The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze lasts around 200,000 miles with some engine software and touchscreen issues reported. At $12,075 to $15,500, it’s a great value for a compact car with improved long-term reliability ratings from earlier years.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Chevy Cruze since it’s decently reliable with a nice amount of technology, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, low ownership costs, as well as the efficient engines.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for an affordable small car, the seats offer a lot of support, cargo space is also great in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2018 Chevy Cruze. Stay away from models from 2011–2014, while newer Cruze models from 2015–2019 are more dependable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is a bit worse than other small cars from both of the 4-cylinder engine options, which are focused more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Cruze is a safe car, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include forward collision alert, lane keep assistance, as well as a following distance indicator.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 37 MPG, giving 506 miles of range from the 13.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $56 cheaper than average, at $124 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Chevy Cruze is cheaper than many other small cars with low ownership costs, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Cruze?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze puts all of the best features of Chevy sedans in a smaller package, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Cruze at 4.1/5, praising the upgraded touchscreen interface, but doesn’t like the slow performance.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2018 Cruze a 4.0/5, enjoying the quiet cabin, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive in the snow.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze include the engine shutting off while driving, the touchscreen freezing, as well as premature brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to some other compact cars, leading to average repair bills as the Cruze ages.
The engine shutting off while driving is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Chevy Cruze owners at around 5,000 miles. There are computer software updates for the engine control module which improves the relatability. Most dealers will install the software for free, while others charge up to $100.
The touchscreen freezing has also been reported by 2018 Cruze owners at around 15,000 miles. Again, this is usually caused by a software problem, which many dealerships will update for free. Other shops may charge around $50 to update the infotainment system software to improve reliability.
Premature brake wear also shows up on some Cruze models at around 30,000 miles. The rear brakes in particular tend to wear out quickly for a compact car since they may be slightly too small for the size of the Chevy Cruze. Replacing the rear brake pads and rotors costs around $550.
There are three recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, which is similar to other compact cars from the same year. The most serious recall is for a potential fuel leak in a crash. Chevy will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank to prevent fuel from leaking.
How Long Will the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Chevrolet Cruze can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $403 per year.
As a used 2018 Chevy Cruze reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the mass airflow sensor for $225, a brake booster costing $400, as well as the track bar which costs around $200.
This vehicle is reliable. It has taken me from the east coast to the west coast twice without any issues. It also handles my 2 hour commute for work 5 times a week without any trouble. I personally have had no problems with the vehicle.
No problems. Get the oil change when I am supposed to. No rattles, very quiet riding, will need you tires soon.
Very reliable, again very great on gas, less than 30$ in the tank for a full tank that can last for almost a week.
Yes the Chevrolet Cruze is very reliable and I have never had any problems with it whatsoever. I use it for everything.
It is reliable and I have not had any problems with it since it was purchased. I would recommend it to anyone.
Nope not that I am aware of wish it didn't have the auto stop feature. Very reliable I have done a lot of driving my boyfriend works out of town for long periods so I usually drive out to whoever he is on the weekend.
I have had no problems so far with my vehicle. It has been free on any mechanical problems which is vital for me.
My Cruze is very reliable. I have had mine just over a year with 25,000+ miles on it. I have only needed regular maintenance and have had no problems with it.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto app integration. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Safety technology is excellent, offering a standard rearview camera, forward collision alert system, automatic emergency braking, along with front and rear parking sensors. Optional advanced safety features include a blind spot monitor, lane change alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, parallel park assistance, as well as Tesla’s autonomous self-driving Autopilot system.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Chevy Cruze is a good value since there are fewer problems than in earlier years and some nice technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $12,075 to $15,500, with the more expensive models being certified pre owned. The Cruze is cheaper than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $16,975 to $25,920. Depreciation is similar to other cars, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Cruze?
There are four models of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze offered from the base L all the way up to the Premier. The four-door sedan comes in all four models, while the five-door hatchback only is available on the LT and Premier models. Front-wheel drive is also standard on all of the Cruze models.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Automatic Headlights
- Remote Locking and Unlocking
- Six-Way Manually Adjustable Driver Seat
- Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 7-Inch Central Touchscreen
- Rearview Camera
LS is a minor step up, adding:
- Front Center Armrest
- Carpeted Floor Mats
LT is next in the lineup, which adds:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Upgraded Headlights
- LED Running Lights
- Heated Mirrors
- Cruise Control
- Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls
- Six-Speaker Audio System
- Satellite Radio
Premier is the flagship model which has:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Upgraded Rear Suspension
- Remote Start
- Heated Front Seats
- Leather Seating
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Bose Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Chevy Cruze?
- The base engine is an average 1.4L 4-cylinder which makes 153 horsepower while getting up to 33 MPG. There’s a standard six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic transmission is an optional upgrade. Performance is a bit slow, taking 8.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- An available upgrade is the more efficient 1.6L 4-cylinder turbodiesel, which produces 137 horsepower with great gas mileage at up to 37 MPG. This engine comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
What Colors Does the Chevy Cruze Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Cruze?
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze sedan is a comfortable small car with seating for up to five passengers. It has a smooth ride and a well-cushioned cabin, which should make it a pleasant car to drive on long trips.
The front seats offer good support and should be comfortable for most people, and the reasr seats have plenty of legroom for passengers. Additionally, the Cruze is available with a variety of features that can enhance comfort, such as heated front seats, a sunroof, and dual-zone climate control.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Cruze Have?
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has a trunk volume of 14.8 cubic feet, which can fit 3-5 full size suitcases. If you need more storage space, the back seats of the Cruze fold down to create additional room.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Cruze came out in 2016, and was discontinued after 2019, when General Motors ended production of many sedans.
2013: Bluetooth standard across all models.
2014: Diesel engine available as an option on the top-of-the-line model.
2015: WiFi Hotspot functionality added, new base L model introduced to the lineup.
2016: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new interior, exterior, and engine choices.
2017: New hatchback body style added, standard Teen Driver Mode across the lineup.
2018: Optional diesel engine offered on the hatchback model.
2019: Final model year of the Chevy Cruze with some minor styling changes and a 7-inch touchscreen.
How Does the Chevy Cruze Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is a nice compact car since it offers decent reliability ratings, good technology, and a comfortable cabin, all while being more affordable than many competitors.
The Hyundai Elantra is another small car which costs around $1,500 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Elantra, while the Chevy Cruze has a bit more passenger room. We recommend the Hyundai Elantra because it has a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, although both are good cars.
The Chevy Malibu is a larger sedan offered by Chevrolet, which costs about $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Malibu, while the Chevy Cruze has more standard technology. We recommend the Chevy Cruze since there are fewer problems reported by owners.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Cruze?
Yes; this vehicle has reliable on multiple cross country trips as well as 2 hour commutes 5 times a week. On average this car gets about 42 mpg driving mostly back roads (55 mph). This car is perfect for me as I am a short female but it is uncomfortable for my significant other whom is 6'4.
Yes, haven't had any problems. The gas mileage is great. It rides so smoothly. The interior seats are very comfortable.
Yes very! Great on gas, has some get up and go. Very slick and love the Wi-Fi you are able to also add up the car.
Yes it is a great vehicle. It is very gas friendly and updated. It is also a very reliable car that I do not see getting rid of anytime soon.
Yes is an excellent vehicle, gets wonderful gas mileage, is comfortable to drive. Sorry that Chevrolet is discontinuing this vehicle. I love the option also that if I put something in the backseat it alerts me when I leave car that I need to check the back seat. All cars should have this feature.
Yes I love it. Had a 2014 before upgraded last year. Great car. Has all the features I wanted. Leathers seats with warmers. Only feature I do not like is the auto stop feature.
I think so, yes it is been a good car. It is been a reliable vehicle with no major problems and gets me where I need to go.
My 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is an excellent vehicle. I previously drove a Jeep, and love my Cruze so much more.