Blog

Is your family addicted to their devices? Would they rather surf the web, stream video, and play games while traveling? The Wi-Fi hotspot available in Chevrolet Cars is the perfect solution for you. Chevrolet was the first automaker to offer 4G LTE connectivity across its entire lineup of cars. The automaker has sold more than 2 million OnStar 4G connected vehicles since 2014, making Chevrolet an industry leader in keeping drivers connected. Which Chevrolet Cars Have Wi-Fi? Some of the models that have 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity include: Chevrolet Sonic Chevrolet Cruze Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Equinox Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Spark Chevrolet Corvette What is 4G LTE technology? 4G LTE hotspot technology allows up to seven users to connect their devices – such as laptops, tablets, phones, and gaming systems – to a high-speed wireless internet connection. Authorized users can use the internet within the vehicle and at a distance outside the car. You can stay connected while tailgating, stretching at a rest stop, or even when you’re out camping. 4G LTE Wi-Fi is highly reliable, offers a better signal, and provides more bandwidth compared to a basic cell signal. Once connected, you don’t have to reconnect every time you are in the car. The Wi-Fi connects automatically for your convenience. How to Connect Your Chevrolet Wi-Fi If you have a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop, you can connect it to your Chevrolet car and surf away. It’s an easy three step process: In your car, look for the white OnStar button. Press it to access the Wi-Fi settings Once you’ve accessed the settings, you will see the password and the network name listed. You’ll need this information to connect your device to the hotspot. Access the Wi-Fi settings on your device, and you’ll see a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Select the one that matches your car and enter the password. OnStar Wi-Fi Plans When you buy a 4G LTE equipped Chevrolet car, you get to enjoy free Wi-Fi for the first three months. Once this period expires, you can purchase an affordable and flexible data plan through AT&T. There are monthly data plans and one-time plans, depending on how much data you need. Plans start at as little as $10 a month. Contact Us at Martin Chevy in Crystal Lake, IL At Martin Chevy, you can relax in the cabin of one of the many Chevy vehicles available at our dealership in Crystal Lake, Illinois, that offer this excellent 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Schedule a test drive today. If you have questions on how to connect or the availability of Wi-Fi in your Chevrolet model, feel free to get in touch, and we’ll gladly respond with answers to your questions.

Choosing a new truck is never an easy decision and all too often we find ourselves down to two or three similar models long before we make our final decision. Whether it’s a test drive, a comparison site, or even a salesman who eventually changes your mind – knowing more about the vehicle you’re buying and comparing it to is often the turning point. So, what makes the Chevy Silverado 1500 a better choice for you than the Ford F-150? How the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Edges Out the Ford F-150 On the outside both trucks have a similar appearance, similar size, and similar price. But it’s the little details that make a big difference with these two pickups side-by-side. Performance That Matters for Truck Owners For example, the Silverado 1500 is equipped with a Gas V8 Engine, while the Ford comes standard with a Twin Turbo V6. The Chevy’s larger engine gives it an advantage in power with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Compare that to the F-150’s 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The base Silverado 1500 can make the extra effort that a Ford can’t. Another advantage the Silverado 1500 offers over the F-150 is a much larger fuel tank capacity – with 26L over only 23L. Combined with the direct fuel injection, the Silverado 1500 has what it takes to keep up with any competing truck. Both trucks are also available in 4x4 configuration, so you don’t have to worry about getting to work or a campsite off the beaten path. Technology, Warranty, and Special Editions All new 2017 Silverado trucks are available with 4G LTE WiFi, meaning you can stay connected wherever you go – perfect for road trips, camping trips when summer comes back around, and keeping the entire family entertained. OnStar® in-vehicle communications also give you access to roadside assistance from Chevrolet, offering you the peace of mind you deserve. If your truck suffers a breakdown or mechanical failure out on the road, not only is help on the way, but every new Silverado is backed up by a 3-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty. That’s paired with a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, so you can treat your truck, well, like a truck. If you’re looking for something a little special, the Chevy Silverado offers a range of different special edition models that stand out from the crowd, offering a unique take on the American favourite. With seven special edition models currently on offer, you’re guaranteed to find a truck that fits your style and your needs. Learn More About the Chevy Silverado in Skokie, IL If you’re interested in a closer look at a new or used Silverado – or thinking of giving one a test drive to see how it suits you – visit us at Martin Chevy in Skokie, IL. Our staff will be happy to help you find out if a Chevy truck is right for you.

The hatchback trend has finally reached US shores after great success across Europe — and it’s about time. Hatchbacks are a versatile, compact (yet surprisingly roomy) alternative to stuffy sedans and cumbersome SUVs. Chevrolet recently announced the 2017 Cruze Hatchback as their American entry into the growing hatch market. What makes the Chevy Cruze Hatchback different from their standard sedan? Cruze Hatchback: Part of a Lasting Trend or Fleeting Fad? There are several quality design improvements that separate the Cruze Hatchback from its sedan counterpart. Expect the hatchback to really make huge waves and stay for the long haul. Exterior Features The Hatchback earns points above the sedan for style. The tapered front end, wide wrap-around tail lights, and bumper-mounted license plate solve stylistic complaints from sedan drivers. Expect more maneuverability with a lower build and a shorter rear overhang while enjoying the benefits of the standard 106.3-inch wheelbase and interior contours. Other fun upgrades include a rear spoiler for either trim, side skirts, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and 16-inch wheels with an optional 17-18-inch upgrade. Cargo Space The true benefit of a hatchback design is the cargo space, where solo travelers or family planners can store their gear. The cabin boasts an incredible 22.7 cubic feet of open space, which is over seven feet more than what you get with the sedan version. When you fold the seats down, you can more than double that cargo space. Road trip, anyone? 2017 Cruze Hatchback Specs and Features With so many great features, you’ll never want to stop moving. The 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback could be just the vehicle to kick off a more compact traveling craze in the US. Here are the specs and features you can expect to take you where you want to go: Specs Trim Options: LT Manual Hatchback, LT Auto Hatchback MSRP: $20,795 – $22,245 Engine: 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A City/Hwy MPG: 29/38 MPG Drivetrain: FWD Top-Tier Features for Excitement on the Road Stay comfortable, informed, and entertained with these exciting available features: 60/40 split-folding seats Heated driver and front passenger seats StabiliTrak stability control system Rear vision camera Chevrolet MyLink ® 7” color touch-screen Apple CarPlay TM Android Auto TM OnStar® 4G LTE with available Wi-Fi® Save Big on the New Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback with Martin Chevy Stop by Martin Chevy at 5220 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL, to test drive the all-new 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback. Someone from our sales team can help you go over every feature, get pre-approved for financing, and guide you through hundreds of models of new, pre-owned, and certified vehicles for comparison. At Martin Chevy, every transaction is: Reliable Transparent Straightforward Don’t just take our word for it — see what others have been saying about Martin Chevy. Why not cruise your own path with Chevrolet? Call us at (855) 395-9583 today.

Holy automotive engineering, Batman! Did you know that the Dark Knight gets around in a Chevrolet? That’s right! Batman must have driven this ravishing roadster straight from Gotham to the 2017 Detroit Auto Show to show off the best features from Chevy’s expansive utility belt. As part of an ad campaign for the upcoming Warner Bros. The Lego Batman Movie, Chevy’s life-sized recreation of the film’s Batmobile turned heads and scared off plenty of villains at the annual expo. Let’s take a look under the hood to see how the super team-up of Chevy and Lego accomplished the impossible. Chevy Brings Justice to Every Feature in the Life-Sized Lego Batmobile According to the mad engineers now serving time in Arkham, the 17’ long Lego Batman comes fully equipped with everything the world’s greatest detective needs on the road: 20,000 Horsepower with a 60.2L V100 Engine Flaming Rocket Booster Available in 12 shades of black to become one with the night Hands-free calling for quick maneuvering Apple CarPlay™ Android Auto™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection 1,695.5 lbs Did we mention the Flaming Rocket Booster? Gotham’s Finest Engineers Hard at Work Touting over 52 safety appointments, and secret features like Vertical Takeoff, Driver-Centric Bulletproof Glass, Automatic Nerd Alert, Side Batwing Conversion, and X-Ray Vision, there’s nothing this Batmobile can’t do! With an MSRP of $48 million, you’d have to be a wealthy billionaire like Bruce Wayne to be able to afford this luxury vehicle. This top-secret design is no joke! Built from over 340,000 Lego bricks, it took Lego Master Builders 222 hours to design, and 1,833 hours to assemble in Enfield, Connecticut. According to Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet marketing, "Many of the themes in The Lego Batman Movie, like imagination, family, and community, align perfectly with our Chevy brand values and add to the value of the partnership." The Lego Batman Movie can be seen in theatres February 10, 2017, and features the voice talents of Will Arnett as Batman and Zach Galifianakis as the Joker. Become a Superhero in Your Neighborhood with Chevy Can’t afford to fight crime in a Chevy Lego Batmobile? No problem! Become a hero for your family with a new Chevy from Martin Chevy, in Crystal Lake, IL. Choose from hundreds of new, used, and certified pre-owned Chevy models built with safety in mind. What are you waiting for? Become the night. Become a Chevy driver. Call (855) 395-9583 and speak with one of our helpful crime-fighters—er, automotive experts today.

Chevrolet debuted the new Chevrolet Traverse on January 9 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. This new family SUV joins the Trax, Equinox, Tahoe, and Suburban in Chevy’s SUV and crossover lineup. You’ll have to wait until Fall 2017 to get behind the wheel of the 2018 Traverse, but you can read more about it right here with Martin Chevrolet. The Chevrolet Traverse is Back With Big Updates The new 2018 Traverse is built for families. Its more truck-like design brings big power, capability and a lot more space for buyers who are looking to make sure everyone has plenty of room to stretch out. The new design is a complete overhaul of the Traverse you’re used to — the first total redesign of the Traverse since its initial appearance in 2009. The new SUV has seating for up to eight passengers, offering the segment’s best third-row legroom and cargo space. So far we’ve heard about two engine options — a 3.6-liter V6, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Both are accompanied by a 9-speed automatic transmission. The standard V6 is expected to give drivers a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy (meaning this SUV will get about 25 miles per gallon on the highway). Since you’ll be loading the 2018 Traverse with your most precious cargo, Chevy didn’t cut any corners when it comes to safety systems. This SUV’s safety features include Surround Vision, lane-keeping assist, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, forward automatic braking, and available LED headlights. Shop Chevy in Crystal Lake, Illinois The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse will hit dealerships in Fall 2017. Until then, browse the rest of inventory at Martin Chevrolet. We have an extensive selection of SUVs, crossovers, sedans, and trucks. Check back soon for updates about the 2018 Traverse release date. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about new or used vehicles at Martin Chevy. We look forward to visits from each of our customers at our dealership in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Choosing between two Chevy SUVs can seem like an impossible task — how do you pick between two winners? Take a look at this face-off, and it becomes clear: the difference between the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2017 Chevrolet Suburban really comes down to your transport needs and price point. The 2017 Suburban simply has more cargo space than the Tahoe, coming in at the top with both total cargo volume and cargo volume behind the third row. Conversely, the Tahoe has slightly more towing capability and a more manageable price point (especially when you opt for luxury trim options and four-wheel drive). So which offers more of what you need? Come in to Martin Chevy today to get behind the wheel of each of these Chevy SUVs in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Season’s Greetings From Crystal Lake, Illinois The team at Martin Chevy wants to wish our family, friends, and valuable customers a wonderful holiday season. We appreciate the support we get from each of you, and we hope we have made a positive influence on your 2016. We are hopeful that you will get to spend some time relaxing and unwinding with loved ones during the rest of December. Happy holidays to all, and a fun, festive New Year, from your favorite Chevy dealers in Crystal Lake.

One of the most iconic sports cars in history, the Chevy Camaro has been synonymous with power and strength since the 1960’s. Ideal for drivers in and around the Crystal Lake, IL area looking for the performance and enhanced drivability of a high-powered sports car. Continuing a proud tradition of producing high-quality sports cars, Chevy will be offering a turbo engine as a standard feature in the 2016 Camaro. The 2.0L turbo four cylinder engine that comes with the 2016 Chevy Camaro Convertible was designed to produce an impressive 275 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, and with the 6-speed manual transmission or the 8-speed automatic transmission, lets you go from 0-60 MPH in 5.4 seconds flat, making it one of the smoothest sports car available to drivers in and around the Crystal Lake, IL area. For more information on the new 2016 Chevy Camaro Convertible, scheduling a test drive at our Chevy dealership in Crystal Lake, IL, setting up an appointment with our auto service center, or getting started with our financing department, please don’t hesitate to contact Martin Chevy through our website or by calling us at (815) 459-4000.

Chevy has announced an enticing addition to its vehicle lineup. The Chevy Trax is one of the best-selling small SUV models in America, and the 2017 model will introduce new design elements, interior comforts, connectivity options, and safety features. We’ve compiled a list of innovative features that Crystal Lake, IL drivers will love on the new Trax. 2017 Chevy Trax: Design All-new front fascia with new-proportioned dual port grille and sleek headlamps Premier model offers 18-in. aluminum wheels and halogen projector headlamps with LED signature lighting 2017 Chevy Trax: Interior New 7-in. MyLink color touchscreen and new instrument cluster Galvano chrome trim on console and panel enhance ambience Completely new infotainment system compatible with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot 2017 Chevy Trax: Safety Side Blind Zone Alert Rear Cross Traffic Alert Forward Collision Alert Lane Departure Warning Standard rearview camera and 10 air bags The 2017 Chevy Trax offers a host of innovative features, but will also keep some tried-and-true features from their longstanding small SUV lineup. For instance, the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine capable of 138 HP and 148 lb.-ft. of torque will continue to offer drivers an efficient way to travel in and around Crystal Lake, IL. The 2017 Chevy Trax will be available this fall. In the meantime, explore the full lineup of Chevy models in our inventory. Give us a call at (855) 395-9583 or fill out our online contact form to set up a test drive today.

Chevy has introduced a new body style for the 2017 Cruze: the Chevy Cruze hatchback. Drivers in the Crystal Lake, IL area will be fond of the 2017 hatchback model if they would enjoy a sportier version of the Chevy Cruze. Below you’ll find some of our favorite 2017 Chevy Cruze hatchback features. The fun and sporty design ups the ante for Chevy Cruze fans. Smooth lines and a unique roof and rear-end structure help this hatchback stand out in the crowd. A powerful 1.4L turbo engine that delivers optimal fuel efficiency is what powers the 2017 Cruze hatchback. If you have an “on-the-go” lifestyle, the 2017 Cruze hatchback’s 47.2 cubic feet of total cargo space should be plenty of room to support you. Do you have an Apple or Android smartphone? The 2017 Chevy Cruze hatchback supports many models of both brands with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features allow you to pair your phone with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system for hands-free access to your contacts, music, and more. Much like its sedan-shaped sibling, the 2017 Chevy Cruze hatchback is equipped with multiple active safety features like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Keep Assist. The Chevy Cruze hatchback won’t be available at Martin Chevy until Fall 2016, but you can still enjoy the endless Cruze sedan features with the 2016 model year lineup. Take a look at our new vehicle inventory to see if we have your Chevy Cruze trim of choice. If you’d like more information on the Chevy Cruze or any other model we offer, contact a product specialist by phone or through our online contact form for more information.

If you are interested in the idea of a zero emissions vehicle, but are noncommittal due to high prices, or the complications of range limits and charging, you’re not alone. Many Crystal Lake, IL area drivers are in that same boat. Luckily, a recently revealed new electric vehicle promises to solve that: the 2017 Chevy Bolt. This American-made EV will offer Crystal Lake, IL residents an estimated range of over 200 miles on a full charge, more than enough to make a trip to Milwaukee and back! As for charging, there are multiple charging options available with the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. The standard is a 120-volt system, but a 240-volt system is available that promises to provide up to 25 miles of range on just one hour of charge. Drivers who opt for the DC Fast Charge can get as many as 90 miles worth of range out of a mere 30 minutes of charging. The electric motor will produce 200 HP and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. Features include bright and easy-to-read color screens, 10.2” in the center display and 8” in the driver instrument cluster, that include information like your current battery level, and numerous advanced safety technologies like a forward collision alert and pedestrian alert. Chevy’s parent company, GM, is putting its full support behind the Bolt, promising it is not just another compliance car. After federal tax credits, consumers could pay as little as $30,000 for a new Chevy Bolt model – well below the current average price of a new car as estimated by KBB. The Bolt will be available at Chevrolet dealerships late this year. Until then, check out some of the other models currently available at Martin Chevy, like the highly fuel-efficient 2016 Chevy Spark, through our online inventory.

Do new additions to the family, or growing members, mean the family sedan doesn’t cut it anymore? Don’t be resigned to a minivan quite yet; crossover SUVs get the job done. The new 2016 Chevy Equinox is one of the top sellers from Chevrolet, and for good reason. This compact utility vehicle is both spacious enough for passengers and quiet enough for parents, and fuel-efficient too so you can spend your money on things besides the gas pump. Gets up to 32 MPH highway driving Available 301 HP V6 engine Comes with a standard rear view camera for safety when pulling out of the driveway or a parking space Offers Multi-Flex sliding rear seats for an extra eight inches of either leg room or cargo space, or can be folded down 60/40 With 39.9 inches of legroom, you will enjoy more space to stretch out in than in the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, AND Ford Escape. 7 cu. ft. of available cargo space means you won’t ever have to worry about making everything fit. Comes with available 4G LTE Wi-Fi that goes where you go The Chevy Equinox is a 2016 Top Safety Pick of the IIHS and Highest Ranked Compact SUV in Initial Quality in a Tie by J.D. Power in 2015. Does this have you interested? Visit Martin Chevrolet in Crystal Lake, IL to learn more. But first, browse our online inventory for current 2016 Chevy Equinox models, find one you like, and schedule your test drive.