Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 5.96% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,680 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

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 consistently praise its impressive gas mileage, comfort, Bluetooth calling, and spacious trunk. The overview also frames it as a compact car that can serve as an appealing alternative to the usual small-car choices, especially if you want something practical but a little less obvious.

With 25.7% of listings priced 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.

The user feedback points to a car that many owners find efficient and comfortable, and it also highlights the Cruze as a good-value compact car with useful features. The expert notes reinforce that sense of dependability by describing a long highway trip without complaints and by emphasizing how composed the car feels in everyday driving.

The same owner feedback also mentions overheating concerns, so you should treat maintenance history and cooling-system condition as important checks on any used example. If you buy one with a clean service record, you reduce the risk of inheriting a car that has already shown signs of trouble.

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

At 52.1% 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 any bodywork or repair history. Focus on signs of uneven panel gaps, suspension issues, and any evidence that the car has been driven hard or repaired poorly. Because some owners mention vibrations and overheating, it’s smart to pay close attention to how the car idles, accelerates, and manages temperature on a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The top-level Premier adds the nicest rims and chrome trim, while the lower trims are more basic inside and out. The base L is available only one way, and some features such as the sunroof are not available on lesser models.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder is the only engine, and it makes 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic is smooth, while the 6-speed manual is standard on all but the Premier trim.
• Safety package: Optional safety packages add forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims, while auto-braking and adaptive cruise control are not available.
• Infotainment: The Cruze uses an 8-inch screen with MyLink, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes onboard Wi-Fi through OnStar’s 4G LTE connection.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car returned 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, and some models offer up to 42 mpg on the highway. The expert also averaged close to 35 mpg over 400 miles.

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’s the trim to consider only if you want the lowest starting price and can live with the most basic equipment.
• LS: This is the first step up from the base model and makes more sense if you want a more usable everyday Cruze without stretching too far on price.
• LT: This is the best-value trim because it sits in the core of the lineup and opens the door to more equipment, including the infotainment and navigation setup on an automatic LT.
• Premier: This is the most upscale choice, with the nicest rims and chrome trim, plus access to the available safety and convenience features that are reserved for the top end of the lineup.

Safety-package features such as forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams are available only on Premier, 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 options.

• Deal availability: 25.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,680 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.96% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 52.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,991, 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 $8,061 sits slightly below last year's $8,572.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze is still accessible on the used market, but it also means future sellers may need to stay competitive on condition and equipment. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later, especially if you choose a clean, well-maintained example with desirable features.

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 content also notes that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had only run the car through two of five tests at the time, so the picture was not yet complete. 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 depending on trim.

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:

• 25.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.96% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert notes highlight a polished ride, strong fuel economy, and a more compelling second-generation Cruze.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,283, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,061 average.
• It adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2016 is the smarter starting point because pricing has eased and inventory is healthy. If you’re willing to spend more for added utility, the 2017 is the better alternative, especially if the hatchback body style matters to you.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.