By Josh RosenbergWhile historically high new and used car prices have forced buyers to look for "older" vehicles that may have aged well as a way of saving money, the issues of reliability and dependability have become even more crucial.
Over time, the 2013 Chevy Cruze has proven to receive mixed reviews in terms of reliability. While some owners reported positive experiences with the car, praising its fuel efficiency, stylish design, and comfortable interior, others have had problems, including with the transmission, electrical systems, and engine components.
So here, we'll review the general pros and cons of the 2013 Cruze and then list areas of possible mechanical issues that have sometimes arisen over time and which should definitely be checked before a purchase.
But first, and very importantly ...
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Cruze
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
And My #1 Price Tip: Please always get online price quotes at auto sites such as CarsDirect.com and Edmunds.com (both, actually), whether looking for a new or used car. Competition among dealers for your business does amazing things to prices, and it's so easy. It really does make a difference.
And quickly, while we're at it, my #2 Tip is to always know the up-to-date trade-in value of your current car. You can get a quick and surprisingly accurate one at Edmund's Trade-In Quotes.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze
The compact car segment had long been dominated by entrenched favorites, including the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. But the time was ripe for change by 2011 as upstart competitors caught up to stagnant leaders, and the fuel-efficient, capable-handling and affordably-priced Chevy Cruze burst onto the scene. and immediately made inroads
And in 2013, it was still getting better, having added upgraded safety and infotainment features, including a blind-spot monitoring system, a rearview camera, the MyLink infotainment system, Bluetooth streaming audio and two new color touch-screen radios.
2013 Chevy Cruze Pros
Responsive yet comfortable ride: The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze offers an impressive combination of responsive handling with a smooth and composed ride. Even with sport-tuned suspension on the 2LT and LTZ models, the ride is firmer but still quite comfortable.
And either engine choice is likely to satisfy most drivers, as the base 1.8-liter four cylinder is a competent performer while the turbocharged 1.4-liter's increased torque adds liveliness around town.
Impressive fuel economy: Depending on the model, the Cruze was one of the most fuel-efficient small cars available at the time. Although powered by the peppy 1.4 turbo, gas mileage for the Cruze Eco model still comes in at an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 42 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission and 26 city and 39 highway with the automatic.
The 1.8-liter in the LS model is also quite pump-friendly with an EPA rating of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway with the manual and 22 and 35, respectively, with the automatic. The turbocharged LT and LTZ models are also impressive, getting 26 city and 38 highway with both transmissions.
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Top safety ratings: In government crash tests, the Cruze was awarded the top score of five stars (out of five) for overall safety, consisting of five stars for both frontal-impact as well as side-impact occupant protection.
In addition, all models come standard with a full array of safety features, including antilock brakes, stability control, front and rear side impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, remote door unlocking and on-demand roadside assistance.
Attractive and quiet cabin: The interior's two-tone color schemes as well as the use of cloth or leather-look trim on the doors and dash give the Cruze a more upscale look than most of its rivals.
And while some hard plastic surfaces remain, the overall design and materials quality is very likely the best in this price range.
The cabin is also one of the quietest in its class, thanks to abundant noise insulation.
User-friendly electronics interface: The upgraded electronics interface not only adds more functionality via the Chevy MyLink system (including enhanced voice control and smartphone integration), but its also easier to use and more intuitive than previous models.
Large trunk: The trunk's more-than-generous cargo capacity of 15.4 cubic feet is much larger than the norm for the compact sedan segment.
2013 Chevy Cruze Cons
Seating comfort a potential issue: While the seats are both comfortable and supportive, those in the front may be a bit narrow for some. While in the rear, the bottom cushions are low, making the quarters more challenging for taller passengers.
True, the 5-seat cabin does offer more overall passenger space than many of its competitors, but the rear seats are best when accommodating two adults as opposed to three.
Six-speed automatic is a bit sluggish: The automatic transmission has been programmed to maximize fuel efficiency, and it's quite good at it. That said, the tradeoff is that it doesn't transition quickly between gears. It's on the reluctant side when it comes to downshifting for faster acceleration or passing unless you're very energetic on the gas pedal.
Uninspired exterior styling: The Cruze has an agreeable but undistinquished exterior design. It's on the bland side when compared to sportier-looking competitors such as the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.
Acceleration and Power: Some drivers found the Cruze's acceleration and overall power to be lacking, especially when compared to competitors in the compact car segment.
Noise Levels: Some owners noted that the cabin could be noisy, especially at higher speeds, impacting overall driving comfort.
Quality of Interior Materials: While the interior design was praised, some critics mentioned that the quality of materials used in the cabin might not be as high as in some competing models.
Rivals At The Time:
This particular segment is especially crowded with strong rivals. Others perhaps worthy of consideration would include the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Elantra, the Mazda3, the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Jetta.
2013 Chevy Cruze Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
It's important to note that the prevalence and severity of the issues below can vary among individual vehicles, and not all owners experienced these problems. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can contribute to the longevity and reliability of any individual vehicle.
Turbocharger and Engine Issues: Some owners reported problems with the turbocharger and engine components, including issues with the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system. This could lead to oil leaks and potential engine damage.
Transmission Issues: There were reports of transmission-related problems, such as rough shifting, slipping, and failure to engage gears.
Electrical Problems: Owners reported various electrical issues, including problems with the power windows, lights, and the infotainment system. Electrical problems can be challenging to diagnose and repair.
Coolant Leaks: Instances of coolant leaks were reported, and this could lead to overheating and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Brake Problems: Some owners mentioned issues with the brake system, including premature wear on brake pads and problems with the brake master cylinder.
Air Conditioning Issues: Complaints about problems with the air conditioning system were reported, including issues with inadequate cooling and potential refrigerant leaks.