Chevrolet offers a variety of durable, yet sleek, models for under $50k. Whether you're looking for an off-road truck or a sports car, Chevy's got something for you.
Many automotive emblems, such as Mercedes' tri-pointed star and Alfa Romeo's crowned snake, hide rich histories and deeper meanings, symbolizing the founders' philosophies and aspirations.
Chevy's doesn't.
While on vacation in 1912, Chevrolet co-founder Billy Durant was browsing a newspaper when he came across an ad for Coalette's brand coal. Admiring their logo, he told his wife "I think this would be a very emblem for the Chevrolet." Days later, Chevrolet had their logo, which has endured for over a century.
Thankfully, the products are more innovative and original than the badge on their grill. To prove it, Chevy invited us out to Atlanta Motorsports Park to try out six of their newest models.
Which ones made us swoon? Which ones made us shrug? More importantly, which is worth buying/ Find out below in our bite-sized reviews of each.
The 2017 Bolt EV
The basics
The Bolt (not be confused with its hybrid big brother the Volt) is Chevrolet's first mass-market ev (electric vehicle). Outwardly resembling a potato from the future, the Bolt swept awards last year, with pundits praising its range, acceleration, handling, and comfort. This seemingly no-compromise EV will hit dealers this fall for just under $30k with the $7500 federal grant.
Our impressions
"The Bolt may be your favorite car of the day" Chevy told us. Thankfully they resisted an "it will shock you" pun, we couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, given that the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Grand Sport loomed behind us. And yet, the Bolt did shock us. Seeing 238-miles of range in an EV under $30k is a revelation. Plus, the Bolt was a fun to drive as a hot hatchback.
Before you throw money at a Tesla Model 3, test drive a Bolt this fall and see if you share our enthusiasm for the lovable electric spud.
The 2017 Silverado 2500HD
The basics
The Silverado is GM's midsized rival to the Ford F-150 (the best-selling vehicle in America). To convert more prospective pickup buyers to the Silverado, Chevy have enhanced the electric steering to help with low-speed precision and improved the ride quality and quietness of the cabin. The Silverado 2500HD (or heavy duty) also gets a hood scoop for 2017. Prices for the regular cab start at $32,935.
Our impressions
Compared to other trucks, the Silverado impressed us with its smooth ride and quiet cabin. The buttery transmission and solid brakes worked so well that we completely forget we were towing a 3700lb Camaro SS behind us. Without a thorough road test of the F-150, we're unsure which is better, but we're certain that if you have $30-$50k to spend on a truck, a Silverado is worth the test drive.
The 2017 Colorado ZR2
The basics
Take a small pickup and make it as off-road capable as Bear Grylls. ZR2s start at $41k and come loaded with mud-loving goodies such as a locking rear differential (which allows one wheel to spin to dislodge the others), skid plates to prevent body damage, and the segment's first Multimatic shocks for improved ride quality, whether you're on the way to Trader Joe's or the Mojave.
Our impressions
While perhaps lacking the off-road pedigree or charm of a Jeep or a Range Rover, the ZR2 came undeniably ready to play, gleefully dominating the artificial but punishing off-road course we took it on.
Thanks to its clever skid-plate placement, it's also rumored to be the only off-roader to conquer the legendary Rubicon trail without a scratch. Considering it gets better MPG than a Jeep and is $8,000 less than a Ford F-150 Raptor, the ZR2 may be the best off-road option available today.
The 2018 Equinox
The basics
In a segment more crowded than the indie pop genre, Chevy's mid-sized crossover aims to win buyers by shedding 400 pounds to improve handling. Starting at $24,525, the Equinox comes in less expensive than the leading Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5, but more expensive than the competing Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tuscon.
Our impressions
Losing weight doesn't make someone an athlete, and the Equinox's diet didn't make it much more fu to drive. Acceleration lags well behind competitors, and while the handling has somewhat improved, it still doesn't touch the sports car behavior of the Mazda CX-5. Still, the interior impressed us for an inexpensive crossover, and Chevy's infotainment system is one of the best; those two pluses alone could sway you if you're uninterested in spirited driving.
The 2017 Camaro SS
The basics
Chevy excitedly slung us around in a 2017 Camaro ZL1 Track Package, but after stumbling out and remembering that a $70k race-ready muscle car is never, and will never be, a financially-savvy purchase, we asked if we could test a more "sensible" Camaro SS, which starts at just $37,900.
Our impressions
The old Camaro had the outward visibility of a medieval helmet, so the fact that you can see out of the new one is a marked improvement. Plus, with a sprint time of just four seconds, magnetic ride control, and Brembo brakes, there's very little separating the midrange Camaro SS's performance from that of a six-figure supercar. If you're a performance-minded shopper and can swallow muscle car insurance rates, the Camaro may be the best sports car value for under $50k.
The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport
The basics
Unlike with the Camaro, there isn't a Millennial-friendly Corvette under 50 grand we could test to provide sensible, money-conscious advice. But after Chevy insisted for several seconds, we begrudgingly donned our track helmets, put the Corvette in racing mode, and boldly hit 135MPH on a slightly soggy NASCAR track.
Our impressions
It's blistering performance and audacious good looks are enough to win us over, but we're irked by the cheap-feeling interior. The plastic paddle shifters give a cheap-sounding clack when pulled, as opposed to the solid click of the aluminum or magnesium ones found in most competitors, and strangely, the real carbon fiber trim in the Corvette looks worse than the carbon faux-ber trim in the Toyotal 86.
But when you consider the 'Vette can keep with a Porsche 911 for $10k less and offer better MPG, in its segment alone it could be considered a financially-savvy bargain.
Remember
Overall, Chevy offers durable, exciting cars. Unless you're shopping for an exciting crossover, the bow-tied brand has something for everyone, even those on a budget.
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