Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 5.25% 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 cars 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, which points to a well-liked compact car with broad appeal. 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, while the overview frames it as a compact car that can serve as an alternative to the usual segment picks. That makes it a sensible choice if you want a small car that aims to feel more polished and more useful than the default commuter option.

The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 26.3% 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.

User feedback points to a car that many owners find efficient, comfortable, and easy to live with, with several calling out its gas mileage and everyday usability. The expert notes also describe a car that handled a long highway trip without complaint and emphasize a smooth, unhurried driving character.

At the same time, some owners mention vibrations and overheating concerns, so you should treat maintenance history and current condition as important parts of your used-car evaluation. For a used buyer, that means the biggest long-term risk is not the concept of the car itself, but whether a specific example has been cared for consistently.

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

At 51.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or visible cosmetic wear. Focus on how the car drives, whether the transmission and engine feel smooth, and whether any warning lights, vibrations, or cooling-system issues show up during the test drive.

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. The 6-speed automatic is smooth and keeps the engine in its sweet spot, while the 6-speed manual is standard on all but the Premier.
• Safety package: The car includes 10 airbags, including rear side thorax airbags and front knee airbags, plus a backup camera. Forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams are part of optional safety packages available only on the Premier, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims.
• Infotainment: The Cruze uses an 8-inch screen with MyLink, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes OnStar-connected features and onboard Wi-Fi, while wireless phone charging is available with the Enhanced Convenience Package.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car returned 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and some Cruze models offer up to 42 mpg 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 and is available only one way. It makes sense if your priority is the lowest possible price and you are willing to give up the extra convenience and tech features found higher up.
• LS: This is the first trim that gets you into the Cruze’s core value zone. It should suit you if you want a more usable daily driver without stretching into the pricier trims.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it sits in the core of the lineup and is the first trim that can be paired with the automatic setup needed for the navigation and infotainment system option. It is the trim to target if you want the strongest mix of equipment and price.
• Premier: This is the most upscale Cruze, with the nicest rims and chrome trim, plus access to the top safety and convenience content. Choose it if you want the most features and the most polished presentation.

Safety-package features such as 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.

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

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

• Deal availability: 26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,683 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.25% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.3% 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 $8,104 sits slightly below last year's $8,553.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can work against you if you plan to sell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition, you may be able to limit depreciation pressure, but the current trend still favors shoppers more than sellers.

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 Cruze also offers a backup camera as standard, and 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 those forward-looking driver-assistance features are limited to the Premier.

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:

• 26.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.25% 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 small-car feel than expected.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,307, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,104 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 buy because pricing has softened and inventory is healthy. If you can spend more and want the added utility of the next year’s hatchback body style, the 2017 is the better fit.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.