Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale nearColumbia, SC

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 4.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,683 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options 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 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 a compact car that aims to be a more compelling alternative to the usual small-car choices, especially if you want something practical but not plain.

The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 26.1% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a car that can be dependable and trouble-free for many shoppers, with strong mentions of efficiency, comfort, and everyday usefulness. The expert drive notes also describe it as a car that handled a long, demanding trip without complaint, which reinforces the sense that it can be counted on for real-world use.

At the same time, some owners mention vibrations while driving and overheating concerns, so you should treat a clean service history and a careful pre-purchase inspection as especially important for long-term ownership confidence.

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

At 51.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then focus your inspection on bodywork quality, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because accident history is common enough to matter here, condition should carry extra weight in your decision.

Pay close attention to how the car drives, how the cabin electronics behave, and whether any warning lights or unusual noises appear during a test drive. If possible, have a mechanic inspect the car before you commit.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The L is the bare-bones starting point, 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, but some features still remain unavailable on lesser trims.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder is the only engine, and it makes 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual is standard on all but the Premier, while the automatic is tuned for smooth, efficient cruising.
• Safety package: The Cruze includes 10 airbags, a 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. Some of those features are limited to higher trims.
• Infotainment: The Cruze uses an 8-inch MyLink screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus OnStar-connected features and onboard Wi-Fi. Wireless phone charging is available with the Enhanced Convenience Package.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car returned 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 cheapest way into the Cruze, but it is a true base trim, so you should expect a stripped-down setup and fewer convenience features.
• LS: This is the first trim that makes the Cruze feel like a mainstream daily driver, and it should be the starting point for budget-minded shoppers who still want a decent equipment mix.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for most buyers because it sits in the core of the lineup and is the point where more desirable tech and comfort options start to open up.
• Premier: This is the most upscale version, with the nicest exterior treatment and the most premium feel, so it suits you if you want the most polished Cruze experience.

The safety-package features are limited to higher trims: blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier, while forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams are reserved for Premier.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 26.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,683 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,994, 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 $8,097 sits slightly below last year's $8,482.

That decline suggests the Cruze has softened enough to be attractive on the used market, but not so much that it looks distressed. For a future seller, that means your best resale outcome will likely come from buying well, keeping mileage reasonable, and preserving the car’s condition.

Because the model still draws interest from shoppers who want efficiency and features in a compact car, a clean example should remain easy enough to market later. The current pricing also gives you a more manageable entry point than last year’s average, which can help limit depreciation exposure.

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 it has 10 airbags in total, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The safety equipment list also includes a backup camera, while available driver-assistance features include forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Some of those features are limited to higher trims, and auto-braking plus adaptive cruise control are not available.

The crash-test picture is incomplete in the source material, so you should weigh the standard airbag count and available driver aids heavily when comparing used examples.

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:

• 26.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert drive notes highlight a polished ride, strong fuel economy, and a more refined feel than many compact rivals.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,263, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,097 average.
• It adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the stronger buy because pricing has eased and inventory is healthy. If you can stretch for a newer model and want the added hatchback utility, the 2017 is worth a look, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2016.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.