The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze lasts around 200,000 miles with minor alternator and interior panel issues. At $11,475 to $14,475, it’s a good value for a compact car with a very comfortable interior and nice entertainment technology.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Chevrolet Cruze, if you’re looking for an efficient car with good safety technology, it’s a nice choice. Owner reviews praise the upscale interior, low ownership costs, along with the comfortable cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a budget-friendly car, the seats are supportive for long drives, the trunk is also larger than competitors.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are not any widespread problems on the 2017 Chevy Cruze. Avoid models from 2011–2014 since they have serious engine problems. Models from 2015–2019 are much more reliable choices.
- Performance 5/10 – Performance is poor from both of the engines, which are weaker than most other compact cars since they focus heavily on fuel efficiency.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2017 Chevy Cruze gets 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. OnStar & a rearview camera are standard. The Driver Confidence package adds in lane change assist, forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, as well as lane keep assist.
- 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 $60 cheaper than average at $154 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is cheaper than many other compact 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 2017 Chevrolet Cruze packs the best features of Chevy’s cars into a more efficient package, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Chevy Cruze at 3.8/5, praising the excellent passenger room, but they don’t like that the engine stop-start cannot be turned off.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Cruze a 4/5, enjoying the latest safety technology, but owners don’t like the relatively weak engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Chevy Cruze include alternator failures, excessive interior rattles, as well as rare cracked pistons. Overall, most of the problems are similar to other compact cars, although maintenance costs are slightly higher as they age.
Alternator failures have been reported on the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze at around 10,000 miles by some owners. Some alternators simply wear out sooner than others, and have to be replaced. Changing out the alternator costs around $500 to $700, depending on local labor rates.
Excessive interior rattles, specifically in the headliner near the dome light, have also been found on some Cruze models at roughly 15,000 miles. Usually excessive rattles are caused by a broken or loose clip. Diagnosing the source of the rattle usually costs around $50, while repairing it can cost $10 to $100, depending on the source.
Cracked pistons are a rare, yet serious problem which some Chevy Cruze owners have reported in the first 30,000 miles. Usually a cracked piston is covered for free by the powertrain warranty, which lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles from the original date of sale. If a piston does break out of warranty, they’re about $1,600 to replace.
There are 2 recalls on the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze, which is better than other small cars. The most serious recall covers a potential fuel leak after a rollover. Chevy will install a lock ring on the fuel tank to prevent leaks. The other recall covers seat back frames, which Chevy will replace as well.
How Long Will the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Chevy Cruze can last around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than some competitors, costing about $524 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.
As a 2017 Chevy Cruze reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the window switch for $150, A/C expansion valve costing $300, as well as the radiator hose which costs $350.
Very!! I haven't had any problems at all with this car in the last three years that I have owned it.
There are no problems with the car. It is very reliable for a mother and her young children. Space may be a little small but it works.
We have only had the Chevy Cruze for about two months and the car has not given us any problems at all.
No problems so far but so far it is reliable on long distance trips and economy efficient on gas and the environment, runs great and is very quiet when idling. Tires go along way also.
The 2017 Chevy Cruze is a reliable vehicle and I have not had any problems with it during the year that I have owned it. I bought the vehicle certified pre-owned and it was in like new condition. Even with the wear of two owners it performs like a new vehicle.
No problems I ran into I would recommend it to other people it's a decent car definitely worth the money.
Very reliable vehicle and no issues with it whatsoever. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to buy.
No problems and runs great. It is very reliable. It looks great, as well. Always dependable. I would buy another.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent in the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch touchscreen on the LT and Premier models.
Safety technology is also good with a standard rearview camera and OnStar telematics. Optional upgrades include rear parking sensors, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, as well as lane departure warning.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Chevy Cruze is a good value since the reported problems are not widespread across all models. Blue book fair market prices range from $11,475 to $14,475, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $16,975 to $25,395. Depreciation is similar to other compact cars, 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 2017, from the base L all the way up to the well-equipped Premier. The sedan is available in all four models, while the five-door hatchback only is available with the LT or Premier models.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Automatic Headlights
- Keyless Entry
- Remote Locking & Unlocking
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- USB Port
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Four-Speaker Audio System
LS is a step up, adding:
- Front Center Armrest
- Carpeted Floor Mats
- Automatic Transmission
LT adds more features including:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Running Lights
- Keyless Ignition
- Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Six-Speaker Audio System
- Satellite Radio
- Optional 8-Inch Touchscreen With Navigation
Premier is the flagship model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Upgraded Suspension
- Chrome Exterior
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Nine-Speaker Bose Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Chevy Cruze?
- The base engine in the Chevy Cruze is an average turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder which makes 153 horsepower while getting up to 34 MPG. It’s paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is slow, taking 9.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- An available upgrade is the efficient 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel, which makes 137 horsepower at up to 37 MPG. It either comes with a six-speed manual transmission or a new nine-speed automatic transmission.
What Colors Does the Chevy Cruze Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Cruze?
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is a very comfortable small car available as either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice throughout the cabin, with high quality materials used across the lineup.
Passenger room is better than many other compact cars, offering enough room in the rear seats for taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Cruze Have?
Cargo space is larger than other compact sedans offering enough room for 4-5 suitcases in the trunk. The hatchback offers more space with enough room for 5-6 suitcases behind the second row and 8-10 with the rear seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Chevy Cruze was launched in 2016, and discontinued after 2019, when General Motors decided to stop making a lot of sedan models.
2013: Bluetooth added as standard on all models.
2014: Diesel engine offered as an option on the flagship model.
2015: New base L model added, WiFi Hotspot functionality.
2016: Fully redesigned for the second generation with a new exterior, interior, and engines.
2017: Hatchback body style added, standard Teen Driver Mode with safety features.
2018: Diesel engine option available on the hatchback.
2019: Final model year for the Chevy Cruze offering minor styling changes and a standard 7-inch touchscreen.
How Does the Chevy Cruze Compare to the Competition?
The Chevy Cruze is a very good compact car for the 2017 model year, although it’s not as sporty or fun to drive as some of the competition.
The Hyundai Elantra is another compact car which costs around $1,500 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Elantra, while the Chevy Cruze offers more safety technology. We recommend the Hyundai Elantra since it has a longer warranty, although both are decent choices.
The Toyota Corolla is a competitor, which is about $4,000 more expensive. Ownership costs are lower on the Toyota Corolla, while the Chevy Cruze has a higher-quality interior for the money. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since it is one of the longest-lasting compact cars on the market.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Cruze?
Yes, the gas mileage is wonderful, and as a single person with no kids, it has plenty of space for me.
Yes, the car is a good vehicle. What I love most about it is gas mileage is superb! It rides very smoothly.
Yes, I love the way the car drives and the car gets incredible gas mileage compared to the other two big vehicles we have.
Yes, but mine didn't come with a spare tire or cruise control to, and could use tinted windows, great on gas tho.
Yes the safety features are well thought out and considerable of all passengers in the car, including those in the back seat.
Yes it's good on gas and miles just small car for a family good travel car I like it good model make I love it.
Yes its dependable and has great gas mileage. I have had it since 2017 and have not had any issues with it.
Yes it is a great vehicle it looks great and runs great. It is always dependable. Runs great. Looks great.
