Folks have criticized our long-term Chevy Cruze for being too expensive, but I tell you, the $445 that went to the optional Pioneer sound system was worth every penny.
This nine-speaker system sounds excellent, even when utilizing the rather imperfect sound quality of iPod files. Strong bass, sharp treble, etc. I thought the pre-set tone settings (rock, pop, etc.) worked rather well, too, giving me a quick-and-easy way to maximize the sound quality of differing music styles. Both Limelight by Rush and Young Blood by The Naked and Famous sounded superb.
Of course, I'm not an audiophile.
If you are, then Doug Newcomb says that the Cruze's nine-speaker system gets "decent" sound quality with a letter grade of C. He notes such things as "the soundstage was above average, but not as wide as I would have liked. Imaging was also good, although center images tended to waver and weren't stable." Okey dokey.
I'd say this is relative, since you might also be disappointed by the Cruze's handling if you own an M3. The important thing to note is that Newcomb also says you can't get a better aftermarket system for less than $500. You'd also be hard pressed to find a better OEM system in one of the Cruze's competitors.
Therefore, I say this stereo is quite good relatively speaking and a must-have with the Cruze. I also pulled out the infrequently used "Right!" stamp just for the hell of it.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 10,707 miles
revn says:
12:19 PM, 06/10/11
That is really cheap for an upgraded radio. Usually they're twice that and still not even worth what the Cruze's cost.
06scooby says:
12:25 PM, 06/10/11
The problem I have with Doug's stereo reviews is that he doesn't fiddle with the EQ's at all. I've been in cars that I've borrowed/rented and sound horrible because nobody ever set up the EQ and after 2 minutes of fiddling with the settings it sounds way better.
firstwagon says:
12:53 PM, 06/10/11
I'd pay that.
robert4380 says:
01:05 PM, 06/10/11
My HHR came with the Advanced Audio package, which is similar to the one in the Cruze. My HHR has upgraded Pioneer speakers, a more powerful amp, and a subwoofer in the cargo compartment. I love it. As for the rest of the car... well, it's a manual transmission, so at least it has that going for it.
teampenske3 says:
01:19 PM, 06/10/11
Sounds pretty good (no pun intended). $445 doesn't seem too bad, but it's the 26k overall that I have a beef with. Is the same stereo available on other trims or just the top of the line LTZ?
dracy69 says:
01:55 PM, 06/10/11
teampenske you can get it in as low as the 1LT package. That car starts at 18k. I also noticed the RS and Convenience packages so I'd imagine for 20k you would have a well equipped car (power seats, radio, appearance package, etc).
You'd have to build your own for more details tho.
I just got an LTZ to 27k with some unchecked boxes (dealer installed crap mostly).
This car can get illuminated sill plates, i didnt know that....I want them.
ed124c says:
03:25 PM, 06/10/11
Thank you, James. All the more reason to wait for the 2012 and get the 2LT (with the new six speed manual and the turbo) and opt for the Pioneer system and a sunroof. Those two options will cost about 500 bucks more than the price of the automatic transmission (yuck). A good deal, I would think.
bodyblue says:
05:14 PM, 06/10/11
A great sounding system does not need a zillion watts and 34 speakers and 3 subs....it needs decent power and great speakers placed correctly. It also does not have to cost thousands and the Pioneer system shows it. I was never impressed with Pioneer speakers in the past but it seems they are just fine in the Cruze.
90in55 says:
09:26 PM, 06/10/11
Mazdaspeed 3.
igeekone says:
12:28 PM, 06/11/11
Sound quality is very subjective but I do agree $500 to upgrade to name brand speakers is a great value. I figure the better quality is attributed to the Cruze's better sound isolation which should emphasis low end frequencies. You'd be amazed how well a stock system sounds when there is proper acoustic properties in the cabin.
ziggerman says:
09:35 AM, 06/13/11
Don't feed the troll
carlos_fsm says:
01:26 PM, 06/13/11
I think the Rockford Fosgate (OEM) in my Lancer GTS sounds great. Equalizer does magic too. Not sure of the cost, though.
speddle says:
07:03 PM, 06/13/11
I'm not the only Canadian who likes The Naked and Famous, AND cars? what the what?