First arriving in 2008, the Chevy Cruze was a big deal. Not only was it the direct replacement for the Chevy Cobalt also-ran, but it also was to turn GM’s luck around in the then-burgeoning mainstream compact car space. Cruze production ended roughly a decade later in the U.S. and Mexico in 2019.
The GM Lordstown assembly plant that produced the vehicle for the U.S. and Canada was shuttered and eventually sold to Lordstown Motors, while the GM Ramos Arizpe plant that made it for Mexico and some South American markets was switched over to produce the 2019 and newer Chevy Blazer crossover. GM subsequently went on to discontinue to the Cruze in almost all other markets where it was offered, including South Korea, China, Europe, and Australia – where it was sold as the Holden Cruze. Interestingly, while the Chevy Cruze is no longer available in the U.S., it’s still available in three international markets.
At present, the Chevy Cruze is made at one plant – the GM Alvear plant in Argentina. It’s officially sold in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
GM actually used the Chevy Cruze name prior to the release of the first-generation four-door sedan that launched in 2008; the nameplate was originally applied to a five-door hatchback based on the Suzuki Ignis. The Cruze name was later used for a new globally designed, developed, and manufactured four-door sedan, and was given the J300 designation internally at GM.
The start of Chevy Cruze production in Ohio was marked by statements from Mark Reuss, who at the time served as president of GM’s North American division. Under the body panels, the first-gen Chevy Cruze was based on the front-wheel drive GM Delta II platform. GM’s international talent played a significant role in the vehicle’s development, including GM Daewoo in South Korea, as well as the GM Opel division in Germany, itself sold off to PSA Peugeot-Citroen in 2017.
The vehicle went on to be sold as a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and five-door wagon, cradling a series of gasoline- and diesel-powered engines. GM introduced a refresh for the Chevy Cruze in 2012, while in the U.S., the refreshed North American Chevy Cruze was shown at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.
The second-generation Chevy Cruze hit the North American market for the 2016 model year, with the four-door sedan being joined by a five-door hatchback model for the first time in the U.S. Under the skin, the second-gen Chevy Cruze rides on the D2XX platform, cradling the turbocharged 1.4L I4 LE2 gasoline engine. A refresh was introduced for 2019.
Production of the second-gen Chevy Cruze ended in South Korea in 2018, and in North America in 2019. Production ended in China in 2020. Though the future doesn’t look all that bright for the Cruze, GM now fields some of the best-selling vehicles in the South American region with the Onix and Tracker, with the former effectively negativing the need for the Cruze.
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Comments
Nice little car. Another in a long line of GM vehicles that were made “right” after years of trying, then were unceremoniously dropped from the market. This… coming from a lifelong GM fan.
Our 2012 Cruze Eco never seemed to have the problems others reported. Always 40-45 mpg on the highway and close to 30 in town. The drivers side was just to cramped for any kind of comfort on long trips.
The Cruze was a well liked car. When GM finally had a great product, they over optioned it over pricing it and slowly pushed it aside.
GM was saved in 2009 by taxpayers. Sadly enough GM and Mary Barra did not honor obligations to continue operations at GM Lordstown even they kept a great portion of tax incentives.
Another blunder from Barra was dropping this car that could be optioned to get 50 MPG.
Could not agree more, we had several Cavaliers , Cobalts ( SS sedan) and several Cruzes. We bought a 2011 LTZ RS with leather and sunroof That my wife still drives today . Its never been winter driven , we have several other GM vehicles , a 2016 Colorado pickup 4rd, Z71 and a 2020 equinox midnight 2.0l AWD .
The Cruze has 36,000 k and looks and drives like new, original black paint, no rust and in great condition.
At work I drive occasionally a 2022 Nissan Sentra. Its amazing how close these 2 feel , especially considering the Cruze is 12 years old. We will never part with our Cruze, as its the last compact ICS sedan that Chevy has produced in NA and is still very good car.
Shame GM never kept refining and updating these cars. The 2016 refresh cheapened the car as they tried to reduce costs. However the 5 dr was a great addition.
We almost traded the Cruse for a new 2016 Premier RS, and also considered the Verano, but as we were ready to buy GM cancelled the Verano, so decided to keep our Cruze, and glad we did.
GM is hoping current Cruze owners will consider the new Trax as a replacement. The Trax is a more roomy and practical vehicle at a good price. That said people still want a compact sedan that is attractive affordable and with low cost of ownership.
I have a 2014 cruze and I love it. Great handling and great gas mileage. Aside from the thermostat I’ve replaced twice, it’s been a great car for me. Wish they’d bring it back after correction to the thermostat issue.
I had a 1st Generation 2013 Cruze, and currently own a 2nd Generation 2017 Cruze. The 2017 is without a doubt, the best, most reliable GM product I’ve ever owned, and I’ve only owned GM vehicles in my lifetime (I’m 49). The 2017 currently has 83,000 miles. Other than oil changes, the only items I’ve replaced are the tires, at 60,000 miles. The original brake pads still have minimal wear, and no pulsation on the rotors. This is a quality car! I get well over 40mpg on the highway, on summer blend fuel. Chevrolet no longer makes a vehicle that matches this type of value, blended with fuel economy. The new Trax is attractive, and well-equipped, but falls well short of the Cruze in fuel economy. I plan to keep this car to around 120,000 miles. But with nothing in the GM stable as a direct replacement, I don’t know what my next purchase will be. I don’t want an import. I don’t want an EV.
I like my Cruze except for the very annoying start-stop feature. I have to go to low gear and click it up to L6 to disable it.
I had the great pleasure of owning 3 beautiful cruzes. When 7you higher ups stopped production- then had to take a Traxx in its place. Nice vehicle but too large for an old lady! I was hoping you would see the light and bring my Cruze back. Wanted a Chevy but now it is looking like I’m going to have to settle for a Toyota (yuk)