The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze lasts around 200,000 miles with some minor engine and electrical issues. At $10,450 to $13,825, it’s a great value for a dependable compact car with some excellent technology.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2016 is a good year for the Chevy Cruze, although it’s simply not as exciting to drive as some competitors, giving it an average overall score. Owner reviews praise the safety systems, low fuel costs, as well as the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior quality is improved in the 2016 Cruze with nicer materials, the seats are supportive, the trunk is also larger than the competition.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2016 Chevy Cruze. We recommend avoiding models from 2011–2014 which have engine problems. Cruze models from 2015–2019 are much more reliable.
- Performance 5/10 – Performance is weak from the standard 4-cylinder engine, which focuses more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2016 Cruze is reasonably safe, earning an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera. Forward collision warning along with lane keep assistance are both optional.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 35 MPG, giving 479 miles of range from the 13.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $61 cheaper than average, at $217 per month.
- Value 8/10 – Affordable pricing paired with low ownership costs helps the Cruze be a good long-term value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Cruze?
- Consumer Reports says the 2016 Cruze is a comfortable choice which competes well with imported cars, although owner satisfaction scores are lower than other cars.
- Edmunds gives the Cruze a 3.4/5 praising the very efficient engine, but doesn’t like the basic interior.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Cruze at 4.0/5, enjoying the advanced technology in the stereo system, but owners don’t like the loose handling.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Chevy Cruze include check engine lights, dead batteries, as well as a bad odor from the A/C system. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact cars, although repair costs are slightly higher.
Check engine lights are a widespread complaint from owners showing up at around 40,000 miles. There are several reasons the check engine light may turn on, although a PCV valve leak is the most common. Replacing the PCV valve costs around $400, and fixes the problem.
Dead batteries show up often on many Cruze models in the first 15,000 miles. The Chevy Cruze has a lot of electrical devices, some of which may drain the battery when it’s turned off. Diagnosing the source of the battery drain costs around $100, while fixing the problem can range from $20 to $200.
A bad odor from the A/C system has also been mentioned by some Cruze owners at roughly 30,000 miles. Clogged condensation drain lines will allow mold to build up in the A/C system, which in turn gives it a foul odor. Cleaning out the drain lines is fairly easy, costing around $50 at a shop.
There are 4 recalls on the 2016 Cruze, which is similar to other compact cars. The most serious recall covers a fuel leak which can happen during a crash, leading to a fire. Chevy will install a lock ring on the fuel tank to prevent leaks. Other recalls cover the seat-backs, headlight alignment, along with the key.
How Long Will the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Last?
A well-maintained 2016 Chevy Cruze should last around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than normal, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $441 per year.
Since many used 2016 Chevy Cruze models for sale have over 100,000 miles on them, buyers should be prepared to replace the transmission shift cable for $160, oxygen sensors costing $200, as well as the transmission mount, which costs $300.
The only problem it has had has been with the tires. I have had to replace all four of them but it was due to my poor driving and not the fault of the tires.
My model of the Cruze does not have cruise control and that is the only flaw. It does not have any problems with the engine or cosmetics. Material is great. The manufacturer could not make a better car.
Yes, this vehicle is a reliable vehicle and currently has no problems. It has had only one recall in the past.
My Cruze is very reliable and it has a drivetrain warranty of 3 years or 30,000 miles. I have not had any problems from day one of choosing my Cruze. Chevrolet is definitely a brand you can trust.
It is reliable at time. Chevy has a lot of recalls which is pretty concerning. Sometimes I wonder how long the car will last since there always seems to be something wrong.
Yes the 2016 Chevy Cruze is very reliable vehicle. I personally have not ever encountered any problems with my Cruze in the past 2 years of owning it.
Yes! Super reliable and spacious. The Chevy Cruze lt is great on gas - & no problems, that I have encountered yet.
The Cruze is very reliable. I have owned this car for 2 years, and have had no problems at all. The only thing I have needed done are regular oil changes, and new tires after I hit 40,000 miles.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great for a budget-friendly compact car with a standard 7-inch touchscreen stereo system. Safety technology is very good as well with a standard rearview camera. Optional active safety features include forward collision warning, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic braking, as well as lane keep assistance.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze a Good Value?
Yes, the 2016 Chevy Cruze is a very good value, for a compact sedan, since it’s cheaper than the competition. Blue book fair purchase prices range from $10,450 to $13,825, making it more affordable than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $16,120 to $24,370. Depreciation is similar to other sedans, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Cruze?
There are four models of the Chevy Cruze offered in 2016, from the base L all the way up to the well-equipped Premier.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Rearview Camera
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 4-Speaker Stereo System
LS is a step up, adding:
- Carpeted Floor Mats
- Center Armrest
- Available Options Packages
LT is next in the lineup with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Running Lights
- Cruise Control
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
Premier is the flagship model which has:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Upgraded Rear Suspension
- Heated Rear Seats
- 9-Speaker Bose Stereo System
- Forward Collision & Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Braking & Lane Keep Assistance
What Engines Come In the Chevy Cruze?
The engine found in the Chevy Cruze is a run-of-the-mill 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder which makes 153 horsepower at up to 35 MPG. It’s mated to either an automatic transmission or six speed manual transmission. Performance is slow, taking 8.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy Cruze Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Cruze?
The 2016 Chevy Cruze is very comfortable compared to other compact sedans on the market, offering seating for up to 5 people. The seats are high quality for its price, offering excellent support for longer trips.
Passenger room is better than the competition with enough room in the rear seats for taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Cruze Have?
Cargo space is better than average in the trunk for a small sedan with enough room in the trunk to fit 3-4 full size suitcases.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Cruze was introduced in 2016, and was discontinued after 2019 due to a restructuring by General Motors to move away from sedans.
2013: Standard Bluetooth connectivity added across the lineup.
2014: Available diesel engine for the top-of-the-line model.
2015: WiFi hotspot added, new base L model offered.
2016: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new interior, exterior, and engine.
2017: New hatchback body style added, optional diesel engine on sedan model, standard Teen Driver Mode added.
2018: Optional diesel engine available on hatchback.
2019: Final model year for the Cruze with mild styling changes, standard 7-inch touchscreen.
How Does the Chevy Cruze Compare to the Competition?
The Chevy Cruze is better than many other compact cars as it’s aged, offering good reliability scores and decent technology for the money.
The Honda Civic is a competitor which costs around $5,000 more. Where the Civic stands out is with a more powerful engine, while the base technology is better in the Chevy Cruze. We recommend the Honda Civic since they have lower ownership costs, although both are good for 2016.
The Chevy Malibu is another sedan from Chevy which costs about $3,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Malibu, while ownership costs are lower in the Chevy Cruze. We recommend going with the Chevy Cruze since it lasts longer with fewer engine problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Cruze?
Yes. It is dependable and economical. It also looks good. It has many new features in it, like the back up camera.
Yes. I love the gas mileage and the reliability of the car. I rarely have any issues with the engine or anything else. I have yet to breakdown or have to pull over for emergency assistance. I would trust the car enough for it to be a family car.
Yes, this vehicle is a good vehicle to get back and forth from school and work. It does get good gas mileage and is very comfortable for the size.
Yes, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze lt is a good vehicle. It has good fuel economy in the city or on the highway. It handled well on the tight curved back roads. It has a slapstick so you can choose between manual and automatic transmission for that sportier feel when driving. It has roomy bucket seats and the trunk is very spacious.
Yes, it rides smooth and is great on gas. The eco component of the vehicle helps the car need less work done.
Yes, I love my Chevy Cruze. I have not encountered any problems or complaints about my Cruze in the 2 years that I have owned it.
Yes! The maintenance is very easy. The ride is smooth and quality of volume with the sound system is unmatched.
Yes! I love my Cruze. Great gas mileage. The car itself runs very smoothly. Also a great looking vehicle. Very easy car to drive, especially for new drivers.