Used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale nearTrenton, NJ

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 7.09% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,396 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 6.7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. The overview also points to a good fit for families or students, especially if you want a compact car that feels easy to live with day to day. The main tradeoff is that some owners want more power, particularly with the air conditioning on, so it makes the most sense if you value efficiency and comfort over quick acceleration.

With 27.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is meaningful value in the market if you shop carefully.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with drivers repeatedly highlighting smooth operation, comfort, and strong fuel economy. That kind of feedback matters because it suggests the Cruze can be a trouble-free daily driver when it has been maintained well. The expert notes also reinforce that it is a practical, usable compact car rather than a fragile or overly complicated one.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is that some examples may have seen harder use, so condition and maintenance history matter more than mileage alone.

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

At 55.4% 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 focus your inspection on bodywork, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. It also makes sense to prioritize a test drive that checks for smooth power delivery, since some owners mention limited power. If you are shopping a diesel example, pay close attention to how the car behaves in everyday driving and whether the features you want are present on the trim you are considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LT Diesel Hatchback looks like a conventional Cruze at a glance, but it adds a diesel drivetrain, a 9-speed automatic, and the Convenience Package with a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start. It is the trim to target if you want the diesel-specific efficiency and equipment, though it carries a noticeable price premium over a similarly equipped gasoline version.
• Powertrain: The diesel setup pairs a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine with a 9-speed automatic and emphasizes torque and efficiency over quick acceleration. It is the better fit if you want strong highway passing ability and impressive mileage rather than sporty performance.
• 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 notes five-star overall and frontal crash ratings from NHTSA, along with four-star side crash and rollover ratings.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Teen Driver adds speed and distance limits for secondary drivers plus app-delivered reports and notifications. The MyLink voice recognition is a weak point, so phone-based voice control is the better route.
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel returns a combined rating of 35 mpg, with real-world driving that can reach at least 40 mpg and even better on highway loops.

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 one to buy if you specifically want the diesel powertrain, the 9-speed automatic, and the added convenience equipment that comes standard. It is the best match for buyers who care most about efficiency and a more distinctive Cruze experience, especially if you are willing to pay more than a comparable gasoline version. The diesel trim also benefits from standard Teen Driver and standard smartphone integration, which makes it easier to live with.

Safety content notes five-star overall and frontal crash ratings from NHTSA, plus four-star side crash and rollover ratings.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and deal activity to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,396 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.09% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,842, 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 $9,888 sits slightly below last year's $10,643.

That decline suggests the Cruze is in a softer pricing environment, which can help you buy at a discount now but may also limit short-term upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key takeaway is that value retention will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained. A clean, well-kept example should still attract interest because the Cruze’s comfort and efficiency remain appealing to used-car shoppers.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze safe?

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze earns five-star overall and frontal crash ratings from NHTSA, along with four-star ratings in side crash and rollover tests.

It earns an 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 expert notes also highlight a strong stopping distance from 60 mph, which adds to its safety case. The main caveat is that the side crash and rollover results are lower than the overall frontal score, so you should still inspect any used example carefully for prior damage.

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:

• 27.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.09% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 stands out for its diesel availability, which gives it a more unusual place in the compact-car market.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,233, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,888 average.
• It adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility and a more crossover-like appeal.

The bottom line: Choose the 2018 if you want the more distinctive diesel-powered Cruze and are shopping for value in a softer market. If your priority is simply spending less, the 2017 is the better budget play, especially if the hatchback utility matters more than the newer model year.

How does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze compare to the 2018 Honda Civic?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.