Chevrolet
Cruze
Ford
Fusion
Chevrolet Cruze vs Ford Fusion: 2018 Comparison
The short answer
The Chevrolet Cruze offers fuel economy, while the Ford Fusion excels at power instead. Choose the Chevrolet Cruze if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Ford Fusion if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Cruze
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment for the first-generation Cruze (model years approximately 2009-2016), with widespread reports of severe and frequent mechanical failures leading to high ownership costs and frustration. This generation is frequently described as one of the worst vehicles owners have experienced. Sentiment for the second generation (approximately 2016-2019) is mixed but notably more positive, with some owners reporting good reliability and satisfaction, particularly with highway comfort and fuel economy.
Best version to buy
Second-generation models (2016-2019) are strongly preferred over the first generation. Within the second generation, the 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine paired with the conventional 6-speed automatic transmission is recommended over the CVT (found in the Spark) for better reliability.
Known issues
- ⚠**First Generation (2009-2016) Issues:** Coolant system leaks/failures: leading to overheating and potential engine destruction. Very frequent. Turbocharger failures: around 90,000 miles (145,000 km). Very frequent.
- ⚠**Second Generation (2016-2019) Issues:** Coolant system seepage/leaks: noted as a slower issue than Gen 1. Recurrent. Oil leaks: from valve cover and oil filter housing. Recurrent.
Fusion
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific powertrain and generation. The Fusion is widely praised for its value proposition, offering a comfortable, quiet, and refined ride with a well-equipped interior at a price point often significantly lower than Japanese competitors like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Long-term owner reports frequently highlight satisfaction with the vehicle's driving dynamics, comfort for long commutes, and overall build quality when purchased used at a good price.
Known issues
- ⚠**6F35 automatic transmission problems**: Rough shifting (especially 1-2, 2-3), laggy throttle response, premature failure requiring replacement. Sensitivity to incorrect or degraded fluid. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**Ecoboost engine reliability concerns**: Higher incidence of issues compared to the 2.5L and hybrid powertrains. Carbon buildup on direct-injection engines (2014+ non-turbo?)*. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠**Internal water pump failure (V6 engines)**: The water pump is located inside the engine timing cover. Failure can lead to coolant mixing with oil and catastrophic engine damage. A noted maintenance item around 100,000+ miles.
The verdict
The Chevrolet Cruze is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Ford Fusion, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Ford Fusion is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Cruze or the Ford Fusion?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Cruze and the Ford Fusion. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Cruze or the Ford Fusion?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Cruze or the Ford Fusion?
The Chevrolet Cruze is more fuel-efficient on paper: 5.8 L/100km combined versus 11.7 L/100km for the Ford Fusion, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Cruze or the Ford Fusion?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.