Buying a used car is usually a headache. You’re constantly weighing the risk of a blown head gasket against the desire for a modern infotainment screen that doesn’t look like it was pulled from a 1990s arcade cabinet. Most people default to a Civic or a Corolla because they’re "safe." But if you actually look at the data and the drive feel, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT is the sleeper hit that everyone seems to forget about. It’s a weird year, honestly. Chevy actually sold two different versions of the Cruze in 2016—the "Limited" (which was just the old body style) and the "All-New" second-generation model. If you get the new one, you’re getting a car that feels a decade newer than its predecessor.
It’s surprisingly light. Chevy trimmed about 250 pounds off the frame compared to the first generation. You can feel that weight loss in every corner. The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT isn’t a sports car, obviously, but it doesn't feel like a boat either. It’s nimble.
The 1.4L Turbo: Small Engine, Decent Punch
Under the hood of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT, you’ll find a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Now, those numbers won't win you many drag races at a stoplight, but the torque kicks in early—around 2,000 RPM. This makes merging onto the highway way less stressful than it is in a naturally aspirated base-model Sentra.
Fuel economy is the real winner here. You’re looking at an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. In the real world? Owners frequently report hitting 42 mpg on long road trips if they aren't lead-footing it. That’s hybrid territory without the expensive battery replacement anxiety.
The engine uses a timing chain, not a belt. That’s a big deal for long-term maintenance costs. You aren't staring down a $1,200 service bill at 100,000 miles just to keep the valves from smashing into the pistons. However, you do need to watch the coolant housing. Chevy has a history of plastic cooling components that get brittle over time. If you smell something sweet like maple syrup after a drive, check the water outlet. It’s a $50 part and a one-hour DIY job, but ignoring it will kill the engine.
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Inside the Cabin: Why the LT Trim is the Sweet Spot
The LT trim is basically the "Goldilocks" zone. The base L and LS trims feel a bit rental-car-ish, and the Premier trim can get unnecessarily expensive for what is essentially a commuter car. With the LT, you get the LED daytime running lights, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and—most importantly—the 7-inch MyLink touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT. This is huge. Most cars from 2016 require you to fumble with buggy proprietary navigation systems or awkward Bluetooth pairings. In the Cruze, you just plug in your phone and your maps are right there. The interface is snappy. It doesn't lag.
The seats are cloth, but it’s a high-quality, durable weave. You’ve got enough room in the back for actual adults, though three across is a squeeze. The wheelbase grew by about an inch for this generation, and most of that went straight to rear legroom. It’s quiet, too. Chevy used acoustic-laminated glass and triple-sealed doors. At 70 mph, you can actually have a conversation without shouting over wind noise. It’s kind of shocking how much more refined it feels than a same-year Focus or Elantra.
Common Gripes and Realities
No car is perfect. The start-stop technology on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT can be polarizing. When you hit a red light, the engine shuts off to save gas. When you lift your foot off the brake, it fires back up. In the 2016 model, you can’t manually turn this off with a button. Some people find it seamless; others find it incredibly annoying in heavy stop-and-go traffic.
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Then there’s the transmission. The six-speed automatic is generally reliable, but it’s tuned for economy. It wants to get into the highest gear as fast as possible. If you’re trying to pass someone, there’s a brief "Are you sure?" pause before it downshifts. It’s not a dealbreaker, just a quirk of the car's personality.
- Check the turbocharger oil feed line for leaks.
- Test the infotainment screen for "ghost touching" or dead spots.
- Ensure the PCV valve (integrated into the valve cover) isn't whistling.
- Verify if the piston ring recall/service bulletin was addressed.
Reliability and What the Experts Say
Consumer Reports and J.D. Power gave the 2016 redesign decent marks, especially for its predicted reliability compared to the 2011–2015 models. The first-gen Cruze was plagued by water pump failures and oil leaks. By the time the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT rolled around, GM had fixed most of those systemic issues.
The 2016 model received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It’s a solid cage. You’ve got ten standard airbags. Ten. That’s more than some luxury SUVs had back then. If you’re buying this for a teen driver or a long commute, that peace of mind is worth the price of admission alone.
Mechanics generally like working on these. Everything is accessible. Parts are cheap because GM shared this platform globally. You can find a replacement alternator or brake pads at any neighborhood auto parts store for a fraction of what European car parts cost.
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Why it Beats the Competition
If you look at a 2016 Civic, you’re going to pay a "Honda tax." You’ll likely pay $3,000 to $4,000 more for a Civic with the same mileage as a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT. Is the Honda better? Maybe a little bit in terms of resale value. But is it $4,000 better? Probably not.
The Cruze offers a softer ride than the Mazda3. The Mazda is more fun to drive, sure, but it’s loud inside and the suspension is stiff. The Cruze is for the person who wants to cruise (pun intended) in comfort without spending 40% of their paycheck on a car note.
The trunk is surprisingly deep. You can fit a full-sized stroller or a massive grocery haul back there without playing Tetris. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats allow for longer items like IKEA boxes or skis. It’s a practical, honest car that doesn't try to be something it’s not.
Final Advice for Buyers
If you’re looking at a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT, check the VIN. You want the new body style (the Gen 2). If the car looks boxy and has a small, recessed screen, it’s the "Limited" model—skip it. You want the sleek, aerodynamic one with the big screen.
Get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). A mechanic can use a smoke test to check for any vacuum leaks in that 1.4L turbo system. If the turbo is healthy and the coolant is staying where it belongs, these cars can easily sail past 150,000 miles with basic maintenance. Change the oil every 5,000 miles with full synthetic. Don't listen to the car's "oil life monitor" if it tells you to go 10,000 miles. Turbocharged engines need fresh oil to keep the bearings cool.
Actionable Next Steps
- Identify the Model: Verify the car is the "All-New" 2016 model, not the "Limited" version.
- Inspect the Cooling System: Look for crusty orange residue around the plastic coolant thermostat housing and water outlet.
- Check Tech Compatibility: Bring a USB cable to your test drive to ensure the MyLink system connects to your phone’s CarPlay or Android Auto immediately.
- Listen to the Idle: A high-pitched whistling sound while idling usually indicates a failed PCV valve in the valve cover, which is a common but cheap fix.
- Scan for Codes: Use a basic OBD-II scanner to check for "pending" codes related to engine misfires or turbo boost pressure.
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT remains one of the best values on the used market because it sits in that sweet spot of modern technology, high fuel efficiency, and a price point that hasn't been inflated by "enthusiast" hype. It's just a good car.