Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 5.30% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,681 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $7,991.89, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Generally — 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 consistently praise the Cruze for its impressive gas mileage, comfortable cabin, and useful features like Bluetooth and a spacious trunk. The overview also frames it as a practical compact for everyday driving, with enough comfort and efficiency to make it a strong value pick.

That combination makes sense if you want a compact car that leans into efficiency, comfort, and everyday usefulness rather than flash. Even with some complaints about vibrations and reliability concerns, the overall package is appealing if you’re shopping for a value-oriented commuter.

25.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

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

The owner summary points to a car that many people find good value and efficient, with enough comfort and features to make daily use easy. It also uses language that supports confidence in the car’s long-term usefulness, especially for shoppers who want a compact they can count on for commuting and routine driving.

The expert notes reinforce that impression by describing the Cruze as refined, with an engine that never feels like it’s working hard and an automatic transmission that behaves smoothly in normal driving. The cost-effectiveness notes also mention that Chevrolet offers a lot of equipment for the money, which can help ownership feel less burdensome.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that some owners report overheating and other reliability concerns, so condition and maintenance history matter a lot.

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

At 51.2% 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 been in a collision or shows signs of uneven wear. Focus on body alignment, panel fit, tire wear, and any signs that the car has been repaired after damage. Because owner feedback also mentions vibrations and overheating, it’s smart to pay close attention to how the car drives and whether the cooling system and engine behavior seem normal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The top-level Premier adds the nicest rims and chrome trim, while lesser trims are more basic; some convenience and comfort features are not available on lower 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 automatic is smooth, while the manual is standard on most trims.
• Safety package: 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 these are limited to higher trims.
• Infotainment: The Cruze uses an 8-inch screen with MyLink, and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus onboard Wi-Fi and smartphone app access.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car was rated at 30 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, and some versions can reach 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, but it’s available only one way, so it makes sense mainly if you want the lowest starting price and can live without extras.
• LS: This is the first step up and a sensible value choice if you want a little more equipment without moving too far up the price ladder.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it sits in the core of the lineup and is the first trim where key infotainment and navigation options become available on the automatic version.
• Premier: This is the most upscale choice, with the nicest rims and chrome trim, and it’s the trim to target if you want the most comfort and available safety tech.

The safety-package features are not spread evenly across the lineup: 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 limited to 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 with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 25.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,681 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.30% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,991.89, 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 $8,130 sits slightly below last year's $8,584.

That price movement suggests the Cruze has softened enough to help you buy more affordably today, but it also means future sellers may face some pressure if the market stays soft. If you buy well and keep the car in strong condition, you can help protect your exit value later. Mileage, maintenance records, and accident history will matter a lot when it’s time to resell.

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?

It earns 10 airbags, including rear side thorax airbags in the seatbacks and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.

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

The Cruze includes a backup camera as standard, and 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. The more advanced safety features are limited to higher trims, with forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams available only on Premier.

One important caveat is that the safety writeup notes the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had only run the car through two of five tests at the time, so the crash-test picture was incomplete in the source material.

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:

• 25.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.30% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert notes highlight a refined turbocharged powertrain, smooth highway manners, and strong value for the money.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,301, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,130 average.
• Chevrolet added a hatchback body style for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the better bargain, the 2016 is the smarter starting point because it combines a lower average price with decent deal availability. If you’re willing to spend more for added utility, the 2017 is the better alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.