2013 Chevy Cruze Review

Compact cars are a big deal. There are a lot of them, and they’re all vying for your attention. It seems like every other day a new compact car is hitting the market. With all of the choices out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

The 2013 Chevy Cruze with its sleek looks and excellent safety ratings it will make you stand out in a crowd, while its responsive handling will make sure that you get where you’re going with ease. Plus, with its fuel-efficiency ratings, you’ll be able to save money at the pump without having to sacrifice on compact car performance or style.

Not only is it one of the most fuel-efficient small sedans on the market for its time, but it also comes packed with an impressive list of standard features.

The 2013 Chevy Cruze’s main advantages in the compact car market are its sleek looks, excellent safety ratings, and its responsive handling. It is also one of the most fuel-efficient small cars on the market, with a wide range of available options to choose from.

Additionally, you could consider the Ford Focus for its more luxurious inside, the Mazda 3 for its fun-to-drive attitude, or the Volkswagen Jetta for its roomier backseat. However, when its primary advantages are considered, the 2013 Chevy Cruze remains a top competitor. Here is what we found.

Table of Contents

Deciding upon a dynamic, fuel-efficient tiny car used to be relatively straightforward. You cannot go wrong with a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or even a Mazda3, however, with the introduction of the 2013 Chevy Cruze, this market category has been flipped on its head. The 2013 Chevy Cruze is a compact sedan available in four model levels: LS, Eco, LT, and LTZ.

The LS model comes standard with:

16-inch steel wheels,
OnStar, keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning,
a six-way (manual) adjustable driver seat,
a 60/40 split-folding rear seat,
complete power accessories,
a trip computer,
Bluetooth phone connectivity,
a six-speaker sound system with a Compact Disc/MP3 player,
satellite radio,
USB port, and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Eco is equipped with a turbocharged engine, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and Chevrolet’s MyLink system, including Bluetooth phone and audio communication, voice control, and smartphone integration.

A Driver Convenience package also features a six-way power driver seat, a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated mirrors. Additionally, the Eco benefits from aerodynamic enhancements, lighter alloy wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, a smaller fuel tank, and a few minor feature deletions to help cut weight and boost fuel efficiency.

The LT is composed of two subsets: 1LT and 2LT. The 1LT, in comparison to the LS, features a turbocharged engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 1LT is also available with the Eco’s Driver Convenience package.

The 2LT is distinguished by 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, leather interior upholstery, a six-way adjustable power driver seat, heated front seats, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and Chevrolet MyLink.

The 2013 Chevy Cruze LTZ includes:

18-inch alloy wheels.
Foglamps.
Heated mirrors.
Keyless ignition/entry.
Automatic climate control.
Luxury interior trim.
An auto-dimming rearview mirror.
A rearview camera is standard.

All models except the LS come standard with the Enhanced Safety package, which features rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Numerous standard amenities found on higher trim levels, such as Chevrolet MyLink and a rearview camera, are also available on lower trim levels as options.

Upper trim levels add a hard-drive-based navigation system, a Pioneer nine-speaker premium sound system, a sunroof, and an RS aesthetic package (unique front/back fascia, fog lights, and rear spoiler).

2013 Chevy Cruze Interior

Other compact cars’ interiors frequently demonstrate where the automaker chose to save costs; however, the Cruze’s typical large-car design with two-tone color schemes looks more sophisticated than many of the car’s competitors.

While there are numerous hard plastic surfaces, the addition of cloth or leather-like trim to the dashboard and doors improves both the look and feel. This year’s new electronics interface is easier to use than previous years. It adds capabilities via the Chevy MyLink system, integrating smartphones (for apps such as Pandora) and enhancing voice control.

The Chevrolet Cruze has upgraded infotainment and safety features for 2013, including Bluetooth streaming audio, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring.

While some drivers may find the Cruze’s front seats a little cramped, they are supportive and pleasant, with lots of flexibility. A low-bottom cushion in the backseat reduces comfort for passengers with longer limbs, as it provides little thigh support.

The actual legroom is only average for the segment, with both the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta offering more space. On the other hand, the Cruze’s trunk is significantly larger than usual, with a capacity of 15.4 cubic feet.

Performance And Fuel Consumption

The 2013 Chevy Cruze LS is a front-wheel-drive vehicle driven by a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine producing 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The Eco, LT, and LTZ feature a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 engine with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

The LS, LT, and Eco include a standard six-speed manual transmission that transmits power to the front wheels. The LTZ comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The turbocharged Chevy Cruze with the automatic transmission raced from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds during testing, somewhat slower than the class average. According to the EPA, the Cruze LS with the manual transmission achieves 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway and a combined 29 mpg, while the automatic achieves 22/35/27 mpg.

The turbocharged engine (LT and LTZ) achieves 26/38/30 mpg with either transmission. The 2013 Chevy Cruze Eco achieves an impressive 28/42/33 mpg with the manual transmission and 26/39/31 mpg with the automatic transmission.

Driving And Safety

The 2013 Chevy Cruze combines fast handling with a pleasant, agreeable ride with deftness. The 2LT and LTZ’s sport suspension is stiffer yet offers a comfortable ride. Most drivers should be content with either engine option on the Cruze.

While the premium turbocharged engine is quite ordinary in terms of raw acceleration, it is peppier in town because of its improved torque. However, the primary problem is with the automatic transmission. Because it is programmed for maximum fuel economy, it is hesitant to downshift for rapid acceleration and passing unless the throttle is actively pushed.

All 2013 Chevy Cruze models come standard with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side impact airbags, front knee, as well as front and rear side airbags. Except for the 2LT and LTZ, all trims have standard front disc/rear drum brakes. The 2LT and LTZ models feature four-wheel disc brakes.

OnStar is also standard, providing automated collision detection, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, and assistance with stolen vehicles. All 2013 Chevy Cruze’s except the LS are equipped with blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic warning.

The Cruze got the maximum rating for overall safety performance in government crash tests, earning a five-star rating in front and side-impact tests. The Cruze achieved a top rating of “Good” in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing for frontal offset, side-impact, and roof strength.

A Cruze LTZ came to a halt from 60 mph in 122 feet during brake testing, a slightly better-than-average distance for this vehicle class. Even with its fuel-efficient tires, the Cruze Eco came to a halt in almost the same amount of time.

2013 Chevy Cruze Problems

Many owners of the 2013 Chevy Cruze (first generation) experienced numerous Problems with these vehicles, which included;

Water pump leaks
Overheating
Defective PCV diaphragms in the valve cover
Reported instances of missing air check valves in the intake manifold
Excessive oil use
Rough idling
Coolant leaks that require that the thermostat housing be replaced
Trunk release switch issues

2013 Chevy Cruze Price

Prices on the 2013 Chevy Cruze will be dependent on the year, mileage, model, optional features, and condition of the vehicle. Prices will range from $4,027.00 for a rough trade-in and can go all the way up to $9,486.00 for one that is in outstanding condition.

Conclusion

With its sharp looks inside and out, superior safety ratings, and capable handling, as well as being one of the most fuel-efficient small sedans available on the market, the 2013 Chevy Cruze cannot simply be overlooked in this competitive car size market.

Alfio Capicollo

2013 Chevy Cruze Review – Sleek Compact Car Excellence