Chevy Cruze: "Targeted To Overperform In All Areas"

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

The latest Cruze-hyping video from GM shows the forthcoming compact ripping through a test track, as Vehicle Line Director Chuck Russell waxes eloquent about its engineering and reliability. His point is clear: this new Cruze is a truly global product, in contrast to the America-only Cavalier update that was the Cobalt it replaces. And comparing footage of the Cruze ripping through a slalom to that of a Civic negotiating the same obstacles, one is left with the impression that Russell isn’t just blowing smoke. But then, we knew that already. In his review of the European-spec Cruze, TTAC’s Martin Schwoerer notes:

In contrast to the engine, the Cruze’s ride and handling are perfectly acceptable in the grand scheme of things.

The biggest outstanding question about the Cruze remains: how bad will the 1.8 liter engine be, and how much will you have to pay to upgrade to the all-new, and much-ballyhood 1.4 liter turbocharged engine. Oh yes, and about that reliability: The Chosun Ilbo reports that GM has already recalled the Korean-market, 1.8-equipped Cruze (known as the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere) twice in its first six months on sale. The reason: leaky fuel lines that could cause firey disaster in the case of a wreck. So, we’re glad GM has taken its time rolling the Cruze out stateside, but if you’re considering buying one, you might want to wait a good year after it goes on sale to see if these problems persist… even if the initial reviews justify GM’s considerable hype.


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Pacificpom2 Pacificpom2 on Apr 17, 2010

    If you want to compare the Cruze to something, head to www.drive.com.au click on tips and tricks, then click compare cars. You can put the Cruze up against any car that might be available in the American market, i.e. the Ford Focus and have a look at the details. Note that the prices are in Aussie Dollars but they will be relevant in the comparision

    • OMG_Shoes OMG_Shoes on Apr 17, 2010

      except that the Focus available outside the US/Canada market isn't related to the Focus available in the US/Canada market, so that comparison's up the pipe.

  • Monty Monty on Apr 17, 2010

    I think the Cruze will be considered a success if it's class competitive. At this point GM doesn't have to make it class leading, it just has to be a good solid car that will prove to be durable and reliable. If GM can prove that they can make a great small car, and incrementally improve it (rather than giving up and moving onto the next "home-run") that will be the next step to winning back lost customers. North Americans have bought millions of Cavaliers and Cobalts, and will buy these in the hundreds of thousands; if it's a really good car it will have a snowball effect, rolling up lots of sales for bigger even better GM products. I'm willing to test and judge this car with an open mind as I sense that GM seems to be trying to change course; maybe this is the car that finally delivers on GM's small car promise.

  • Joeaverage Joeaverage on May 11, 2010

    Okay GM you have my attention. Since it is a smallish vehicle let's make some changes so it is even more useful. Make it a five door vehicle. Or a wagon. Then I can haul my family AND/OR some packages. Sell it to me with a stick, no slushbox thank you. Oh, and get rid of that bowtie band across the grille. Or I will. It's ugly. The rest of it is worth a look. You have my attention. I guess since GM is a volume seller and they aim to sell the maximum number of vehicles all the time that there won't be a five door or a wagon and I'll be prowling the Euro brands or Subaru for my next purchase. Good luck to you GM. I expect I STILL won't own a GM product. (I don't buy halo cars, don't buy large SUVs, I don't buy pickup trucks, I don't sedans, I don't buy muscle cars... I do buy sporty hatchbacks, four cylinders, turbos, manual transmissions, small CUVs, I do buy convertibles, good minivans, vehicles that last 200K+ miles, sporty cars/vans/convertibles, EVs, good hybrids, and convertibles. Looking "tough and mean and in-your-face" is low on my priorities while sporty, athletic and lean are high on my priorities). GM seems to do big and bulky really well. Oh well... Good luck to you GM.

  • Akear Akear on May 15, 2010

    Reviews of this car in Europe have been pretty mediocre. Cobalt2 has just arrived folks.

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