Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 3.73% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,622 listings available, which suggests you have a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze earns a 4.1/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners repeatedly praise its gas mileage, comfort, Bluetooth calling, and spacious trunk. The overview also frames it as a value-oriented compact that can handle real-world driving without complaint, which fits shoppers who want an efficient daily driver with useful features.

With 28.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

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

User feedback points to a car that many owners find efficient, comfortable, and easy to live with, while also noting some reliability concerns such as overheating. The expert drive notes that the Cruze feels composed over long distances and doesn’t complain on extended trips, which supports the idea that it can be a dependable commuter when maintained properly.

The first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that prior overheating or vibration issues may show up if the car has been neglected.

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 then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or signs of prior bodywork. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and whether any vibration or overheating concerns have been addressed. A clean-looking listing is not enough on its own when so many cars have prior incidents.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The L starts as the base trim, while LS and LT make up the core of the lineup and add more equipment. The Premier sits at the top with the nicest rims and chrome trim, plus features that are not available on lesser models.
• Powertrain: The Cruze uses the same powertrain across trims, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder that makes 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed manual is standard in all but the Premier trim, and the automatic is tuned for smooth, relaxed driving.
• Safety package: Two optional safety packages add forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams. Those options are available only on the Premier, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on both LT and Premier trims. Auto-braking and adaptive cruise control are not available.
• Infotainment: The Cruze has an 8-inch screen with MyLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, live traffic, and an onboard Wi-Fi connection. Wireless charging is available with the Enhanced Convenience Package, and the system can be paired with a 9-speaker Bose stereo on higher-spec builds.
• 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 entry point, so it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and can live with a very basic setup.
• LS: This is the trim that starts to make the Cruze feel like a well-rounded compact, and it should suit most shoppers who want value without stretching too far.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for many buyers because it opens the door to more of the Cruze’s useful tech and convenience features.
• Premier: Choose this if you want the nicest trim treatment and the most available safety and convenience equipment, including features that are not offered on lesser trims.

The safety-package features are limited to the Premier for the forward-collision and lane-keeping options, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and 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 carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 28.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,622 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.73% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,912, 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 $7,912 sits slightly below last year's $8,219.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze is currently a buyer-friendly used car, but it also means future sellers may need to price competitively to move inventory. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later. The model’s value-oriented reputation should help keep it on shoppers’ radar, especially when it is clean and well maintained.

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 earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

It has 10 airbags, including rear side thorax airbags in the seatbacks and knee airbags for both front occupants. A backup camera is standard, and the available driver-assistance packages add forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Those extra features are not spread evenly across the lineup, so trim choice matters if safety tech is important to you.

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:

• 28.1% 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 3.73% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The second-generation redesign gives it a fresher, more polished feel than the outgoing model.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,227, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $7,912 average.
• It adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2016 is the smarter buy. If you can spend more for added utility, the 2017 is worth a look.

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 used buy by a wide margin, which makes it appealing if your budget matters most. The Civic brings stronger fuel economy, more power, and a higher expert score, so it is the better all-around pick if you can spend more. The Cruze still stands out for value, comfort, and features, especially if you want a well-equipped compact without paying Civic money.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.