The Chevy brand is the best selling for GM, representing half of its global sales. In the US alone, annual sales total two million. This is partly because the company has tried hard to cultivate a reputation as one of the most reliable car brands.
However, many models sport the Chevy bowtie, and not all of them are as reliable as you’d like them to be. So before you make your next vehicle purchase, learn more about Chevrolet reliability and what it means for you.
How Is Reliability Judged?
To determine how reliable a vehicle is, several factors are considered. These include the brand’s industry reputation, maintenance cost, warranty coverage, critical reception, and customer experience. As you can see, more goes into this rating than simply if the vehicle will continue to run.
Car Reliability Ratings
Depending on who you ask, Chevy vehicles may or may not be reliable. According to Chevrolet, it’s one of the more reliable manufacturers on the market, outranking Toyota, Honda, and Ford. However, if you look at independent reliability ratings, Chevrolet is at the bottom of the list.
Before you write off all Chevys, you need to look closely. You can find a reliable Chevrolet model that outperforms the others.
Reliability Varies for Different Chevrolet Models
When comparing new vehicles, it helps to know the model history to know which one is a reliable car and which one is a dud. Despite its reputation, if you give your Chevy proper maintenance and care, it can last for 15 to 20 years.
Silverados, Tahoes, and Suburbans can easily last for over 200,000 miles. The Avalanche hasn’t been in production since 2013, and its reliability has it still in high demand as a used vehicle to this day.
The Chevy Bolt has received top industry ratings for its reliability and performance. The Impala is another car with a reputation for having a reliable track record.
Unreliable Models
Some models have the dubious honor of being the least reliable in the Chevy lineup. For example, the Vega, HHR, and early 2000s Monte Carlo all have reputations for being plagued with problems.
Additionally, specific years from specific models are known for having major or catastrophic issues. These are like red herrings where the year before and the year after for that model are reliable.
Common Chevy Reliability Problems
There are some common issues that Chevy vehicle owners complain about. These include complaints about the ignition key sticking, rough shifting, fuel pump failure, and air conditioning failure. Transmission issues seem to be a common trend across all model types.
Depend on Chevrolet Reliability
Do not let doubts about Chevrolet reliability stop you from purchasing one of these vehicles. Chevrolet produces some high-quality and long-lasting vehicles. The trick is doing your research to know what you’re buying and what to expect.
Check out our other car articles and learn more about Chevrolet and other vehicle manufacturers.