• . 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
    • Overview
    • Expert Reviews
    • Owner Reviews ()
    • Photos ()
    • Video Reviews ()
    • Compare Models & Key Features
    • Detailed Specs
    • For Sale Near Me ()
    • Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover
    • Safety Features ()
    • Long-Term Reliability
    • Safety Recalls ()
    • Payment Calculator
  • . Vehicle Research
  • . VIN Search
  • . Cars For Sale
  • . About Us
    • Company Overview
    • Careers
    • User Reviews
    • In The News
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Advertising

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$7,345 - $11,830
Used Fair Purchase Price Range
Crash Test
Source: NHTSA.gov
MPG (up to)
26 City / 39 HWY
Horsepower
138
Seats
5
4.1 Owner Reviews (417) 3.4 Expert Reviews Photos (88) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (15)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff
3.4 Overall Score
Performance
3.2
Interior
3.3
Comfort
3.9
Value
3.3

Editor's Overview

With the 2013 Cruze, Chevrolet looks to edge out the competition by offering a fuel-efficient sedan with a more upscale look and feel but without a significant increase in price. If the Cruze's quiet cabin, smooth ride and numerous upgrades aren't enough to lure devout import buyers into Chevy showrooms, we're pretty sure the car's excellent fuel economy will do the trick.

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Chevrolet Cruze Models & Trims

LS - $7,345 - $8,996

Horsepower: 138 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 (in.) Steel
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start (Optional)
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

ECO - $7,547 - $9,224

Horsepower: 138 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 17 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera (Optional)
  • Premium Audio (Optional)
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start (Optional)
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor (Optional)
  • Cross-Traffic Alert (Optional)
  • Lane Departure Warning

LT - $7,744 - $9,465

Horsepower: 138 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

1LT - $7,744 - $9,465

Horsepower: 138 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera (Optional)
  • Premium Audio (Optional)
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start (Optional)
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor (Optional)
  • Cross-Traffic Alert (Optional)
  • Lane Departure Warning

2LT - $7,744 - $9,465

Horsepower: 138 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 17 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera (Optional)
  • Premium Audio (Optional)
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor (Optional)
  • Cross-Traffic Alert (Optional)
  • Lane Departure Warning

LTZ - $9,681 - $11,830

Horsepower: 138 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 18 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System (Optional)
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio (Optional)
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor (Optional)
  • Cross-Traffic Alert (Optional)
  • Lane Departure Warning

Owner Reviews

4.10
5 star
39%
4 star
38%
3 star
17%
2 star
5%
1 star
1%

Small silver car with transparent windows. Seats are comfortable.

I have loved my experience driving a Chevy Cruze. It drives very smoothly and it is very good on gas mileage. It is easy to drive and has many helpful features, such as, the temperature outside the vehicle and inside the vehicle. Additionally, my car lets me know exactly how fast I am going and exactly how many miles of gas I have left so I never run out of gas. As far as issues, the fan in my car broke so for a while I did not have air conditioning or heat. My transmission also had a leak. I do wish that the speaker in my car was a little bit louder, but it definitely gets the job done. I have had my car for a few years and I have put hundreds of thousands of miles on it and yet it still drives like it is brand new. The trunk is pretty big and can be accessed from inside the vehicle. However, unfortunately you cannot pop the trunk without turning off the car and taking the keys out of the car completely. That is something that can be very frustrating at times.
Jen Y
Helpful

Chevy Cruze: the built in features are really convenient to everyday living.

I have had my car for two years. I lost my first car which SUV. When I was looking for a new car, I initially wanted another SUV. The salesman suggested that I take the car for a test drive. I like the fact the car has a remote control and you can start the car prior to getting in. The car has OnStar and Sirius (which is an additional cost) but I love it. I can have on star map out my directions. I listen to various types of music (do not have to switch radio stations) on a long trip. I receive a monthly update regarding the mechanical status of my car. I like this feature at a glance I know my tire pressure and if I need to have my oil changed. My car seat can be heated when necessary, great when it is cold. Mileage is good also. The trunk space is large and deep for luggage and groceries. The remote will also open the trunk prior to reach it. Great feature when your arms or full or the weather is implement.
Elizabeth J
Helpful

Great purchase, just a couple minor kinks.

The size and style of the car is perfect for someone who likes a comfortable interior without a large vehicle. Great and easy to navigate dash. Comfortable seats, smooth ride and good steering. It has steering wheel controls which are important for me with little ones in the car. I do not like that the USB input for mobile phones, iPods, etc. is shotty and does not work half the time. While I've grown to be cognizant of it, the low frame of the vehicle does make driving on certain surfaces difficult with clearance. Overall, it's a good car and I've been pleased. It's lasted through a lot of long drives for me and I feel very safe in it.
Lauren W
Helpful
See All Reviews (417)

Video Reviews

2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, & Test Drive

2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, & Test Drive

358,346 views
2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, & Test Drive
2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT Review, Walkaround, Exhaust, & Test Drive
358,346 views
Here's the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Review on Everyman Driver
Here's the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Review on Everyman Driver
125,363 views
2013 Chevy Cruze LS Review
2013 Chevy Cruze LS Review
140,166 views
2013 Chevrolet Cruze LS U49830
2013 Chevrolet Cruze LS U49830
2,405 views

Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides consumers with information about crash protection and rollover safety

  • Overall
  • Front
  • Side
  • Rollover

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.

  • Moderate Overlap Front G
  • Side G
  • Roof Strength G
  • Driver-side Overlap Front M
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

Safety Features

  • Brakes, 4-wheel antilock
  • Traction control *
  • StabiliTrak, stability control system *
  • Daytime Running Lamps
  • Air bags, frontal and knee for driver and front passenger, side-impact seat-mounted and roof rail for front and rear outboard seating positions includes Passenger Sensing System (Always use safety belts and child restraints. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate child restraint. See the Owner's Manual for more information.)
  • OnStar, 6 months of Directions and Connections plan includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, First Assist, Injury Severity Predictor, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, Remote Ignition Block, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, Turn-by-Turn Navigation with OnStar eNav, Destination Download (requires navigation radio), OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Hands Free Calling and available OnStar RemoteLink mobile app. (Visit onstar.com for details and system limitations.) *
  • Automatic Crash Response (Deleted when (UE0) OnStar delete is ordered.) *
  • Stolen Vehicle Assistance (Deleted when (UE0) OnStar delete is ordered.) *
  • OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation (Deleted when (UE0) OnStar delete is ordered.) *
  • Safety belts, 3-point, all seating positions, front height adjustable
  • Safety belt pretensioners, driver and front passenger, dual
  • Door locks, rear child security, power
  • LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren), for child safety seats
  • Trunk emergency release handle
  • Tire Pressure Monitor *
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (5)

  • .
    Power Train Mar 31, 2014
    Report Receipt Date:
    Mar 31, 2014
    NHTSA Campaign:
    14V151000
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
    Consequence:
    If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles.
  • .
    Electrical System , Power Train Jul 5, 2016
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jul 5, 2016
    NHTSA Campaign:
    16V502000
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
    Consequence:
    If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buiick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
  • .
    Power Train Sep 23, 2013
    Report Receipt Date:
    Sep 23, 2013
    NHTSA Campaign:
    13V452000
    Summary:
    General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
    Consequence:
    CONSEQUENCE: If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash
    Remedy:
    General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276
  • .
    Equipment Jul 2, 2014
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jul 2, 2014
    NHTSA Campaign:
    14V417000
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
    Consequence:
    Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
  • .
    Air Bags Jun 26, 2014
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jun 26, 2014
    NHTSA Campaign:
    14V372000
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.

Payment Calculator

Estimated Monthly
Payment

--
Expert Rating 3.4 /5 What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment
About VehicleHistory.com

VehicleHistory.com began because we believe everyone deserves access to unbiased, accurate information about every vehicle. Simplifying the research process is at the heart of what we do and remains our number one priority. Learn About Us

Best Rated Vehicles VIN Lookup Contact Terms Privacy

Update ZIP Code

Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price (Used)

Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for used cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

Kelly Blue Book® values and pricing are based in part on transactions in your area.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

2. J.D. Power’s Power Circles Ratings do not include all information used to determine J.D. Power awards. See jdpower.com for more information. Your experience may vary. All information provided by J.D. Power is owned by J.D. Power and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power, other than printing copies of the J.D.Power content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power.

Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

Write a Review

Select Year

Select Make

Select Color

2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Review Process Provided By: The Car Connection

The Car Connection is VehicleHistory.com’s trusted resource for unbiased expert reviews of the vehicles you find on our site. If you’re curious about their review process, we encourage you to read the “How We Rate Cars” explanation from The Car Connection’s website:

Our Approach

Our reviews are the product of decades of experience from some of the most experienced automotive writers working today.

Our automotive experts have over 50 years of collective automotive journalism experience writing for outlets such as Automobile, Car and Driver, Auto Express, Edmunds.com, MSN Autos, more than 75 newspapers across the country including The Chicago Tribune, and more. Now we have harnessed their talents to create a unique type of review that brings the best of the web together in a single opinion that readers can act on.

Our team of experts drives nearly 200 new vehicles each year between them, including advance drives of new vehicles not available to the general public. The Car Connection’s experts also travel to the world’s auto shows to learn firsthand about vehicles nearing production.

How We Test Cars

The Car Connection’s experts test-drive completely new models as well as cars that have been substantially updated with new styling, new safety gear, and new engines and transmissions. The team also drives some models that haven’t seen major changes as needed to refresh their opinions of the car. In nearly all cases, our experts have driven the vehicle in question in its current form, for the hands-on experience needed to bring you the best advice.

There are a few vehicles that have not been driven by our experts due to availability. In those cases, The Car Connection’s reviews bring you the highlights from the most respected sources around the Web. In the rare cases where The Car Connection’s team of experts has not recently driven a car, we will still bring together the consensus opinion from around the Web and update the review when they get some “seat time” in the car.

What Is The Rating System

We’re rating cars based on Style, Performance, Comfort, Quality, Safety, Features, and Green. Most categories start at 5 (average) and go up or down from there.

Style: Points can be earned or lost based on above- or below-average interior and exterior style; excellent or poor interior or exterior style; and exceptional (or very poor) style.

Performance: Points can be earned or lost based on powertrain performance; braking and handling performance; ride quality; and transmission. An additional point can be awarded (or lost) for exceptional circumstances, i.e. off-road prowess, or supercar credentials.

Comfort: Points can be earned or lost based on comfort in the front seats, back seats, or third-row seats (where applicable); good or bad interior storage; and good cargo capacity. Cars, SUVs, or trucks with significant cargo capacity can earn an additional point.

Safety: Cars with official crash data gain points for a five-star overall rating by the NHTSA, or Top Safety Pick status by the IIHS. Cars with Top Safety Pick+ status are awarded an additional point for those advanced safety features. An additional point is awarded for cars with exceptional safety features such as parking assistance, surround-view camera systems, or autonomous-driving features. Cars with official crash data lose points for a four-star overall rating by NHTSA, “Poor” ratings by the IIHS, any three-star NHTSA ratings, no standard rearview camera, poor outward vision, or any special notes by the IIHS or federal testers. Cars without crash data aren’t given a rating at all.

Features: Cars with excellent base equipment earn a point above average. Extra points can be added for exceptional available features, good customization options, good infotainment systems with screens larger than 5.0 inches, and good warranty or service programs. Cars may lose points for sub-standard or expensive features; bad feature packages; poor relative value; or bad warranty or service availability.

Green: Cars are assigned a rating based on their EPA-estimated highway and combined mileage ratings. Plug-in and battery-electric vehicles start at 8. Electric-only cars with a range of more than 250 miles; plug-in electric cars with an EV range of more than 50 miles; or cars with a combined equivalent MPGe rating of more than 100 mpg earn a perfect score.

What’s New?

Our rating system better reflects how people look at their cars. We start in the middle, and add or take away points based on features, usability and driveability. It’s pretty simple!

A clearer path to 10—and 0. Our system is designed to better identify what’s exceptional in new cars.

Our ratings are reviewed by experts, every week. Editors constantly evaluate every new car rating to make sure we’re giving readers the best information.

We’re asking for discussion. We want to be as transparent as possible, so we’re inviting readers to discuss our ratings with the experts.

It’s not like grade school. Our ratings go from 1-10 with 5 being an average score. In the past, most of our ratings have fallen between 6 and 8 and while our new ratings may have lower scores, it doesn’t mean we like the car any less. An overall score of 5 is average—anything above is better than average.

How Do We Get There?

For most ratings, we start at 5 and work our way up—or down. Cars gain and lose points based on feature availability, affordability, comfort, and quality relative to their competition.

Some of our ratings are based on specific criteria. Safety ratings, for example, are based on official crash data from both of the major U.S. safety organizations. Green scores are calculated on mileage estimates from the EPA.

All of our ratings are open to the public. Wherever possible, we’ll tell you how we’ve rated a car and why we arrived at the score we did.

We’ve added an “N/A” rating. For cars without official crash safety ratings or other data by authorities, we’ve removed those numbers from the overall score to give readers a better measure for that car’s actual performance. We’ll tell you why we’re withholding a score, and we’ll add those in as those become available.

We’ve factored “Green” into the overall average. We know many readers and shoppers prioritize fuel economy and we’re rewarding efficient cars.

The Car Connection’s experts consult these professional review sources when writing our reviews:

  • Autoblog
  • Automobile
  • Car and Driver
  • Cars.com
  • Consumer Reports
  • Edmunds
  • Kelley darkBlue Book
  • Motor Trend
  • Road & Track
  • Top Gear

How Often Are Ratings Changed?

We re-evaluate our ratings for new cars at least once a month—if not more.

How Can I Tell If You Recommend A Car?

We’ll tell you! For most models, we’ll identify our picks for powertrain and popular combinations we think are important to buy.

We’re changing our rating system to better serve our readers and start a conversation about new cars on the road today. We take seriously our responsibility to you and we want to be open and transparent.