Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale near California

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 2.08% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,645 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze earns 4.1/5 from owners and 7.5/10 from our experts. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners repeatedly praise its impressive gas mileage, comfort, Bluetooth calling, and spacious trunk. That lines up with the Cruze’s role as an efficient, practical compact sedan that can handle real-world driving with ease, especially if you want a small car that feels more polished than expected. Good and great deals account for 27.5% of listings, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.1/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that many people find dependable for everyday use, with repeated praise for efficiency, comfort, and features that make it easy to live with. The expert drive notes also emphasize that the Cruze can handle long trips without complaint and feels well suited to real-world driving. On the other hand, some owners mention vibrations and overheating concerns, so you should pay close attention to maintenance history and how the car has aged.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

At 52.8% 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, signs of wear, and whether the car has been maintained consistently.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The L is the base trim and is available only one way, while the LS and LT add the core equipment most shoppers will want. The Premier brings the nicest rims and chrome trim, plus the most upscale presentation.
• Powertrain: The Cruze uses a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder with 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual on most trims. The engine is described as refined and strong enough that it never feels like it’s working hard.
• Safety package: The Cruze includes a backup camera, 10 airbags, and available driver-assistance features such as forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Some of the safety options are limited to the Premier, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims.
• Infotainment: The Cruze’s MyLink system uses an 8-inch screen, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes OnStar emergency services and an onboard Wi-Fi connection, with wireless smartphone charging available on certain equipment.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car was rated at 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, and some Cruze models offer up to 42 mpg on the highway.

Which 2016 Chevrolet Cruze trim should I buy?

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is offered in 4 trim levels: L, LS, LT, Premier.

Here's the short version:

• L: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and can live with the most basic setup.
• LS: This is the trim that starts to bring the Cruze into its core sweet spot, giving you a better balance of equipment and value for everyday use.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it represents the heart of the lineup and can be equipped with the navigation and infotainment system on the automatic version.
• Premier: This is the right pick if you want the most upscale Cruze, with the nicest rims, chrome trim, and access to the most advanced available safety features.

Some safety features are limited by trim, with forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams reserved for the Premier.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

This is a moderate market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,645 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.08% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,890, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze's resale value?

The current average of $8,026 sits slightly below last year's $8,197.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze is still accessible on the used market, which can help keep it attractive to budget-minded buyers. For a future seller, that also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and maintenance records. A clean, well-kept example should stand out more than one with visible wear or a questionable history.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.1/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze safe?

The Cruze is one of the few cars sold with rear side thorax airbags mounted in the seatbacks, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has run the car through just two of five tests as of this writing.

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

The Cruze includes 10 airbags, a standard backup camera, and available driver-assistance features such as forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams are available only on the Premier, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims. Auto-braking and adaptive cruise control are not available.

Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 27.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.08% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The second-generation redesign gives this year added significance as a fresh take on the nameplate.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,227, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,026 average.
• It adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2016 is the smarter starting point because it’s cheaper and still well liked by owners. If you’re willing to spend more for extra utility, the 2017 is worth a look for its hatchback body style.

How does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze compare to the 2016 Honda Civic?

Our experts score the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 7.5/10 and the 2016 Honda Civic 8/10. The Cruze is the cheaper buy by a wide margin, which makes it appealing if you want a more affordable compact car with strong value. The Civic counters with more power, better fuel economy, and a stronger overall expert score, so it’s the better pick if you’re willing to spend more for a more polished all-around package.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.