Since it began in 1911 as the Chevrolet Motor Company of Michigan, Chevy has become one of the most famous American car brands, usually battling Ford annually for the domestic sales lead. Perhaps the most impressive part of Chevrolet's success has been its ability to adapt to the changing needs of American drivers, establishing itself as a prolific maker of trucks by the 1940s before becoming a huge player in the sports and muscle car markets starting in the 1950s. These days, Chevy sells an incredible variety of vehicles ranging from sedans to SUVs to the most powerful driving machines on the planet, including several all-electric options.
When looking for a reliable car on a budget, the sheer number of affordable Chevrolet cars, the extensive history of the various models available, and the straightforward repairs and maintenance make the brand a popular target for shoppers on the used car market. However, as with any manufacturer, the following list demonstrates that some models have proven to be more problematic than others when it comes to reliability while certain model years have ironed out issues plaguing the older releases.
10 2018 Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu has earned a reputation as one of the most popular American mid-sized sedans, selling more than 10 million cars since it debuted in 1964. Always responding to the changing desires of drivers, the Malibu reacted to the dawn of muscle cars by gradually increasing its horsepower in the 1970s before toning it down to become the family car we know today.
Now in its 9th generation, the Malibu has released hybrid models in some production years, but nevertheless rumors of its retirement have been growing as sedan buyers have moved toward SUVs and crossovers. 2017 and 2018 Malibu options rank high on most reliability rankings and can be easily found on used car markets.
9 2020 Corvette
It may be surprising to find a top-tier sports car on a list of the most reliable cars, but historically, Corvettes have fared better over time than most American cars in their class. The 1956 Corvette is always a sought-after classic car, and is generally believed to be the most durable model of its initial C1 generation.
More modern Corvettes have drawn concerns about how long they can run without encountering mechanical issues. The 2020 Corvette, which ushered in the 8th generation of the iconic marque, introduced some dramatic changes including a mid-engine layout, and scored the highest marks in the reliability of any model of the decade so far.
8 2019 Volt
Before getting discontinued in 2019 to make way for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Volt acquired the status of one of the most reliable plug-in hybrid compact cars. The first Volt got sold in 2011 and managed to save the reputation of Chevrolet, who stumbled with their first electric vehicle, the EV1, in the late 1990s.
The Chevy Volt avoided many of the battery life issues that other lesser-priced EVs faced, using a more expensive but effective liquid-cooling system, giving the manufacturer the confidence to offer a 100,000-mile warranty. While electric vehicle technologies are evolving rapidly, the 2019 Volt is a safe bet on the used car market to give you plenty of enjoyable driving time.
7 2020 Impala
The popular Impala, first made available to the public in 1958, came with features and a unique style that appealed to a large segment of the car-buying public. It's no surprise then that in 1965, the Impala sold over a million cars, breaking an all-time record for the number of vehicles sold in a year for any model.
The Impala was finally retired in 2020, but not before achieving numerous industry awards for providing superior value in a large sedan. It may only be a matter of time before the Impala reemerges, but until then, be on the lookout for a used 2020 model, which boasts an 82 out of 100 reliability rating from J.D. Power.
6 2018 Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe arrived in 1995 based on the K5 Blazer SUV, and looked more like a truck than a sport utility vehicle. In 2000, the Tahoe which had become popular with law enforcement agencies added a third row of seating allowing for nine passengers and an option for a V8 engine.
Morphing into the large SUV that it is today, the fourth generation of the Tahoe began in 2014 and featured improvements including magnetic ride control and safety features like collision alert. The 2018 Tahoe has proven to be one of the most durable models in its history, earning an 82 out of 100 rating for reliability from J.D. Power.
5 2012 Silverado
Before introduction to the market in 1999 as a light-duty pickup truck, the origins of the Chevrolet Silverado date back to a trim option of the C/K series of trucks in 1975. Since then, the Silverado has steadily become a sales giant for Chevrolet, combining with the Colorado to comprise over 40 percent of all sales for the company in 2021.
Chevrolet has no immediate plans to retire the truck, and is currently prepping an all-electric Silverado for 2024. Used car shoppers looking for the best value in a pickup truck may decide on the 2012 Silverado, constructed with a higher-strength steel body and hydraulic body mounts, earning it a top rating for durability.
4 2015 Camaro
Muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro have long battled the stigma of being unreliable as daily drivers. Obviously, with the tremendous stress placed on its engine, transmission, and brakes when performing at top speeds, these sports cars get built well to withstand this wear and tear.
While not as common as a reasonably priced sedan, you probably won't have to look for too long to find a Camaro driving on city streets. The 2015 Camaro in particular has served drivers well, provided it's provided the care it deserves. It has won some of the top marks in the industry for reliability in its class of cars.
3 2018 Equinox
The Equinox represented Chevrolet's entry into the mid-sized crossover SUV market that was rapidly expanding in 2004. In 2018, the third generation of the Equinox got revamped to produce an SUV with a slimmer and more compact appearance.
The 2018 Equinox received high ratings by industry experts for safety and reliability, with improved fuel economy and a roomy seating area despite a reduction in size and weight. Unfortunately, older models from 2013 and prior suffered from various engine and transmission issues. You won't feel too behind the times if you purchase a used 2018 model, as it introduced modern luxuries including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2 2019 Cruze
Launched in North America in 2011 in response to small and affordable Japanese cars making waves among consumers, the Chevrolet Cruze is a compact four-door sedan. Although discontinued for American buyers in 2019, the Cruze developed a reputation as reliable and fuel-efficient with a generous collection of modern features, including GPS and backup cameras.
Available in both hatchback and sedan configurations, the Cruze received a sleeker new exterior in 2018 and addressed many of the mechanical problems of earlier models. The 2019 Cruze is relatively inexpensive to maintain and repair, and has received critical acclaim for its durability.
1 2022 Bolt EV
Sales of the Chevy Bolt began in late 2016, and since then, the all-electric subcompact crossover has won numerous awards for offering the best value and performance in its class. Unlike the Volt which ended its production run in 2019, the Bolt is not a hybrid that requires a combustion engine to run, avoiding many of the issues that can plague traditional cars.
Chevrolet incorporated several changes in the 2021 model, including a new streamlined dashboard and infotainment system, and even better, a reduction in sticker price. Look for a good deal on a used 2021 or 2022 model, and enjoy many years of environmentally friendly driving.