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We’ve all seen those awkward Chevy commercials touting the brand’s reliability and J.D. Power Awards. But what are actually the most reliable Chevy models on the road today? The answer is more surprising than you might think. 

Popular models like the Silverado 1500, Colorado, and Equinox don’t make the cut. However, the top three most reliable Chevys represent the iconic American brand well.

Which vehicles stand above the others, and are these reliable Chevrolet models worth checking out? Let’s take a deeper dive into the data.

How to tell if a car is reliable?

A close-up of Chevy's bowtie logo with a black background
The Chevrolet logo | Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images

There’s not an exact science behind identifying which vehicles are dependable. Sure, manufacturers such as Honda and Toyota have a reputation for being reliable. However, that stereotype doesn’t apply to every model.

Meanwhile, GM has force-fed the idea that Chevy has some of the most reliable models via advertising, despite reports that indicate otherwise.

Thankfully, plenty of trusted outlets help guide consumers by providing predicted reliable ratings for brand-new cars. Industry experts use information from a vehicle’s prior model years to identify potential trouble spots.

Automakers tend to replicate a particular model’s structure for several years before refreshing or fully redesigning it. Thus, newer editions of the car should perform similarly to the previous model years.

However, even this method is flawed. Manufacturing errors can occur, which often lead to recalls. Alternatively, redesigned models may be more or less structurally sound than their predecessors.

But for the most part, the automotive industry has provided shoppers with a general guide of which vehicles tend to be dependable.

Which Chevys are the most reliable?

A black 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Carhartt Special Edition parked on a dirt road
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Carhartt Special Edition on display | Chevrolet

Chevrolet’s most reliable vehicles are comprised of an unlikely trio. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Chevy Bolt, 2020 Chevy Impala, and 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD stand above the rest of the lineup.

The Bolt is the most reliable Chevy, earning a 5/5 predicted reliability rating. Consumer Reports averaged the vehicle’s overall dependability over the previous three model years and gave it a predicted reliability score of 85% for 2021. No owners have reported trouble spots to Consumer Reports for the 2021 Chevy Bolt at the time of this writing.

Meanwhile, the Silverado 2500HD and Impala are Chevy’s next most reliable models, earning ⅘ predicted reliability scores.

Consumer Reports’ data shows that drivers have fared well with Chevrolet’s heavy-duty truck in the past. Based on the previous three model years, the publication felt comfortable enough with the 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500HD to give it a 75% predicted reliability score. However, it didn’t provide a similar stat for the recently-discontinued Impala.

Are any of these Chevys worth buying?

Of course, a vehicle needs to be reliable. But it also must perform well and be desirable to consumers. Chevy’s most reliable cars aren’t all the top choices on the market, but each one is worthy of your consideration.

With outstanding dependability and an incredible all-electric range, the 2021 Chevy Bolt is an extremely desirable vehicle. And the Bolt is one of the safest cars in its class. 

It’s no surprise that Consumer Reports made it one of the publication’s recommended models. Plus, it ranked the Bolt as the top model amongst electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids for 2021.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500HD delivers hulkish performance. However, it’s not the stripped-down work truck you’d expect. You can outfit it with available luxurious features and cool special edition appearance packages. Plus, it’s a safe choice if you’re in it for the long haul, thanks to its excellent reliability rating.

Finally, the 2020 Chevy Impala is on its last legs. While Chevrolet discontinued the model, you might be able to still find one hanging around dealer lots. It’s not the most thrilling large sedan on the market, but it has its charm. The Impala speaks to seniors in particular due to its roominess and easy-to-use features.

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