Used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 3.47% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,594 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Generally — 4.1/5 from owners and 7.5/10 from our experts point to a compact car that delivers real-world value. The Cruze’s appeal centers on comfort, strong gas mileage, Bluetooth calling, and a spacious trunk, while the overview frames it as a practical choice for everyday driving and longer trips. If you want a value-oriented compact that feels more polished than expected, this model year fits that use case well. 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.1/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner summary also points to strong gas mileage, comfort, and useful features as recurring positives, while the expert drive notes that the Cruze can handle long-distance travel without complaint. That said, some owners mention vibrations and overheating concerns, so you should treat condition and maintenance history as important parts of the decision. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is buying a car that has been poorly maintained or already showing early wear.

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

At 51.5% 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 incomplete service records. Focus on signs of prior body damage, uneven panel fit, warning lights, and any evidence of cooling-system or vibration-related issues. A careful test drive should also confirm that the car feels smooth under acceleration and at highway speeds.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The L is the base trim and is available only one way, while the LS and LT make up the core of the lineup with more equipment. The Premier adds the nicest rims and chrome trim, and it is the only trim that can get the optional safety packages.
• Powertrain: The Cruze uses the same turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder across the lineup, and the automatic transmission is tuned for smooth, relaxed driving. The manual transmission is standard on all but the Premier trim.
• 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. The forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams packages are limited to the Premier, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims.
• Infotainment: The Cruze has an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and OnStar-connected features. Wireless smartphone charging is available with the Enhanced Convenience Package, and the system also includes onboard Wi-Fi.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car was rated at 30 mpg in the city and 40 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, and it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and can live with the most basic equipment. It is the trim to choose if value matters most and you do not need the extra convenience or tech features found higher up.
• LS: This is the better everyday pick if you want a more balanced mix of equipment without moving too far up the price ladder. It should suit you if you want a practical Cruze with a little more flexibility than the base trim.
• LT: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it sits in the core of the lineup and can add the navigation and infotainment setup when paired with the automatic. If you want the strongest mix of features and price, this is the trim to target.
• Premier: This is the trim for you if you want the nicest appearance and the most available equipment, including the optional safety packages. It is the right choice if you want the most upscale Cruze experience.

The safety packages are only available 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 is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and deal activity to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,594 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.47% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 51.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,937, 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 $7,961 sits slightly below last year's $8,246.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can help you if you plan to sell later only if you buy at the right price. If you overpay today, resale upside may be limited because the market has already moved down. On the other hand, a well-kept Cruze bought near the low end of the range should be easier to move later than one purchased at the top of the market.

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 an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Cruze includes 10 airbags, including rear side thorax airbags in the seatbacks and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. A backup camera is 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 forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and auto high beams packages are limited to the Premier, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors are available on LT and Premier trims. Auto-braking and adaptive cruise control are not available.

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:

• 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 51.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.47% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.1/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert summary says the second-generation Cruze is worth revisiting after a long-distance drive without complaints.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,225, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $7,961 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 is softer 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.

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 buy by a wide margin, which makes it appealing if your priority is value and lower upfront cost. The Civic brings more power, better fuel economy, and stronger market demand, while the Cruze counters with a more affordable used price and a respectable feature set. If you want the better all-around compact car, the Civic has the edge; if you want to spend less and still get a well-equipped sedan, the Cruze makes a strong case.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.