How Long Do Chevrolets Last?

A well-maintained Chevrolet can last about 200,000-300,000 miles, or 13-20 years. The Chevy Corvette, Spark, and Blazer are all very reliable.
Written by Lindsey Hoover
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Chevrolet, a member of the General Motors family for over 110 years, has stepped up its game since the 90s to become one of the most reliable brands on the market. In general, you can expect a Chevrolet to last at least 200,000 miles and 13 years.
In 2020, Chevrolet ranked 9th in J.D. Power’s 2020 vehicle dependability study, falling well above the industry average and just below luxury brand BMW and German manufacturer Volkswagen.
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Are Chevrolets reliable? 

Without question: Yes
Up until the late 90s, though, Chevrolet models were less than great. But the brand’s reputation took a turn in the last ten years as they have focused on making well-manufactured vehicles. 
And the choice paid off. Since 2018, Chevrolet models across the board have won numerous awards and accolades year after year
In 2021, Chevrolet won not one but three J.D. Power APEAL Awards. Interviewing more than 100,000 owners about their new vehicles, the study crowned the Chevy Corvette the Premium Sporty Car winner, the Chevy Blazer the Midsize SUV winner, and the Tahoe the Large SUV winner. How’s that for satisfaction?
But with any new or used car comes responsibility. Luckily, Chevrolet is known for having low maintenance costs. On average, you’re looking at spending about
$8,800 over a ten-year lifespan.

How many miles can a Chevrolet last? 

On average, well-maintained Chevrolets have a lifespan of about 200,000-300,000 miles. 
As long as you perform regular maintenance check-ups and give your Chevy tender love and care, your vehicle can last well beyond the 200,000- mile mark (with some making it up to 400,000 miles!). 
The best advice? Take care of your Chevy by following the driver’s manual. It will tell you everything you need to know about best practices for extending your vehicle's lifespan.  

How many years can a Chevrolet last? 

A Chevrolet can last anywhere between 13 and 20 years. When you compare that to the industry average of 11 years, it’s no wonder Chevrolet drivers find their rides so appealing. 
Chevy prides itself on being an American manufacturer. Along with Ford, Chevrolet is one of the top American manufacturers when it comes to vehicle reliability and longevity. 
From 2000-2017, J.D. Power awarded Chevrolet with their dependability award, proving that with regular maintenance and care, you can depend on your Chevy to go the distance!
Key Takeaway Factors like model and age will play a key role in the lifespan of your vehicle. With proper maintenance and routine check-ups, your Chevrolet could last as long as 300,000 miles or 20 years! 

The most reliable Chevrolet models

Chevrolets stack high against the competition in terms of reliability—in fact, they’re above average overall. In 2021,
U.S. News and World Reports
gave Chevrolet an 85/100 for reliability, making it the 3rd out 23 most reliable brands on the market
But this may have you wondering, which Chevys are the most reliable? A car’s reliability depends on: 
  • The rate of recalls
  • Mechanical issues
  • Maintenance costs
Based on that metric, we’ve used
J.D. Power’s
Quality & Reliability ratings, along with
Edmunds.com’s
True Cost to Own® estimates, to assess each Chevrolet’s overall reliability and cost of ownership. Now, here’s the breakdown. 

Corvette

Silver 2021 Corvette Stingray
2021 starting price: $60,995
True cost to own (5 years): $70,293
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 89/100
Rated
#1 Premium Sporty Car in 2021 by J.D. Power
, the Chevrolet
Corvette
will have you racing to a nearby dealership. 
Though the Corvette ranks average on Repair Pal’s Reliability Rating, it was featured in Car and Driver’s 2021 Editor’s List and their 10 Best Cars and Trucks List. With an average annual maintenance cost of $737, saving money shouldn’t be too back-breaking.

Spark 

Silver 2021 Chevrolet Spark
2021 starting price: $14,595
True cost to own (5 years): $33,387
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 86/100
The
Chevrolet Spark
may be a compact car, but it landed an above-average score on Repair Pal’s Reliability Rating. In 2021, J.D. Power ranked it the 3rd best model of small cars
With an average annual repair cost of about $434 and a starting price of $14,595, the Chevy Spark makes buying reliability a breeze.

Blazer

Red 2021 Chevrolet Blazer
2021 starting price: $29,995
True cost to own (5 years): $48,443
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100
The
Chevrolet Blazer
is the dependable midsize SUV you need. Named J.D. Power’s 2nd best Midsize SUV in 2021, the Blazer is a stylish crossover with a great reliability score. 
Owners also gave the Blazer a driving experience score of 86/100, meaning it’s time to pile your friends and family in the backseat and hit the road!

The least reliable Chevrolet models

Though we wish it weren’t true, not every Chevrolet model hits the reliability mark. The least reliable Chevrolet models are the Silverado and the Suburban. More on both below. 

Silverado

Red 2021 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss
2021 starting price: $28,995
True cost to own (5 years): $48,773
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: N/A
In 2021, the
Chevrolet Silverado
pick-up truck had 5 safety recalls. Problems concerned everything from airbags to seatbelts and tire issues. 
Consumer Reports
also gave the Silverado a score of 45 out of 100 on their annual report for 2021, causing it to come in last with the GMC Sierra on their list of worst full-sized trucks

Suburban

Silver 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Z71
2021 starting price: $53,895
True cost to own (5 years): $72,514
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 70/100
The
Chevrolet Suburban
ranked 11th out of 14 for full-size SUVs on Repair Pal’s Reliability Rating. Compared to other SUV drivers, Suburban owners were more likely to face major repairs that came at a hefty price. The average annual repair costs were about $994.
Key Takeaway Due to multiple recalls and major repair costs, the Silverado and Suburban are the least reliable Chevrolet models. 

How to make your Chevrolet last longer

In the end, the biggest determinant of how long any car will last is its owner. If you’ve got the money, time, and dedication, you can make your Chevrolet outlive the average car by following these tips:
  • Schedule routine maintenance check-ups as outlined in your owner’s manual
  • Stick to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts
  • Avoid unexpected issues by scheduling inspections in between services
  • Maintain a clean vehicle to lessen the effects of wear and tear caused by the elements
  • Drive with caution to avoid accidents that could shorten your car’s lifespan
MORE: How to make your car last longer

How to find affordable Chevrolet insurance

Safe practices aside, insurance is among the top ways you can protect yourself and your car. 
Worried about exorbitant insurance prices driving up the total cost of ownership? Car insurance app
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The process is simple: download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and as a
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FAQs

High mileage for a Chevrolet model is about 150,000 miles, though that number can skyrocket upwards of 300,000 if you take proper care of your vehicle. If buying used, pay close attention to the model’s owner history and maintenance record.
Chevrolet vehicles have fairly average maintenance costs. Over a ten-year period, the average Chevy driver spends $8,800 on maintenance. 
Wondering what your annual cost might be? You’re looking at under $900 for most models. Show your Chevy some love and care and you should be good!
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