Used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 9.75% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,421 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $9,870.54, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Yes — the 4.67/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.67/10. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise the Cruze for its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. Many also value it as a good fit for families or students, which lines up with the car’s everyday-use focus in the overview. The market also shows 25.6% of listings as good or great deals, so you have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as smooth, comfortable, and efficient, and the review summary also points to a car many owners trust for daily use. The expert notes reinforce that dependability angle by emphasizing the diesel’s strong drivability and the way it delivers usable power without needing to be over-revved. The stop/start system that cannot be disabled may be a long-term annoyance for used buyers, so it is worth paying close attention to how the car has been maintained and driven.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

At 55.3% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection. Focus on bodywork quality, signs of prior repair, and whether the car’s condition matches the mileage and asking price. Because this model year includes a diesel setup in the lineup, it is especially smart to confirm that the powertrain feels smooth and that all equipment works as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LT Diesel Hatchback is visually close to a conventional Cruze, with the diesel badge being the main exterior clue. It comes standard with the Convenience Package, including a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start, so base-equipment gaps matter if you are comparing listings.
• Powertrain: The diesel uses a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine with a 9-speed automatic. It delivers strong low-end torque and impressive mileage, but acceleration is not the main attraction.
• Safety package: Teen Driver is standard, and the car includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. The safety content also highlights strong crash performance and a short stopping distance.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system uses Chevy MyLink. Voice recognition is a weak point, so phone-based integration matters.
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel is estimated at 35 mpg combined, and real-world driving can do better than that.

Which 2018 Chevrolet Cruze trim should I buy?

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is offered in 1 trim level: LT Diesel Hatchback.

Here's the short version:

The LT Diesel Hatchback is the clear choice if you want the Cruze’s unusual diesel powertrain, strong fuel economy, and standard convenience features. It is the only trim explicitly identified here, and it bundles the diesel setup with key everyday equipment like remote start and keyless entry. If you want the most distinctive version of this model year, this is the one to target.

Teen Driver is standard, and the safety content also points to strong crash protection and a full airbag setup.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 25.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,421 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.75% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,870.54, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze's resale value?

The current average of $9,891 sits slightly below last year's $10,960.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze has become more approachable for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive market. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later. The diesel’s unusual character can help it stand out, but resale will still depend heavily on condition, mileage, and documentation.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze safe?

Five-star overall and frontal crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are joined by four-star ratings in side crash and rollover tests.

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

Teen Driver is standard, and the car also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. The safety content highlights a strong stopping distance as well, which adds another layer of reassurance. The main caveat is that the NHTSA side and rollover results are not as strong as the overall and frontal ratings, so you should still inspect any used example carefully.

Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 25.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.75% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 stands out for its uncommon diesel availability, which gives you a distinctive powertrain choice in this compact-car lineup.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,301, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,891 average.
• It adds a hatchback body style for more utility.

The bottom line: If you want the most distinctive Cruze of these two years, the 2018 is the better pick because of its diesel setup and strong owner satisfaction. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2017 is the more budget-friendly route and still brings useful hatchback practicality.

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