If you’ve been eyeing the ECO trim of the recently-launched Chevrolet Cruze, you may have noticed that the vehicle simply can not be equipped with the upgraded 250-watt nine-speaker Pioneer sound system.
According to our sources, The General is working to make the system available in 2012 model-year Cruzen. However, the folks at GM aren’t sure whether it will be possible to bring the system to market for 2011 Cruze ECO models. So, there you have it: Cruze ECO will (very likely) get the upgraded speakers when the 2012 Cruze lineup arrive at dealer lots.
And just in case you’re wondering whether the $445 Pioneer audio is worth it, take it from a fellow Cruze owner that it most definitely is. In fact, I recommend bringing your CD/iPod/Zune/etc. containing your favorite playlist with you to your local Chevy store and comparing the base system to the Pioneer back to back. Trust me when I say that you’ll hear a huge difference.
Will the unavailability of the up-level system cause you to wait another 8-10 months before buying the Cruze of your dreams? Let me know in the comments.
Make the jump to read the GM Authority review of the 2011 Cruze right here.
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Comments
Already got my Cruze Eco and I’m deciding on whether or not it’s worth upgrading the sound… I’ve been driving for a week and I have an average fuel economy of 40.1 mpg (no highway driving, but not stop and go either… Average speed of 39mph.) I’m afraid that by upgrading the audio system I’m going to hurt my fuel economy (by added weight and by increasing load on the alternator). The stock system definitely leaves something to be desired, but nothing sounds better than over 40 mpg…
Congrats on the Cruze Chris! Welcome to the club — I got one in February — a 2LT — pics here.
I have the Pioneers and I’d upgrade the sound in a heartbeat. That stock system isn’t as bad as the stock systems on say a Corolla or Focus… but it does — like you said — leave something to be desired. I don’t think your fuel economy would suffer at all, since the major reason for the ECO’s great numbers is the gearing (on the manual). That said, you’re getting splendid economy! I’m getting 26 average right now in city and highway driving conditions with an average speed of 29 MPH. But I drive mine hard. Were you thinking of getting an aftermarket system?
Whatever I get I would make sure is lightweight… I’m not crazy into booming bass with two 12″ subwoofers in the trunk or anything, but it would be nice to have a little more kick. I’m thinking of going to the dealer to see how the Pioneers sound and going with those if they sound good.
Cool. I’m not into the whole 12″ “blow your effing ear drums out” subs in the trunk. I like refined sound, not bass turned up to 15 so that you can’t hear yourself think.
I wonder if the Pioneer “woofers” would fit in the Cruze that didn’t have them initially… and how involved the install is. Hope they don’t have to wire anything — would hate to see a brand new car cut apart to get some wires through it. Let us know what they say at the dealer!
Do you know the easiest way to proceed on the touch screen of a 2015 Cruze to get to the keyboard screen menu to send a text *when parked ? I can find it by mistake, but never when I want to get to it directly!