One of the leaders of the middle price category, very popular in domestic market and succeeded the Lacetti, the Chevrolet Cruze remains to this day at the tip of the iceberg. The car first appeared in Russia in 2009, and its production was launched at General Motors plants in the city of Shushary, Leningrad Region, and at Avtotor in Kaliningrad.
Initially, the car was presented only in a sedan, but after 2 years it was released and 5 door hatchback. As for the long-awaited appearance of the station wagon, its sales began only in the second half of 2012, so it took almost 4 years for the “formation” of the model. It is worth noting that during the years of mass production of Cruz, the car underwent two restylings in 2012 and 2014, during which the shape of the front bumper, radiator grille, PTF and optics changed.
From the very beginning of sales in Russia, the car was equipped with gasoline atmospheric engines, with a working volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters, a rated power of 109, 124 and 141 hp. But in 2013, a turbocharged engine with a volume of 1.4 liters, issuing 140 “horses”, replenished the line of engines.
At the choice of the buyer, two types of transmission are traditionally available, 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions and a conventional torque converter automatic with 6 speeds.
As for the chassis and suspension, it's no secret that chevrolet cruze shares one platform with Opel Astra J for two. At the front of the car, the technology of a swinging rack or, in other words, MacPherson, is used, while at the back there is an elastic dependent H-beam.
If we compare with competitors, then most classmates, in the back of the car, use independent suspension on wishbones. Why designers chose this decision is still not clear, but the fact that simplicity only added reliability to the car remains clear.
The main problems that the Chevrolet Cruze has
Overview of shortcomings in power plants
The base engine F16D3 with a volume of 1.6 liters, 109 hp, is well known to the owners of the Chevrolet Lacetti, Deo Nexia and some Opel models. The resource of the engine itself quite high and often reaches the mark of 400-450 thousand kilometers without major repairs.
Here are the following weak spots
Gasket leak valve cover. This malfunction begins at about a mileage of 70-80 t.km. Presumably it occurs due to the fact that the air pressure in the crankcase increases, and the air recirculation valve gradually begins to clog, which breaks the gasket.
Oil seal leak crankshaft. Approximately at around 150 thousand kilometers, oil smudges may appear. It is recommended to change the oil seals during the scheduled replacement of the clutch and timing belt.
The "life" of hydraulic lifters rarely exceeds 200 thousand km. Their malfunction can be understood by the characteristic rustle of the engine when cold.
Ecotec F16D4 and F18D4 engines (1.6 and 1.8 displacement) have one common disadvantage, with couplings changes in valve timing. As well as on the Opel Astra, they do not often take care of more than 100 thousand mileage.
Electronic thermostat in the cooling system, children's sore still uncured to this day. In his work, failures are not uncommon, as well as incorrect operation of the temperature sensor, as a result of which the fan either constantly works or does not turn on at all. The thermostat sealing ring itself also does not shine with reliability, antifreeze smudges can appear already at a run of 15 thousand.
External body elements
As with most budget chevrolet cars, paintwork remains not the High Quality. Its average thickness is about 80-120 microns, while the coating itself is soft and poorly resists road gravel and sand. First of all, chips appear on the hood, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe radiator grille and front bumper. A little later, the paint peels off in the area wheel arches, usually the first traces appear by a run of 80-100 thousand km. The only consolation is that the body has anti-corrosion treatment, and the traces of chips do not grow rust for a long time.
Clip-on bumper aprons are not a standard of reliability. At the slightest contact with the bumper on an external barrier, it immediately flies from its regular place.
Transmission, chassis, suspension
As already mentioned above, the suspension of the rear of the car is not satisfactory, but in the front it was not without a fly in the ointment. The rear silent blocks of levers are broken on a run of about 80-100 thousand km.
A big plus is that in order to replace them, it is not necessary to buy the entire lever assembly, like many competitors in the class. Only the hinge itself is enough, and they change without any problems, at any service station.
Mechanical 5-speed transmission D16, has good reliability with timely maintenance. The main weak point is oil seal leak in the places of fastening of CV joints. smudges transmission oil can come already to 60-70 thousand kilometers. The shaft seal in the clutch housing, it is better to change every 100-120 thousand, otherwise a fluid leak can damage the friction disc.
The 6T30 / 6T40 automatic transmission is famous for its capriciousness and fragility. A rare case when cars were operated without repair for more than 120 thousand km. The leakage of seals, here, as elsewhere, remains commonplace. Some experts in the field of car repair, not without reason called her "snot".
Interior space
The quality of finishing and wear resistance of interior materials in the Chevrolet Cruze does not cause strong complaints. Weak side, can only be called leather braid steering wheel and gearshift lever, which will climb after 1-2 years of using the car. It is important to note that this material is very afraid of water, and from the ingress of moisture, the paint begins to immediately stain the driver's hands.
The sidewall at the front seats becomes shabby in the area of the seat belt latch, approximately to a run of 100 thousand kilometers. By cars after a taxi or with high mileage, you can see a hole in this place.
Crickets and squeaks are no exception for this Chevrolet model. Many owners complain about this problem, literally immediately after buying a car. The main trouble here lies in door cards and center console, gluing special materials, sometimes allows you to get rid of discomfort.
Conclusion
Chevrolet Cruze has a stable popularity in the Russian market, even despite the fact that active sales of new GM cars were suspended in 2015. When buying a used car, experts recommend making a choice in favor of complete sets with a manual gearbox and an F18D4 engine, considering this option the most reliable and unpretentious.
He was very popular with Russians. Low cost, three body types, a spacious interior by the standards of the class did their job.
Body and electrical
The body is galvanized and successfully resists corrosion. But the paintwork is not the most resistant. Already by 30–40 thousand kilometers, the surface may be damaged big amount chips. Even a small stone is enough to break through the paintwork and reach the ground. A thin metal favors getting dents even from light contacts.
The interior is also not durable. Seat upholstery fabric is losing presentable appearance after two years of ownership. At the same time, “crickets” settle in the salon. One of the main weaknesses can be called the trunk release button, which often fails after the first winters. Of course, then the trunk can also be opened with the button on the key. But it’s better not to delay the repair or replacement, because a broken “opener” can completely discharge a healthy battery, and you simply won’t be able to start the car.
There are questions about the efficiency of the heating system - freezing and fogging of the front windows is quite common. Like water on the front right passenger's mat. The air conditioning drain pipe runs right under the front panel, and if it jumps off or clogs the drain hole, water immediately goes into the cabin.
Engine
Many Cruises are equipped with the good old 1.6-liter F16D3 unit, known from the Lacetti and Aveo. The engine is quite unpretentious and reliable. Without intervention, he calmly nurses 250-300 thousand kilometers. At this run, as a rule, all repairs come down to replacing valve stem seals. When choosing a car with such a motor, it is better to immediately, for prevention, replace the timing belt. According to the regulations, he nurses 60 thousand kilometers, and in the event of a break, the valves will inevitably bend. Then an expensive repair is guaranteed. On other engines, the belt changes every 150 thousand kilometers, but for peace of mind this interval should be reduced to 100 thousand.
It is worth listening to the operation of the motor. Many instances sin extraneous noise, which is the culprit tension roller timing belt, pulling the belt too tight. Moreover, on the same engine, the Lacetti did not have such problems. Cruz has modified the tensioner pulley, the spring rate has been increased. Therefore, many owners either put a roller from the Lacetti, or manually loosen the spring. Hassle throws up and clogged valve USR systems, which inevitably leads to increased consumption fuel. If you do not really care about the environment, instead of repairing the system, you can programmatically disable it. Also check if the lambda probe has changed. It can be safely attributed to consumables, because there are frequent cases of breakdown even during the warranty period.
There are many cars with engines of the Ecotec series with a working volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters (indexes F16D4 and F18D4, respectively), which are also found on many Opels. In cars of the first years of production, problems are not uncommon with the CVCP valve timing system, which is very sensitive to the condition of the lubrication system and the level engine oil. Due to oil starvation breakage of mechanism gears due to shock loads is a common thing. At the end of 2009, the problem was eliminated by installing reinforced elements of the system. And in 2011, a slightly modified version of the F16D4 with 124 hp appeared. (the increase was 10 hp).
We also meet cars with a 1.4-liter supercharged engine, familiar from Opel Astra J. But there are few such copies on the market. As well as diesel modifications.
Transmission
As a gearbox on the Chevrolet Cruze, a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic was used. For mechanical box characteristic appearing after 70-80 thousand kilometers of twitching during the transition from first to second gear. The reason for this is the failure of the clutch disc due to a violation of the geometry of the damper springs, which is associated with a factory miscalculation. Many owners, when symptoms appeared, changed their native clutch to non-original counterparts, and the problem disappeared. Still mechanics are prone to gear oil incontinence. Oil seals can leak after 20-25 thousand kilometers. Therefore, be sure to inspect the copy you like for smudges.
The proven 6-speed 6-speed hydromechanics 6T30 was used as an automatic box on Cruise. Among the six-steps, this is perhaps one of the most reliable transmissions. However, she has weaknesses. Be sure to go to the test drive higher gears. After 150-160 thousand kilometers, some cars may experience dips when switching between fourth, fifth and sixth gears. Sometimes the higher levels can even be “lost”. This is due to worn channels in the valve body. An expensive node can be repaired, but even in this case, the costs will be huge. Therefore, for prevention, it is worth changing the oil more often, and in this case, the transmission will last a long time.
Chassis
Chevrolet Cruze is built on the Delta II global platform, which it shares with Opel Astra J and Chevrolet Aveo. Therefore, not only aggregates, but also chassis with her problems. Most (if not all) cars suffer from front end knock. brake calipers. It is caused by the backlash of the guide fingers. Replacing if it helps, then not for long. by the most effective way the fight will be applied to the guides thick grease. Although this will only be a temporary solution. Another weak link brake system - rapid wear front brake discs made of not the highest quality metal. They may require replacement by 30 thousand kilometers.
Brake calipers are not the only source of extraneous sounds in the chassis. Shock absorbers are also talkative, both front and rear. This is due to the design miscalculation of bypass valves. On health unpleasant sound doesn't affect it at all. The problem is primarily characteristic of pre-styling cars. But Cruz did not get rid of the knock of the front stabilizer struts. Thrust bearings more reliable, but some cars have cases of their premature exit out of service.
The steering does not have outstanding reliability for the class, but up to 100 thousand kilometers there is nothing to worry about. The main thing is to listen to the operation of the power steering pump. His bearings turned out to be weak, which is why a characteristic hum and micro-wedging appear. As a result, the already not the most productive unit creates insufficient pressure in the system, which can lead to premature wear steering rack. The situation is aggravated by pipelines of complex shape, which also do not contribute to reliable oil circulation.
Despite the list characteristic sores, Chevrolet Cruze cannot be called a capricious car. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive to repair and maintain. No wonder Cruz has become popular with taxi drivers. So when choosing a car, beware of cars with an opaque service history. Chances are high that you can run into a battered taxi with twisted mileage.
Average market value of Chevrolet Cruze depending on the year of manufacture
| Year of issue | Price range, rub. |
| 315 000 - 440 000 |
|
| 320 000 - 465 000 |
|
| 335 000 - 510 000 |
|
| 360 000 - 600 000 |
|
| 400 000 - 680 000 |
|
| 465 000 - 720 000 |
|
| 550 000 - 800 000 |
Today on secondary market a huge number of offers of a used Chevrolet Cruze, and this is far from due to the fact that they want to get rid of this car - on the contrary, the car has established itself as a very good value for money, so the number of Cruzes in our country today is in the hundreds of thousands. But is it worth buying a Chevrolet Cruze and how to choose the right model to buy?
Cruze's paintwork is not too durable. But many cars find chips and scratches without difficulty. However, this problem characteristic of almost all modern cars, and Cruz's guilt here is like a stonemason's fault for having calluses on his hands. There are complaints about the chrome finish. Over time, she loses her initially attractive appearance. The same picture can be observed in the cabin of the first generation Cruze. The leather on the steering wheel, for example, begins to peel off after 20-30 thousand kilometers. The leather on the seats lasts a little longer. Usually it loses its presentation after 60-70 thousand kilometers. Not without claims to another weak point of Cruz - salon plastic. Not only does it scratch very easily, it also begins to creak over time. But again, this problem is typical for most cars.
Do not be lazy to check the work of all before buying electronic systems. Special attention at the same time, pay attention to the operability of the radio and central locking. They have a habit of "failing". There may be problems with the fuel level sensor. His testimony is not always reliable. But otherwise big problems on the electrical side should not be.
The most reliable and unpretentious engine offered for the Chevrolet Cruze is a 1.6-liter gasoline power unit, whose power is 109 Horse power. Most of the claims to him from the owners of the Cruze arise due to the appearance of soot on the valves, as a result of which the latter may hang over time. Another characteristic weakness this engine- oil leak from under the valve cover. Moreover, tightening the lid most often does not solve the problem. Some owners of Cruze with a 1.6-liter engine had a chance to face the fact that when switching the gearbox to neutral, the engine suddenly stalls. Most often, this problem arose when a mileage of 50-60 thousand kilometers was reached. Dealers have not yet figured out the reason for this behavior, although most of them honestly tried to solve the problem by cleaning throttle valve and flashing electronic block engine control.
The 1.8-liter petrol engine (141 horsepower) looks preferable in terms of dynamics, but in terms of reliability it will hardly be better than a less powerful power unit. The main weak point is the intake and exhaust camshaft. Approximately one in three Cruze owner with a 1.8-liter engine knows about them firsthand. Most often, gears fail due to oil starvation or malfunction of the solenoid valve.
Manual gearbox on Cruze problems does not deliver. Only a few owners have already complained that the “mechanics” are too noisy. There are more problems with the "automatic". Often even on cars with low mileage automatic transmission gear shift starts to slip and shift gears with jerks. Fortunately, most often the problem was solved by flashing the electronic control unit of the gearbox. However, with an increase in mileage, it is unlikely that it will be possible to get off so easily.
The Chevrolet Cruze suspension can be called a strong middle peasant in terms of reliability. And the cost of its "consumables" is quite adequate for the class of the car. So the only really disappointing ones are the knocking ones. shock absorber struts. The most amazing thing is that GM is aware that due to bypass valve shock absorbers may start to emit extraneous sounds already after 15-20 thousand kilometers, but they are in no hurry to modify them or change the supplier.
The braking system of the first generation Chevrolet Cruze is reliable. Every 25-30 thousand kilometers it will need to change the front brake pads, and the rear pads will require replacement even after 60 thousand kilometers. At about the same time, it makes sense to replace and brake discs. However, if deep puddles are forced after intensive braking, then the revision of the brake system will have to be carried out much more often. There were cases when the brake discs on the Cruze had to be changed almost every 10 thousand kilometers.
There are weaknesses in the design of the first generation Cruze, but they are far from as many as most competitors. And if you also know about them, periodically carrying out preventive inspection and maintenance of the most capricious nodes, then the Chevrolet Cruze will not present unexpected unpleasant surprises at all. It remains only to find an instance in good condition. Fortunately, there are enough offers on the market.
Verdict
Weak/problematic areas:
- Lacquer coating of medium resistance to external influences
- Weak creaking salon plastic
- Fuel level sensor - often shows false data
Strengths / reliable sides:
- Engines (especially the 1.6-litre version)
- Manual transmission
- Strong suspension
- Brake system
Many cars that appear in the world of technology with great expectations and the belief of manufacturers in a happy future turn out to be obviously raw and unfinished cars with unstable quality. It is about such a proposal of the American Chevrolet brand in the Korean version and the Russian assembly, we'll talk today.
After collecting certain opinions and feedback from Chevrolet Cruze car owners, we decided that this offer has more disadvantages than positive sides. Therefore, today your attention is invited to an anti test drive of the Chevrolet Cruze and a description of the main disadvantages of this car.
Model release history - the first flaws are already here
In 2012, the Korean branch General Motors announced the release of a completely new car, which was supposed to be replaced in model line Chevrolet Lacetti- pretty outdated sedan. It was a sedan in the same class with a rather interesting appearance of the Chevrolet Cruze. As it turned out later, it would be better if the Koreans continued to produce a reliable and beloved all over the world budget car Lacetti.
Cruz's early buyers were victims of beautiful design and a rather striking brand name. Then they did not have the opportunity to read the anti-test drive of the Chevrolet Cruze and determine what weaknesses are in the car. But with a detailed study of the history of preparing the model for release, one could find such weaknesses:
- the car’s equipment was taken from the Hyundai concern, and at the time of the release of the model, the engine was already 10 years old;
- the gearbox also migrated from another Korean concern, and earlier it became famous bad inclusion some transfers;
- the steering and suspension were virtually unchanged since the Lacetti, which meant equally budget-friendly ride quality;
- considering large dimensions car, the manufacturer could offer a larger trunk, and space for rear passengers very little.
Here is the C-class, which the Korean company developed on hastily. This has been the main reason for Chevrolet Cruze sales failures to date. All potential buyers already have access to the list disadvantages of Cruze, because car sales in 2014 fell significantly. Moreover, the cost has become higher, which turned buyers towards other brands.
Let's start with a little photo review:
The most important disadvantages of the Korean Chevrolet Cruze in the Russian assembly
Of course, we cannot throw all the stones at the Korean company's garden. It is worth scolding the assembly, which is produced at the plant in St. Petersburg. Interestingly, in Europe, where the car is delivered directly from Korea, most of these problems are absent in the car.
If you add all the flaws received by the car in the Russian assembly, an incredible number of flaws will be collected. The most common Chevrolet Cruze problems that every second car owner talks about are as follows:
- floating engine speed Idling- a noticeable flaw in the electronics or the unit itself;
- problems with the box - the first gear is engaged with effort on many models;
- incredible backlash of the clutch pedal to the sides;
- poor operation of the buttons for turning on the air conditioner and heated seats;
- terrible fixing of plastic on the front panel.
There is a lot of information that the upper visor above the instrument panel practically disappears and knocks terribly when traveling on branded Russian roads. Such problems simply kill the image of the corporation and make buying a car impossible for an experienced and selective buyer.
It is worth saying that the Chevrolet Cruze showed itself with the most bad side among most foreign cars Korean production. This car is not just old technology and quite modest technical indicators, but also the lack of banal quality that we expect from foreign brands.
Prices and engine - two more disadvantages of the Chevrolet Cruze
In the salon today they will ask you 668 thousand rubles for basic version Chevrolet Cruze. The equipment is relatively good, but the money for this car is simply huge. Hatchback will cost even more. Interestingly, the manufacturer offers a lot additional equipment for immodest money.
The car engine is clearly not worth the money that is asked for it. 1.6 liter power unit with a capacity of 109 horsepower, today it is unable to surprise buyers spoiled by excellent technology. The machine, which is offered 30 thousand rubles more expensive, also does not please with its characteristics. The main disadvantages of the technique are as follows:
- outdated units that are not ways to show good performance;
- increased fuel consumption due to old engine technologies;
- insufficient power, especially for a station wagon;
- high cost of maintenance and repair;
- the reliability of the engine and other components of the Chevrolet Cruze is questionable.
This is how the anti-test drive of the Korean Chevrolet Cruze sedan showed the main shortcomings of this proposal. If you're still willing to go out and buy this car, then the only advantage is the beautiful design - you liked it very much.
Summing up
The anti test drive of the Chevrolet Cruze showed the true shortcomings of this car, which many buyers talk about. However, let's not forget about those hundreds and thousands of drivers who were satisfied with the Korean sedan. It should immediately be noted that the exchange of the old domestic auto on korean cruze would be a great option for the driver.
The Chevrolet Cruze was first released on Russian market in 2008, but to this day, the design of this car remains in trend. It belongs to the C-class. It has in its configurations engines of 1.6 l, 1.8 l, 1.4 l turbo, with boxes: a six-speed automatic, five-speed mechanics. Like all cars, the Chevrolet Cruze has its pros and cons.
Advantages of the Chevrolet Cruze
First of all, this aggressive exterior design. His look is truly excellent. A massive bumper, by the way, protected from below with rubber pads to protect against running into a curb, which, in principle, can be removed if desired, a beautiful shape of the headlights, large lattice radiator - all this gives a presentable look to this car.
Let's take a look at the interior. In the cabin, too, everything is quite worthy, quite decent plastic, not very expensive, but not cheap either. Lots of room ahead. driver's seat adjustable in both vertical and horizontal planes. The steering wheel has a comfortable ergonomic shape, with ledges for the thumbs. It is also adjustable in two planes.
The back of the Chevrolet Cruze is also quite comfortable, your knees will not rest, even if your height is above 180 cm, good review V side glass, there is a comfortable armrest with cup holders, a cigarette lighter. Even in minimum configuration there is an audio system, power accessories, four airbags, and in the LT and LTZ trim levels, the MyLink infotainment system with bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, in addition, a rear-view camera is installed in the maximum configuration.
Seat heating has three levels. There is a capacious glove compartment, which is closed with a key, plus a small glove compartment for small items on top of the panel. The trunk has quite impressive volumes of 413 liters in a hatchback, 450 liters in a sedan, 500 in a station wagon. There is a full size spare tire.
Reliable chassis, taken from Opel Astra G, in front of the MacPherson with hydraulic bearings, though a little expensive to maintain, a reliable beam in the back.
Chevrolet Cruze crash tests showed pretty good safety results, and this is the most important indicator when buying a car.
In addition, quite attractive price - maximum equipment will cost you a little more than one million rubles. And don't forget what kind of C-class car it is.
Now for the cons
Massive bumper overhang lowers ground clearance. In this car, it is only 160 mm. External handles protrude beyond the body and in bad weather immediately splashed with mud, water with sand also flies from under rear wheels right on the bumper. The radiator grill has large cells through which small gravel flies and there is a danger of breaking through the radiator of the air conditioner, it is necessary to install an additional mesh.
The trunk and gas tank hatch can be opened with a key, it is not possible to open it from the passenger compartment. Wash tank stands next to the electronics, there is a chance to fill. Motors, in principle, are reliable, but phase shifters often fail. In addition, the 1.6 liter engine is rather weak for such heavy vehicle and does not give Cruz enough zeal, also this engine has a timing belt instead of a chain.
Chassis, as we have said the road to maintain. Calipers on the front wheels often knock. Let's go to the salon. There are minor shortcomings, but nevertheless we will describe them. The seats do not have lumbar support, which will be uncomfortable in long trips. When folded rear seats it turns out a step, not always convenient. The armrest in front extends, but is not fixed and goes back under the arm. Small rearview mirror.
TO disadvantages of Chevrolet Cruze also applies to the fact that manual transmission doesn't turn on the first time reverse speed. Noise isolation too this car not up to par. Also, Cruz has a weak dipped headlight, an unlit area remains near the car. Single-zone climate control, if you really find fault, after all, the C-class.
The results of the above
In conclusion, we will write that after all this car is in demand in our market and now for a reason. From everything considered, we note that the minuses remain minuses, but much more pluses. Yes, he loses to C-class cars DM, and the Japanese will most likely bypass it, but the Chevrolet Cruze is much more affordable at a price. His bright design, both exterior and interior, and years later can compete with other brands in its class. Yes, perhaps some will find Cruz too simple, but others will say that the simpler, the more reliable.
