2012 Chevrolet Cruze 4dr Sdn LT w/1LT

Find out about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 4dr Sdn LT w/1LT for sale here in our Ames Car Dealership Inventory. Also be sure to check out our 2011 Chevrolet Impala 4dr Sdn LT Retail and 2013 Lexus RX 350 FWD 4dr!

Mechanical Overview
At the heart of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT is its ECOTEC Turbo 1.4L Variable Valve Timing DOHC 4-cylinder engine. This engine, combined with a sequential MFI (Multi-Point Fuel Injection) system, delivers a respectable 138 horsepower at 4900 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at a low 1850 rpm. The turbocharged engine offers a solid balance of power and fuel efficiency, making the Cruze ideal for both city and highway driving.

The engine’s unique design, featuring water-cooled turbo bearings, ensures better performance and longevity, making it a great option for those seeking a reliable vehicle from Ames car dealers. The front-wheel-drive system pairs well with the 3.83 final drive ratio, offering a smooth driving experience. The 438 cold-cranking amp battery and 120-amp alternator ensure that the vehicle’s electrical system runs smoothly even in colder climates, making it an ideal choice for regions with extreme temperatures.

The Cruze is equipped with a suspension system designed for comfort and stability. The front independent McPherson strut suspension, along with aluminum control arms and 25mm hollow stabilizer bar, ensures precise handling. The rear suspension, which features a compound crank with a Z-link, provides enhanced stability for better cornering and ride comfort. These mechanical aspects combine to give drivers a smooth, stable, and responsive ride.

Exterior Design
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT features a sleek, modern design with attention to detail that gives it a stylish edge in the compact sedan segment. The vehicle comes equipped with all-season P215/60R16 tires, ensuring that it handles well in various driving conditions. These tires, along with the low rolling resistance, help improve fuel efficiency and traction on the road.

For emergencies, the Cruze also includes a compact spare tire and wheel, complete with a jack and lug nut wrench. This is an essential feature for drivers who frequently travel long distances and need to be prepared for potential tire issues.

The headlamps on the Cruze are halogen composite with automatic exterior lamp control, providing excellent visibility during nighttime driving. The addition of a delay feature allows the lights to stay on for a short time after the engine has been turned off, offering extra visibility when leaving the car at night. The LED center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) adds an additional layer of safety, ensuring that your vehicle is clearly visible to other drivers, especially in poor weather conditions.

The outside mirrors are power-adjustable and manual-folding, making it easy to adjust and fold them when parking in tight spaces. The body-color mirror caps give the Cruze a polished look, and the solar-absorbing tinted glass helps keep the interior cool during sunny days.

Interior Comfort and Entertainment
Inside the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT, the comfort of both the driver and passengers has been a clear priority. The driver and front passenger seats are both manually adjustable in six different ways, ensuring a comfortable seating position for long drives. The rear seats offer a 60/40 split-folding design, allowing for added flexibility in terms of cargo space. The adjustable head restraints on the outboard seating positions enhance comfort for all passengers.

One standout feature is the articulating rear center armrest, which comes with dual cup holders. This adds convenience for rear passengers, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable and organized space during the drive. Additionally, the Cruze comes with a tilt and telescopic steering column, allowing drivers to find their ideal driving position with ease.

For entertainment, the Cruze features an enhanced acoustic package that makes the cabin quieter, allowing occupants to fully enjoy the 6-speaker audio system. This system is more than capable of delivering clear, high-quality sound throughout the cabin. Bluetooth connectivity allows for hands-free phone usage, making it easy to stay connected without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.

The center stack is integrated with ambient LED backlighting, providing a modern and stylish look to the dashboard. Power windows with Express-Down are available on all windows, and the driver benefits from Express-Up functionality, making it easier to open or close the windows with minimal effort.

Convenience is key in the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, with features like a foldable key for added portability, cruise control for easy highway driving, and an oil life monitoring system to keep track of when your vehicle needs maintenance.

Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT is equipped with a comprehensive set of features to protect both driver and passengers. The car includes a 4-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), ensuring that the vehicle maintains traction and stability during emergency stops, even on slippery surfaces. The front disc and rear drum brakes work together to provide reliable stopping power.

Daytime Running Lamps increase the car’s visibility to other drivers, reducing the likelihood of accidents. In terms of airbag protection, the Cruze goes above and beyond with frontal driver and passenger airbags, side-impact seat-mounted airbags, and roof rail airbags for both front and rear outboard seating positions. The car also includes a Passenger Sensing System to adjust airbag deployment based on the weight of the front passenger.

For added protection, the Cruze is equipped with driver and front passenger knee airbags, which are designed to help reduce injuries during a collision. All seating positions feature 3-point safety belts, with height-adjustable belts in the front for added comfort and safety. The car also includes safety belt pretensioners for the driver and front passenger, ensuring that the belts are snug during a crash.

For families, the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren) makes it easy to install child safety seats, providing peace of mind when transporting young passengers. Additionally, the rear doors come with child security power locks, preventing young children from accidentally opening the doors while the car is in motion.

In the unfortunate event of a trunk entrapment, the Cruze includes an emergency release handle, allowing anyone trapped in the trunk to escape quickly and safely.

Performance and Driving Experience
Driving the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT is a pleasant experience thanks to its responsive steering and smooth suspension system. The electric, rack-mounted power steering offers precise control, making it easy to maneuver through city streets or take on winding country roads. The car’s compact size and well-tuned suspension make it a nimble and agile vehicle, while the turbocharged engine provides enough power for confident overtaking on the highway.

The combination of the front independent McPherson strut suspension and rear Z-link suspension provides a balanced and stable ride. Whether you’re driving on smooth highways or uneven city streets, the Cruze handles bumps and road imperfections with ease.