Chevrolet has made steady but slow progress on improving its small cars over the last decade. On paper, the Cruze looks like the most competitive small car GM has produced to date. The Cruze is larger than the Cobalt sedan with a more stylish exterior and interior. Powertrain choices center around smaller displacement 1.4l and 1.8l four cylinder engines and include six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The Cruze ECO model equipped with a manual transmission is rated at 42MPG on the highway by the EPA. All other models are rated in the mid-thirties. Like other entry-level models, the Cruze cuts corners by including drum brakes in the rear and using steel rims in place of alloy wheels. As you climb the trim levels and options, the Cruze is priced competitively with its Japanese rivals. At $21,000, the 2LT is the best value with leather seats, disc brakes and common power equipment.

The Cruze adds a diesel model powered by a 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder diesel rated at 151-bhp and 264 lb.-ft. of torque.