Chevy Cruze

[t.tewks09]

Any experience? I've searched and now found much at all. We are having a terrible time with our '07 Kia Rio and are hoping possibly maybe that we can get a payoff on our loan to get a different vehicle if its in the cards for us. Normally would never buy anything this new, but to get the payoff we'll need to buy new-used. So far, we're seeing a lot of the '12 Chevy Cruze. Read the carseatblog's review already and that blog seemed to give it a thumbs up, but have also read that some people say it is not carseat friendly.

We've got two kids - 5 months and 3 years. 3 year old currently FFing in a True Fit behind driver (Kia Rio couldn't fit two RFing because my husband is 6'1). 5 month old RFing in a Radian behind passenger and I can comfortably sit in passenger with it all the way moved forward. No big deal. Size is NOT an issue for us. We are not expecting or planning on having more than two children. Current vehicle only has outboard LATCH, no center, and again, that isn't an issue for us.

Besides size and not being able to borrow to use LATCH in the center, is there anything else that is the reason people claim it is not extended rearfacing carseat friendly?

 

[SafeDad]

Compared to cars in its class, it's pretty typical in terms of carseat issues. Obviously, compared to a minivan or midsize sedan/SUV, it's going to seem like it is not very carseat friendly because it is a compact sedan, after all. I'd definitely try your RF Radian behind the passenger and make sure you are OK with the legroom.

 

[Pixelated]

I rented a Cruze last Christmas - so it would be recent but not sure of the model year - and I had a RF classic Marathon (for my 15 month old and as upright as possible for her age) and a FF Radian. Both installed fine but my husband (6'1) was not able to drive with the RF Marathon behind him and honestly my FF 4 year old in the Radian was uncomfortable with the leg room left for her when she was behind him - she couldn't have her feet pointed forwards (although, she does have big feet ). I was JUST able to drive with the Marathon behind me and although I'm 5'8 I think I sit a little closer to the dash than my height would indicate.

We were on the verge of getting a different rental but decided we could make it work. It was tight though!

 

[MUTigers]

I have had my radian RFing in my moms cruze. It installs well both center with seatbelt and passenger side with latch and angle adjuster. I love the car but I can't imagine putting a RFing seat behind the driver unless s/he is extremely short. I can sit comfortably behind my dad, but he has very short legs so has the seat up further.

I also doubt you could fit a third person, adult or child, in the back with two car seats. My brother and I barely fit with the radian and we are both on the smaller side of average (him more than me). After 5 minutes we were ready to get out!

It really is a great car though! My mom drives a little more than 60 miles a day and only has to fill up once a week. Except for size I'd say that car seats probably install pretty well, at least the radian and keyfit both do!

Good luck in your car search!