2012 Chevy Cruze: Two Year Review and First Car Thoughts

"Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available" (whoistheleader2)
07/17/2020 at 19:30 • Filed to: Chevy Cruze, Review

I bought my 2012 Chevy Cruze two years ago today. It had only 102,000 miles on it and I paid just $4,900 for it. Almost exactly 20,000 miles later, I do not regret my decision.

The first time I saw it, I was blown away by the beautiful autumn metallic paint, the futuristic Bluetooth calling, and the overall excellent condition. No other car I looked at could compare to it. Keep in mind this was my FIRST CAR! The big one! The thing I’d been looking forward to for YEARS! It blew my expectations out of the water. Just the fact that the doors automatically locked when in drive seemed impossibly futuristic to me. I never imagined such a cheap car would have such techy features as to allow me to set the startup radio volume.

You may recall I have done a review of this car before, which can be found here. It really focuses on the technical aspects but I have learned quite a lot more about it since then.

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How can you quantify the magical experience of your first car? This car took me places I never could have imagined to make new friends I never expected to make, all without giving me much trouble at all. Here’s what I’ve done in 20,000 miles:

Routine maintenance including oil and filter changes, tire rotations, etc

Replaced a wheel bearing and lug nuts after a mechanic improperly tightened them, which ended up with the wheel nearly falling off.

Thermostat

Water pump

How can you ask for more from a sub $5,000 car? This is the car I learned how to love to drive in. And for that it will never be forgotten.

This car is defined by what you do in and around it; what you drive to defines your ownership. The joy may be in the journey, but the car doesn’t try to steal the show.

Pleasantly precise and unexpectedly weighty steering directs the car in the direction you point it. It holds corners pretty well, which is fortunate because you won’t be accelerating back up to speed anytime quickly.

My LS trim car was equipped with a 1.8 liter naturally aspirated engine making 136 apathetic horses. It is a fun balance of slow car fast and getting out of its own way. The only thing planting your foot to the floor does is adjust the noise the engine makes. It’ll get up to speed when it gets up to speed.

The gearing does help with hiding its slowness until later in the power band. Although the 6 speed automatic isn’t known for being particularly durable and hasn’t been the smoothest at low speeds, it manages the power fairly well without being too indecisive. A manual would make it so much more fun though. The semi-auto mode does have more tactile feedback than most others I’ve used, which means it is fun to help it hold a gear in the twisties.

The exterior is actually quite attractive, especially in this particularly fetching shade of orangish red. The pronounced rounding of the roof is distinctive and functional, leaving plenty of headroom. The taillight shape is especially good looking from this three quarters view. Many might disparage the black plastic fake window and they are right to do so. It still looks and feels like a more expensive car than it is and has pleasing, deliberate proportions.

The interior is where the design really shines. The tan on black motif is very attractive and every material that meets your hand is much higher quality than you would expect. The steering while itself is a pleasingly tactile textured rubber and the dash and door accent pieces are soft touch materials. The head unit has an attractive display despite low pixel density and all the controls are logical, easy to locate and use.

It is not without its quirks however.

There is only one lock/unlock button inside the car and it is located on the center stack. Tugging twice on a door handle will unlock a door.

The trunk does not have an interior trunk release and can only be opened from the outside or by the key fob when not in the ignition.

There is no range or gas tank capacity readout despite a fairly advanced computer system, a seemingly unacceptable omission.

The MPG counter is hilariously inaccurate

The quirks are balanced out by the many features however.

Bluetooth calling, though not compatible with music streaming

5 star crash safety rating including 5 stars on the small front overlap crash test

A surprisingly large trunk

Spacious back seat for its class

One aux port, one USB port, and two cigarette lighters, good for a 2012 model

And more that I can’t remember right now.

A beacon in a sea of automotive uncertainty

Do I regret buying this car? Of course not. It has been nothing but good to me through an immensely stressful part of my life and for that I am forever grateful. Never could I imagine I could have so much fun with such practicality. It’s no Miata, but it’s no appliance either. Isn’t that what I wanted after all?

Just a cheap, practical, fun, reliable car that can do everything without boring your socks off. They told me it couldn’t be done, but all I really needed was the right expectations so that I could truly enjoy my little red sedan.

So, should you buy one? As long as it doesn’t have the 1.4 liter engine, yes. It is one of the best values on the used market right now, a real hidden gem for the bargain seekers. You won’t regret it.

DISCUSSION (34)

dogisbadob > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 11:36

cool color

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 11:37

Great review! Be glad you have the NA engine and not the 1.4 turbo which is known for being an absolute pile of trash.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI
07/17/2020 at 11:42

Too bad mine is saddled with the fragile automatic. In 1.8 6 speed combo, these would outlast us all. Most are 1.4 autos, which aren’t a combination prone to longevity.

It has been nothing but good to me so far. The automatic still works well, though I really should get around to that partial fluid flush.

feather-throttle-not-hair > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 12:13

As a 38 year old, I have many memories of GM saying “oh just you wait. THIS time we’re going to build a small car that DOESNT suck!” And from what I can tell, they were lying every single time until they finally got to the Chevy Cruze.

So congrats on jumping on the GM small car in what can only be described as the best possible time (you got it for cheap AND it was still new enough to be relatively hassle free!)

You never forget your first car, I’m glad you’re showing it some love with this post.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > feather-throttle-not-hair
07/17/2020 at 12:19

Thank you. I wouldn’t credit GM for too much. They still let Daewoo have free reign, but then they told Opel to go and polish it off with some good powertrains. This time it was Opel that messed it up and Daewoo that did right.

Somehow though, they managed to make what I think was the was most competitive small car GM ever made. I have never actually run out of space in it, even with 5 people and their baggage, and it is reasonably fun to drive despite not having any sporting pretensions. The later Cruze hatch was pretty good but the competition got better faster. Plus that car’s interior isn’t as colorful.

Even the crappiest first car is a liberating experience. In my case, I just seriously scored with a car that pretty much does it all. Plus, I like the color. It is a high bar that my car has set, both from a reliability, fun, and practicality standpoint.

fintail > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 12:32

My sister’s Sonic was this color, or something very close, I think. Bluetooth was a big deal to her then (also 2012) on a cheap car bought on the cusp of a divorce because her Focus was getting miled up and she was leery of it.

She kept the Sonic for 5 years, no issues at all other than a window that broke (as in shattered) randomly when the car was nearly new. After remarrying and acquiring a couple dogs, she wanted something bigger, so it was ditched in favor of a Suburban LTZ - the opposite end of the Chevy realm.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > fintail
07/17/2020 at 12:52

Wow, that really is quite the extreme shift. Sounds like she bought it under similar circumstances. I doubt it was the same color since I’ve only seen it on the Cruze, but they did have some brighter reds on the Sonic. I’m surprised, since lots of smaller cars have good cargo capacity, enough for a dog crate or two, and maintain some of that maneuverability. The Kia Soul springs to mind, though staying within GM for that category would be tough.

The thing about the Cruze is that it not only attracted buyers from both the compact and mid sized segments by sort of straddling the line, but it was designed to appeal to people whose gas guzzlers were costing them during the 2008 financial collapse. It was just a very pleasant car that didn’t feel like a punishment coming from a much larger one. It came at exactly the right time.

fintail > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 14:26

Maybe was a shade brighter, but I can’t be certain. Seemed to always look shiny though, and she’s not meticulous when it comes to cosmetic maintenance. One of their dogs is an Irish Wolfhound, so a normal car doesn’t work well. Funny thing, she now dislikes the Suburban because it has the maneuverability of a house (no kidding) , so she drives his sentimental old Tribeca and he takes the Suburban.

I haven’t heard anything bad about the Cruze. I also see the ROW model in Russian dashcam videos a lot - if it can take that environment, it is probably fairly rugged, too.

BeaterGT > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 19:39

My ex had one of these with the 6 speed. Pretty vague little car but could still chirp second which surprised me. I wouldn’t mind one for DD duties. I like the green they offered.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > BeaterGT
07/17/2020 at 19:45

In first gear, there is nothing. Second is where the power comes on. Well, “power.” The auto doesn’t like foot to the floor.

That green is indeed a very fine color. That deep blue is also pretty tempting. Steering might be much slower than expected but it never felt vague to me. Just weighty. It’s not some overboosted disconnected feel like Honda went for at the time.

Danny Korecki > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 19:49

Thanks for sharing your car story.

I ain’t going to lie. Back in 2013-ish when I was buying my first car I was thinking of getting a new Cruze RS.

(I eventually “settled on a Camaro SS, but that is because I was living on the edge.)

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Danny Korecki
07/17/2020 at 20:02

The Cruze is just a car that is the best car for the most circumstances. It ain’t boring either, though you lucked out by skipping it, since the RS had the troublesome 1.4 liter engine. The Camaro would have been a much more reliable car. With mine, the fun sucking automatic and its not so stellar reputation for durability is the only reason I’d ever consider selling this car anytime soon . It really is just that good all around.

I think this photo sums up my experience pretty well. Gas and oil is all I’ve done.

Kinja'd!!!

BeaterGT > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 20:03

Yea, that could just be my inexperience with electric power steering cars. Worlds apart from a C5 Z06 I was driving at the time...

Agreed about the deep Blue, really liked that one as well. Always wished they did hot hatch rally things with the hatches but one can dream.

Jim Spanfeller > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 20:03

“ I bought my 2012 Chevy Cruze GEOFF two years ago today. It had only 102,000 miles on it and I paid just $4,900 for it. Almost exactly 20,000 miles later, I do not regret my decision.”

FIFY.

Also, this has inspired me to do a review of Phoebe... you know, once she’s running again...

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > BeaterGT
07/17/2020 at 20:09

North America never got the first gen hatch, which was admittedly not the best looking. Too bad they never gave us a proper hot version of the Cruze. A V6 Cruze SS would have really been something!

Electric power steering is a whole different ball game but it really is quite good for an early system. Of course I’ve also gotten used to it. All I’d say on the matter is that is weighty but precise. Have you driven a contemporary Civic? It’s like the wheel isn’t attached at all. Neither are a C5 for sure, but not everyone wants direct sporty steering.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jim Spanfeller
07/17/2020 at 20:11

Glad I could inspire. Wait, that sounds really weird. Geoff did all the work anyways. Phoebe deserves a proper Oppo introduction, which I don’t think she ever got. It was more of, “ wait, I think this guy is dailying a H under Birb, but I’m not sure.”

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 20:13

Great write -up! :D

Are you planning on replacing the Cruze? I’m hoping to keep Humdrum as long as I can! I’m also a strong proponent of the whole ‘a car is what you make it’ thing...any car can mean something, even one as ‘everyday’ as your Cruze and my Accent. Glad it’s treated you well! :)

BeaterGT > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/17/2020 at 20:19

Ah, interesting about the hatch. Didn't know that. Probably been ten years since I’ve driven a Civic buuuuut it sounds like I'd hate it.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > BeaterGT
07/17/2020 at 21:00

That Civic is like a spacey sensory deprivation pod of the future. I can’t say I would want to own one that wasn’t an SI. Different preferences.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
07/17/2020 at 21:06

I could not agree more. I have a practical compact sedan but I have made it fun. No mods needed. . . yet. I just appreciate how good it is at what it does and enjoy it as such.

Long term I don’t plan on keeping it. I wo n’t have to have a practical four door for quite a while so I want to go ahead and enjoy that while I can.

I’ve been seriously considering used Miatas and Minis. I have been talking and my graduation present might be a little monetary help once I sell it. That won’t be for maybe another month before I really look into it too much, but I wouldn’t expect to still own it by the end of the year. It's not particularly important and I'd be happy waiting another year, I'd just be happier in a Mini or Miata. Gotta read up some more on those.

Jim Spanfeller > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/18/2020 at 00:16

I did actually write an introduction post for Phoebe, though it didn’t really talk about the car much, just the story of how I got the car: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/this-is-phoebe-my-66-t-bird-1840287876 So I think a more in-depth post on Phoebe would be good.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Jim Spanfeller
07/18/2020 at 00:20

No mention of her name there. How and when did that come about?

Jim Spanfeller > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/18/2020 at 00:27

She’s named after Phoebe from the TV show “Friends”, because that character and my car struck me as having similar personalities. They’re both a bit quirky and odd, but in a charming and fun way. I decided on that name shortly after buying the car, and it stuck. It just feels right.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/18/2020 at 07:18

Might want to ask around on Oppo re: Minis....folks around here haven’t all had much like with them reliability-wise lately.

I think the Miata would be the better choice in that regard, personally, though less practical ! If you could find one with a hardtop, that’d be nice for using year-round...though those are fairly rare! Though you could go for an NC with a retractable hardtop? Might be costly though...

Popwar > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/18/2020 at 07:58

Bought my 201 2 in 2016 for $5,100 with 64,000 miles and it had a rebuilt title. 4 years and 200,000 miles later it still runs and drives great. I’ve driven across country coast to coast multiple times and it stays reliable. I've got my money's worth.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
07/18/2020 at 09:14

Miatas, especially during the summer, cost more. The Cooper S has a few good years, of which the second generation had less than the first. I think The convertible and RWD aspect might appeal to me more but I just don't know. I'll definitely put a post out asking Oppo.

Taylor Martin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/18/2020 at 14:35

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Anyones car can be defined like this, because a car sitting on the street may not be as special to someone passing it by as it might be to the owner. Even if it’s a Chevy classic or a lowered JDM car, it’s one thing to look at it, it’s a whole other thing to own it, and it can super special to the driver. I’m with you in the sense that first car = special car. I have no foreseeable plans to let my Acura go until it’s 1.) beyond repair or 2.) beyond expensive, neither of which are coming soon.

I’m glad this car has brought you good fortune. My roommate hasn’t had the same luck with is 2014 Cruze, particularly because it’s an oddball 2.0L diesel engined Cruze. The alternator went out recently, leaving the car stationary in our apartment complex for a while. Now he has to get his oil changed and it requires a really specific oil filter to do so, and the place he takes it for oil changes is making him buy it . In short, it’s been a royal mechanical pain in his rear.

Keep having awesome adventures with this car man, I think it’s fantastic this is your first car , and I hope it continues to serve you well .

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin
07/18/2020 at 15:22

Than k you. It will always have a special place in my heart, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I had a different car by the end o f the year. The only reason I would sell it would be to get a more fun car and it is looking like that might happen.

The diesels were pretty uncommon though I didn't know they were unreliable. Surely they aren't as bad as the nightmarish 1.4. I've got the 1.8 which makes the exact same HP.

Taylor Martin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/18/2020 at 15:47

Oh, what fun are are you thinking of replacing this one with? Also I’ve only heard my roommates complaints about the car, it’s just a real hassle for him.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin
07/18/2020 at 16:13

Yeah, I got real lucky because not only does my car have my favorite factory color combo, two tone tan and black interior with autumn metallic and chrome window trim, but I got the only reliable engine. If only it had the 6 speed. . . though I wouldn’t have bought it originally if it had.

It is basically down to Cooper S or a Miata. My budget will fluctuate and prices for Miatas rise in the summer. Why you would want to drive a convertible with the top down in 95 degree weather I don’t know. I prefer topless night driving.

Taylor Martin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/18/2020 at 16:29

That is a lovely interior combo, wickedly cool. As for your fun replacements, both of them are fantastic. My dad drove a manual Cooper when I was a kid and I loved it. He named it Hobbes after Calvin and Hobbes, his favorite comic strip to this day. I wish I got the chance to drive it, but he got rid of it long before I was able to drive.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin
07/18/2020 at 16:33

Owning a Cooper S was a dream of mine since I first saw one. I just love the things. But Miata is always the answer! I also can’t drive stick yet so I can’t even test drive any of them myself. I have a conundrum . I don’t know which one I would like better.

I think my irrational love of colorful vehicles gives the Cooper an edge, which is much easier to find in delightful shades of blue, green, etc. But I also love window down driving so the Miata’s folding top makes it awfully appealing. I’m stuck.

Taylor Martin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
07/18/2020 at 18:03

Driving stick is on my to do list too. I can do it, but only just. It just takes time and practice and owning a car to practice on is ideal (or mooching off a friend which is how I usually did it). My next car will likely be a practical, cheap, used, manual transmission car. Heck, I may even buy a $ 500 hunk of junk and just learn to drive manual off of it and fix whatever I can with what little knowledge I have. It’d be a great learners car.

Mini still has some rocking colors, racing green being one of my all time favorite shades, and it also has stripes which make cars faster. B ut I’m with you, convertibles are cool. At the end of the day, at least for me, it’d come down to practicality. Can my car be fun and do stuff, or can it only be fun. That’s yours to decide.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin
07/18/2020 at 18:24

I appreciate the input. It may come down to whatever I can get a good deal on. My cars amazing color combo has spoiled me and most NBs are silver, my least favorite color.