Chevrolet Cruise Review: Manual Transmission Woes and Performance Pitfalls

In this episode, Regular Car Reviews takes a critical look at the 2017 Chevrolet Cruise, a car that promises much but delivers little. The team dives deep into the manual transmission debate, debunking the myth that stick shifts automatically make a car better. Instead, they find that the Cruise's gearbox adds to the overall disappointment of the driving experience, leaving much to be desired in terms of performance and responsiveness.

Delving into the heart of the issue, the team dissects the Cruise's engine, highlighting its lackluster turbocharged power delivery and indecisive behavior. Despite attempts to enhance performance with aftermarket tuning, the car fails to impress, leaving the driver yearning for a more dynamic and engaging ride. The struggles with acceleration and gear shifting paint a grim picture of a vehicle that falls short of its potential.

Furthermore, the team sheds light on the maintenance challenges associated with the Cruise, from clutch issues to turbocharger failures, showcasing the car's reliability woes. Despite some positive aspects such as fuel economy and safety features, the overall driving experience leaves much to be desired. As the team reflects on GM's decision to discontinue manual hatchbacks in favor of trucks and SUVs, they emphasize the importance of not settling for mediocrity and reevaluating one's automotive dreams in the face of limitations.

In the grand scheme of things, the Chevrolet Cruise finds itself at a crossroads, poised for a low ranking in the "Race to the Bottom" series. While acknowledging some redeeming qualities, the team ultimately positions the Cruise as a symbol of unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities in the realm of compact hatchbacks. This critical assessment serves as a reminder that in the world of automotive excellence, there is no room for half-hearted attempts or lackluster performances - only the best will suffice.