New cars: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

MotorWeek

Even before its recent U.S. debut, GM’s new “world car” was nearing its just-attained perch as the best-selling non-truck in Chevrolet’s lineup, and for many good reasons. Buyers around the globe have embraced this “big-for-its-ilk” compact as a “mainstream family sedan,” and in test drives, it “beat all of our expectations.” It drives with “the kind of agility you’d expect from a car designed for Europe and beyond.”

Los Angeles Times

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The Cruze is “attractive without being beautiful,” but it’s loaded with creature comforts new to this class. Because wallets rule among budget-car buyers, it’s worth noting that the arrival of the new 42-mpg Cruze Eco, which starts at $18,895, “will dramatically improve the math on this already cost-conscious vehicle.”

Car and Driver

While testing the turbo-charged Ecotec engine, our mileage was a “disappointing” 25 mpg, and even then, acceleration was “barely acceptable.” But this sedan has perks, including a “surprisingly rich cockpit” and “terrific” handling. At least while we were waiting for the updated Honda Civic and Ford Focus to arrive, the Cruze probably ranked as “the best in its class.”