Initially brought into production in 2008, the Chevrolet Cruze has made quite a name for itself over the past 4 years. The Cruze is classified as a compact sedan; the cars that are sold in the United States are also manufactured here, in Lordstown, OH. Chevy also manufactures Cruzes in China, Vietnam, Russia, South Korea and Kazakhstan, India, Brazil and Venezuela. After more than 2 years in the making and $4 billion spent by Chevy, the Cruze was finally ready to be presented to the general public.
In order to maximize handling and functionality while minimizing cost, the engineers at Chevy gave the Cruze a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion-bar axle in the rear. It also has an impressive 36’ turning radius, due to a hydraulic rack and pinion steering system. The cabin also provides and incredibly silent ride, due to an innovative engine mount and noise-reducing technology.
There are three engine options available with the Chevy Cruze. All have options for either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The first option is a miniscule 1.6-liter Ecotec I4 with 111 horsepower. Chevy also offers a 1.8-liter Ecotec I4 engine with 136 horsepower, while the last engine option is a 2.0-liter VM Motori turbocharged VCDi, with 161 ponies.
2012 Chevrolet CruzeA new model in 2011, the Chevrolet Cruze comes into 2012 with better mileage (25 city and 36 highway) and more standard features at lower trim levels. This is definitely an affordable small car with pocketbook appeal, opening at $16,720 and climbing to $23,110. Highly popular from its introduction, the Cruze is comfortably placed in the top quarter of its class, and should sell well this year.
Given the ongoing recession and continued fluctuations in gasoline prices, little cars are more popular than they've been in years and there are many appealing choices to be had. Comparison shoppers should look at the Hyundai Elantra, which opens at $16,500. With a roomier interior and mileage of 29/40, the Elantra is a definite contender for consumer dollars.
Younger drivers will be drawn to the Mazda3, which is just plain fun to drive. Opening at $16,000, it returns better performance than the Elantra or the Cruze, but comes up short in terms of fuel economy. With the base 2.0-liter four cylinder paired to an automatic expect 24/33.
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2011 Chevrolet CruzeThe 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a small, affordable car designed to replace the Cobalt. It's a decided improvement over a model no one will miss, and works hard to bring elements of luxury to the small sizing and high fuel performance packaging that cash strapped customers are begging to see on dealer lots.
