A Few of the Most Desirable Used Chevys of all Time

Over the past 100 years, Chevrolet has pumped out an amazing 200 million vehicles. From the sedans and coupes that get us where we’re going, to the trucks that make our jobs easier, the SUVs that handle everything, and the sports cars that give us thrills, Chevy makes a model for pretty much everyone. As a result, used Chevrolet vehicles have become some of the most popular pre-owned vehicles on the market.

Of all the Chevys on the road, new and used, what are some of the most desirable models of all time? Well, the answer depends on what type of market you’re in. After all, you wouldn’t take your HD dually to the racetrack, just like you wouldn’t try to take your souped-up machine on a family road trip. However, for every market, there is a favorite––a cherished classic that comes up time and time again. From used SUVs, trucks, cars, and sports cars, everyone has a go-to on the pre-owned car lot. The following used Chevys have stood the test of time and gained a special place in the hall of fame for reliable, powerful, and all-around accommodating vehicles. While they might not be the newest editions, they’ve certainly left their tire-print on the roads of America.

The 2006 TrailBlazer SS

“SS” as sports car fans will know, stands for “Super Sport,” and the combination of an SUV with a “Super Sport” designation may come as a surprise for those who have never considered burnouts and towing capability in the same vehicle.

When the TrailBlazer was introduced in 2002, it immediately gained a reputation as a powerful, reliable mid-size SUV. The SS trim, which was only available from 2006 to 2009, added an unheard-of level of power for the SUV market.

Under the hood, the 2006 TrailBlazer SS hides a 6.0-liter small-block V8. While the standard engine that year was a reasonable 5.3-liter engine with 300 horsepower, this souped-up version offers 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. As a result, it can go 0-60 miles per hour in about 5.6 seconds and tow up to 6,600 pounds.

While the ’06 SS has all the trimmings under the hood, it has a surprisingly modest exterior, standing just a little bit lower on 20-inch wheels, with stiffer shocks and thick front rotors and Corvette brake pads, allowing it to stop as well as it goes. Body-colored trim and a monochromatic palette give it the beast-like facade it deserves.

Inside, drivers are treated to sports seats, which feature “wings” to help drivers deal with the newly found Gs. Drivers could choose from a variety of entertainment features that are surprisingly forward-thinking for 2006, including XM satellite radio, Bose sound system, DVD entertainment system, and 6-disc CD changer.

For those looking to make the term “quick getaway” a literal reality, the ’06 TrailBlazer SS packed in space, capability, comfort, as well as the speed and power.

The 2015 Silverado

The Chevy Silverado is not only Chevy’s best-selling truck; it’s the best selling truck in America, with over 12 million trucks sold since its introduction in 1998.

The Silverado received a major revamp in 2014, so many assumed that Chevy would let the new updates ride another year. Instead, Chevy boldly continued to improve upon the favorite, adding an 8-speed automatic transmission to its highest engine level, adding text message alerts and Siri iPhone integration with their infotainment system, and in-car WiFi, which was brand new in 2015.

One of the best features of this full-sized pickup is the number of options available. Choose from two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, regular, extended, or crew cab, 5.75-foot short bed, 6.5-foot standard bed, or 8.2-foot extended bed. Then come the trim levels. The regular cab was available on the Work Truck, LS, and LT trims, while the extended cab was an option on the higher LTZ option. The crew cab could be used on the luxurious High Country and off-road friendly Z71 trims.

The lower trims on this used Chevy truck include a 4.3L V6 Flex-Fuel engine that offers 285 horsepower and 305 lb/ft of torque. Despite being a “standard” engine, this model is quite capable, with a towing max of 7,600 pounds. The higher trims feature a 5.3L V8 Flex-Fuel engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Either of these engines could be optioned as two or four-wheel drive, and were paired with six-speed automatic transmissions. Those looking for still more power could choose a 6.2L V8 engine with 8-speed transmission. This engine offers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the 6.2L engine can tow up to 12,000 pounds.

Each trim includes a variety of features and options, so it’s hard to imagine that any two 2015 Silverados will be the same. The Work Truck options include air conditioning and cruise control, as well as power door locks, and easy-care vinyl seats and rubber floor. As the trim levels build up, models include chrome exterior details, keyless entry, with Bluetooth phone and audio compatibility.

The LTZ trim, for example, has power everywhere, including features like remote start, power folding mirrors, power sliding rear window, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, heated and power adjustable driver and passenger seats, and a rearview camera. The High Country adds parking sensors, Bose audio system, spray-on bedliner, and ventilated front seats, along with cargo box tie-downs, while the Z71 built in the truck’s off-road capability with underbody shields, recovery hooks, and special shock absorbers.

The 2011 Cruze Eco

When it comes to balancing design, features, performance, fuel-efficiency, and practicality, most vehicles fall behind in at least one category. The 2011 Cruze Eco is a sedan that manages to balance it all.

2011 was the inaugural year for the Cruze, as it replaced the Cobalt. Four trims were offered in the first year: the LS, Eco, LT, and LTZ. The Eco trim is equipped with a regular gasoline engine but received extra design attention to help it gain an improved fuel economy.

Powering the Cruze Eco is a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that gets up to 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, a reasonable expectation in its class. However, the Eco is specifically engineered to maximize its efficiency, with particular attention to aerodynamic elements and body weight. A smaller fuel tank, lighter alloy wheels, and low-rolling-resistance tires significantly improve the fuel economy, with this model finding up to 26 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.

Inside, the Eco might seem a bit sparse compared to today’s trims, but in 2011, many drivers found it just right. Air conditioning and manually adjustable steering wheel and driver seat are accompanied by a six-speaker stereo system equipped with CD player, MP3 compatibility, an auxiliary jack, and satellite radio. The rear seat splits 60/40 to allow for a wider range of cargo.

The Cruze Eco also includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and a full suite of airbags to keep drivers and passengers safe. Other available options could be added from the higher trims, as well, including Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel-mounted controls, a moonroof, GPS navigation, or premium sound systems.

The 1963 Corvette Coupe

As far as “most desirable” goes, the very first Corvette Stingray tops many auto enthusiasts’ lists. The product of combining the 1957 Q-Corvette and Bill Mitchell’s Stingray racer, this first-of-its-kind coupe features a long, aerodynamic hood and a raised split window that runs all the way along the roof and down the back, creating the signature bisected rear window.

The standard 250 horsepower V8 engine could be optioned up to a 300 or 340 horsepower model, and the standard three-speed manual transmission was frequently replaced with an available Muncie M20 manual four-speed transmission––another new addition for 1963. A Rochester fuel-injected engine ranging up to 360 horsepower was also available as an extra option. The standard 20-gallon fuel tank was located at the rear, with a hinged emblem that hid the fuel filler flap. Models with the RPO Z06 performance package were equipped with a 36.5-gallon gas tank, earning them the nickname “Big Tanks.”

The Corvette Stingray was given plenty of new and unusual features. For example, the headlights could be hidden in rotating housings, which became an ongoing feature for future Corvettes. The dash was redesigned to accommodate a larger glovebox, while the luggage space behind the seats was extended, though still not accessible from the exterior of the vehicle. Inside, drivers enjoyed the continued luxury with leather upholstery, air conditioning, heating system, and a vertically-set AM/FM radio with clock.

The Stingray sold over 21,000 combined convertible and coupe models in its first year. Chevy has wisely continued producing the powerful sports car, with each model year revealing a new facade and increasingly powerful engines.

The 2020 Corvette Stingray features a 6.2L LT2 V8 engine that offers a blistering 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the latest performance package. While those figures may make the 1963 Stingray look like a daily driver by today’s standards, it’s hard for a Corvette fan to not look back with appreciation at the model that started the Stingray movement.

Chevy Stands Strong

Through the years, Chevrolet has created some models that truly stand the test of time. It’s no surprise that the pre-owned car lots are often filled with gently-used Chevys just waiting for their next home. These are just a few of the vehicles that celebrate how the manufacturer became one of the top name brands in the US, and surely there will be many more to come. If you are looking for a reliable used Chevy, contact us at our Buford, GA dealership, we’d be happy to help you find your dream car.