a better position to stand out from the many similar listings.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze safe?

The Cruze earns five-star overall and frontal crash ratings from NHTSA, with four-star ratings in side crash and rollover tests.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Teen Driver is standard, giving you speed and distance limits for a secondary driver plus app-delivered reports and notifications when those limits are exceeded. The safety content also highlights full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. The main caveat is that the NHTSA side and rollover results are lower than the overall frontal score, so safety-conscious shoppers should pay close attention to how the car was equipped and maintained.

Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 26.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.31% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 stands out for its diesel availability, which gives it a more unusual efficiency-focused niche.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,324, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,843 average.
• The 2017 adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the more distinctive and efficiency-focused choice, the 2018 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2017 is the simpler value play, especially if you like the hatchback body style and can live without the 2018’s diesel-specific appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.