I think the Cruze looks better than Corolla and Civic also.  I was more impressed with the looks of the Civic though
when it came out in 06.  A fully loaded Civic is around 25,000 and some, about the same as the Cruze.  About the interior's
of new Chevy's.  Altima, and Malibu.  I've driven a few new Malibu's and Altima's.  IMO, the Malibu has a hair nicer interior
than the Altima.  The materials in each are very close.  Driving the V-6 Malibu and Altima V-6, the Malibu has a smooth
six speed auto, and the engine at full throttle is as smooth as any from Nissan, Honda or Toyota.  I prefer the Altima's
ride better, it feels more stable and sporty than the Malibu.  Also the Malibu is more quiet on the road.  That said, the Malibu
is fast, I clocked 6.2 0 to 60 with my stopwatch.  LOL.   Well, fast for these class of cars.  I can say though, I'd buy the new
Maxima over these two just because of it's stunning looks.  But it is a little more money.   

The Malibu had the 3.6 liter V-6 252 HP engine.  I just meant I'd probably spend a few extra
and buy the Maxima over the other two cars.  The plan is to buy a new SUV CUV in a
couple months.