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What You Should Know About GM Purchase Programs

Who doesn’t want to save money? Many of us will go looking for the best deals, but you may be eligible to save money in ways you didn't realize when you buy a car from GM. Not every company recognizes the hard work and dedicated service of first responders or those who served and are serving the country with something as simple as a discount. Not every company wants to give students in college a bit of a break with their finances. Now every company gives their employees good discounts on their products. However, when you shop GM here at North Park Chevrolet, you'll have access to the GM purchase programs that cover all of these people and more. 

Several factors allow you to be eligible for one purchase program or another. From the GM workforce to the military, students, teachers, and more, GM purchase programs are the pinnacle of purchase programs anywhere in the industry. But why is that? We’ll explain what you should expect from each GM purchase program. After familiarizing yourself with your available discounts, you can visit North Park Chevrolet to utilize a purchase program to shop for your next vehicle. 

Student Discount

We are going to start with a program that is for those who are already strapped for cash: college students. GM understands that college is expensive and so they offer the College Appreciation Program to help out. Whether you’re a current student or have recently acquired your degree, you’ll be eligible for Chevrolet’s College Appreciation program. With the College Appreciation program, you get a lengthy list of vehicles that qualify for the program. The selection of cars includes the previous three model years, so the vehicle you purchase will be either a 2021, 2022, or a new 2023 model. The College Appreciation Program includes many Chevrolet models, from electric options like the Bolt EV and EUV to sports cars like the Camaro, trucks like the Silverado, and more. 

Teacher Discount

On the same note as the student discount we previously mentioned, educators get an identical deal. Teachers deserve recognition, so why not enjoy a special discount for a brand-new Chevrolet car, SUV, or truck? Teachers have a lengthy list of Chevy models to browse, from commuter-friendly options like the Chevy Malibu or family-friendly SUVs like the full-size Tahoe to hard-working trucks like the Silverado. Educators need not worry if they’ll be on the eligibility list as the GM Purchase Program offers a discount to educators in the public school system and community, college professors, private institutions like boarding schools, charter schools, and professors at any university. 

People smiling and holding a key fob.

GM Employees & Suppliers

GM is a manufacturer that understands that without its hard-working and dedicated employees, there would be no GM. To honor the hard work its employees give them, GM offers Supplier and Family-First employee discounts. Current or former GM employees can use the Family First employee discount, and under certain conditions, so can your family. 

GM Financial employees are eligible for the Family First Employee Discount, but former employees must meet set criteria: they must have worked for at least five years with the company. If you have been with the company for over 20 years, you can extend your discount to more than your immediate family. Those who worked there for five to twenty years can give their discount to their significant other or their child if they’re under 21 years old. If you’ve worked at GM for over twenty years, regardless if you were a salary or hourly worker, you can extend your discount to everyone from in-laws and step-siblings to grandparents, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts––the list goes on. 

Being part of the GM family runs deep. If a loved one worked at GM for at least five years before passing away, the same family members are entitled to the same discounts we mentioned. Employees who worked at GM for over twenty years before passing away will still have car discounts for their extended family, like the current and previous GM employees.

The discount GM Employees and their loved ones get varies based on the price of the vehicle. The pricier the car is, the more money you’ll save. However, a significant difference between the GM Employees’ purchase program and the previous two we mentioned is more automobiles. If you’re using the employee discount, you can select a GMC, Buick, Chevy, or Cadillac vehicle, albeit ones from the list of eligible vehicles. Not only are there a decent number of automobiles from each manufacturer on the list, but the car in mention will be a brand-new 2023, 2022, or 2021 model. 

The discount suppliers are welcome to follow many of the same fundamentals as the GM Employee’s Discount, but there are some changes. GM Suppliers aren’t those who work in the dealership but those working behind the scenes, and their discounts apply to pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, and more. Not only do employees and suppliers get money off their purchases, but they can regularly combine their employee or supplier discounts with other offers that may be around during your shopping; however, this may vary depending on current offerings. 

First Responders & Military

The discussion on GM Purchase Programs wouldn’t be complete without discussing first responders and service members, either current or former. First Responders and those serving in the military are eligible for the same discounts. Like the GM Employees and Suppliers Purchase Programs, but unlike the teacher or student discounts, first responders and military service members can choose a vehicle produced by either Buick, Cadillac, GMC, or Chevrolet. The idea of allowing first responders and military service members choices when shopping for a car may sound like a novel concept. However, not every manufacturer has a program as generous towards heroes, either current or retired. That’s why GM is proud to have discounts for those who deserve recognition for everything they’ve done for the public.

If a first responder, military service member, or veteran is shopping for a vehicle, they will have plenty of choices between brand-new 2021, 2022, and 2023 GM products. However, the true benefit stems from the discounts you get. If you’re selecting a GMC, Chevy, or Buick vehicle, you’ll get half a thousand dollars off your purchase, which means extra money in your pocket. Otherwise, shoppers looking into purchasing a Cadillac will have $1,000 taken off their purchase. 

A child wearing sunglasses.

Discounts Are Important

Discounts are crucial to the industry because of recognizing people making a difference in the world. Making a difference in the world is something not everyone can do, and whether you’re a paramedic, firefighter, police officer, or military service member, the importance of your existence stretches beyond the automotive industry. Alternatively, the employees who keep GM up and running, whether the sales team or technicians at your local dealership like North Park Chevrolet, are crucial to the industry because GM’s importance can’t be understated. For example, GM was the largest automotive manufacturer in America for about ninety years, between 1931 and 2021. Student discounts are a bonus, and it’s always appreciated to see a large corporation helping college students save money wherever possible. Whatever your reasoning for being eligible for one of GM’s many purchase programs, visit North Park Chevrolet, and we’ll get you behind the wheel of a vehicle for a great price. 

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green 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 parked on a driveway

What Makes the Chevy Colorado One of the Most Versatile Midsize Trucks?

If you’re on the hunt for a midsize truck that offers a range of interior features and the versatility you need without being cumbersome in size or a gas guzzler, it's time to look for a Chevy Colorado for sale near Helotes. Our selection of 2025 Colorado models has the perfect option for every kind of pickup truck driver. This is the best pickup option for drivers who commute during weekdays but leave for the trailhead or the boat ramp on Friday afternoon to get a jump on the weekend. Or perhaps you are a handy DIYer who loves nothing more than starting and finishing a new project at your home on the weekend. Even professionals love this pickup when your work doesn’t require the heaviest hauling or towing but still requires some towing and off-road ability, like being a rural home appraiser or small farm owner. The Colorado is great for better fuel efficiency than larger trucks and is an excellent choice when driving long distances is part of your work week. Let’s get into all of the reasons the midsize Colorado is one of the most versatile trucks on the market today. A Powerful Drivetrain Provides Superior Performance Helotes drivers love that the impressive performance of the Colorado is well blended with rugged off-road capabilities and user-friendly features that use advanced technology to deliver strong performance on the pavement or in the backcountry. With the standard 2.7L TurboMax engine in 2025 models offering plenty of power, you can enjoy the impressive output this engine produces. You’ll find this engine easily produces 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque for your towing, hauling, and off-roading needs. Chevy provides a comprehensive towing package for the Colorado that works with an integrated app within the infotainment center for extra features to help monitor your trailer. This app allows you to create trailer profiles, help maintain a record of your trailer tires, and allow for TPMS air pressure monitoring while on the road. You’ll enjoy the trailer pre-trip checklists and tons of available camera angles for easier maneuvering with a trailer in tow. When you properly equip your 2025 Colorado to tow the heaviest load possible, you’ll be surprised by this midsize truck being rated to haul an impressive 7,700 lbs! Versatility Is Packed Into the Colorado’s Innovative Design The reason we want to discuss why the Chevy Colorado is perfect for you is because of its incredible versatility. With a focus on utility, the Colorado has been designed with a bed and tailgate that offer features to increase convenience and streamline your tasks. With up to 17 available tie-down points, the most offered in the midsize class, securing bulky cargo in the Colorado's bed is easier than ever. Setting your tailgate, which is rated to hold 500 lbs, at the mid-position can also help make oversized loads more secure for travel. You can choose the available StowFlex tailgate, which includes a lockable storage space with a drain, making it an excellent space for storing tools or wet gear like straps and gloves after a long day of working in the rain. You can also accessorize your tailgate for added versatility by adding features like a KICKER Bluetooth speaker system to boost the fun at a tailgate party or productivity at the worksite. Versatility also comes from the standard crew cab design that comfortably seats five adults with roomy spaciousness and interior options to tailor your truck to your preferences. Available heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, thoughtful storage, and charging ports throughout to keep everyone’s devices powered during a road trip are all part of Chevy’s versatile design. On top of this, five trims are available for 2025 to fine-tune your level of features: the WT for a user-friendly work truck, the LT for an elevated interior and upgraded features, the Trail Boss for a blend of commuting capability and trailhead readiness, the Z71 for more off-road capabilities, and the ZR2 for the most extreme off-road option with a three-inch factory lift and 33-inch tires. With these options, Chevy offers the right amount of versatility for your driving needs. The Colorado is a very capable midsize truck that’s as ready for adventure as it is for a weekday commute or a long day on the job site. The Colorado Offers Comprehensive Safety and Advanced Connectivity Tech-savvy features, modern connectivity, and an advanced safety suite are all things drivers look forward to having in a new truck. The 2025 Colorado features a large 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center stack that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity to your smartphone for instant access to your favorite apps for navigation, music, and messaging. Google built-in provides a virtual assistant that you can utilize with voice commands without having to look away from the road ahead to send a message or search for directions to the next gas station when you're away from Helotes. Enjoy immersive sound with an available Bose audio system upgrade that provides booming sound for your summer playlist or crisp audio for your phone meeting when you take work on the road with you. The 11-inch driver information screen behind the steering wheel provides the most important data you need to drive safely, as well as specific information for handling the most rugged off-road trails with gauges to measure vehicle pitch and roll. The comprehensive safety and driver assistance suite offers features that make longer drives and commuting more relaxing with Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, and Automatic Emergency Braking. You’ll love Rear Cross Traffic Braking for reversing out of busy city street parking or congested parking lots. IntelliBeam will automatically dim your high beams for oncoming traffic, and your Colorado can provide up to ten different camera angles for viewing your surroundings when parking or off-roading. When it comes to off-road specific camera views, the Colorado has segment-exclusive available underbody cameras so you can pinpoint the boulder below you and correct your angle for the best path over it. Helotes Drivers Choose the Colorado Through innovative design, functional style, tech-savvy features, and advanced packages for off-roading and towing, the Colorado packs a versatile punch to meet your driving needs. From the workplace to the trailhead and the city to the backcountry, your Colorado is ready to go wherever you want to take it. With great capacity in a smaller package than a full-size pickup, you’ll love that your towing isn’t compromised, and neither is your fuel economy. These benefits all add up to the fact that the midsize Colorado pickup truck, which seats your whole family or crew, is a versatile adventure or work vehicle designed to streamline your day. Chevy understands the features Helotes drivers want most, adding convenience, thoughtful storage, and easier towing for the long miles ahead. That’s why you should check out the Colorado today with the help of our knowledgeable staff, who will listen to what you want most out of your brand-new pickup and guide you to the trim that will best meet your needs. Stop by today to test drive the Colorado of your dreams!

Front grille of a blue 2027 Chevy Equinox in a park.

Why the 2027 Chevy Equinox Is the Right SUV for Local Families

The Chevy Equinox has long been a reliable midsize SUV for family drivers. Its spacious interior matches a stylish exterior. The Equinox is very versatile, and it's easy to upgrade it so that you have one that matches your specific needs. Plus, it's absolutely packed with safety features so that road trips with loved ones are enjoyable for the driver, not stressful. The 2027 Chevy Equinox continues this trend. Our whole team has been very impressed by what the 2027 model offers. It comes with 11 exterior color options and four trims, including an EV trim for those eager to embrace the electric revolution. Due to how much we've fallen for this model, we wanted to take the time today to explore why this is the right midsize SUV for you and your family to travel around Texas in. Lots of Value and Plenty of Pep The 2027 Chevy Equinox ranks as a very economical purchase compared ot competitors in its class. The Equinox starts at $29,000 [a], but what makes it stand out even more is that it doesn't see much of a price increase on higher trims. Yes, you get extra features, up to and including an EV powertrain, yet the highest trim tops out at about $34,995 [a], and that's the one that gives you the electric edge. In an era where so much seems like it gets more expensive by the day, the Chevy Equinox is a huge boon. You'll also be thrilled to know that the Equinox is built to last, which means long-term maintenance costs are low. Factor in its excellent mileage, coming in at an EPA estimated 27 MPG combined, and your wallet will be thanking you. And that doesn't even consider the savings of the EV trim, which removes fuel as a factor and gives you well over 300 miles of driving range, along with fast re-charging. If you're worried that the lower cost means you have to sacrifice, don't be concerned for a moment. The Equinox is a responsive, nimble driver, ready to roar down I-35 and handle tight San Antonio streets. This SUV's 1.5L four-cylinder engine will give you the sense of confidence you want as you dominate the roads of Texas. If you desire even more traction, you can opt for your Equinox to pull up with all-wheel drive, too. Ample Safety Features to Reduce Driving Worries Another reason family drivers feel confident behind the wheel of the 2027 Chevy Equinox? The SUV comes with 15 standard safety and driver assistance features. The most notable aspect of this would be the Chevy Safety Assist suite of six safety programs that use the midsize SUV's many camera angles to your advantage. Intelligent features like Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and Front Pedestrian Braking utilize the Equinox's cameras to warn you about potential issues on the road; they can even take action for you, such as braking if a collision seems imminent or guiding you back into your proper lane if you're veering out of it. The warnings and extra braking time can be the difference between a collision and a near-miss. Don't believe us? Just ask anyone who has been in an accident how much difference an extra second or two could have made for them. The confidence boost the safety features give will allow you to enjoy time with your loved ones better. Knowing your Equinox is just as invested in safety as you are takes a huge burden off your back. Plenty of Passenger Space and Cargo Room Some of the most important benefits of owning an SUV are the extra passenger and cargo space it offers. Or, at least, those should be some of the benefits. Far too many SUVs offer meager luggage space and leave adults sitting uncomfortably in the rear row. The 2027 Chevy Equinox, however, lives up to expectations and delivers the ideal SUV experience. The Equinox arrives with 29.8 cu.ft. of storage behind the rear row. You can also fold down the second row to more than double your volume, to a whopping 63.5 cu.ft. In addition to the extra volume, stowing the rear row also makes transporting awkwardly shaped furniture or gear easier. You also get a towing bonus. The Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs, giving you more wiggle room for what you can bring along on your adventure. Your kids and friends won't feel like they have to make difficult sacrifices on what to leave behind. Your passengers will love your interior's build, too. They'll sink into the seats, and adults will have no trouble relaxing in the rear row. You can also upgrade your cabin to include Evotex and suede-microfiber seating surfaces. There's no question that your sense of style will raise eyebrows and cause some jealousy. Teen Driver Tech Helps Parents With Novice Drivers Chevy knows that family drivers either currently have or soon will have young ones eager to get their driver's licenses. To help parents, Chevy has developed its truly innovative Teen Driver tech. Many parents have told us they adore how this technology allows them to empower their young drivers while still keeping a close eye on what they do on Texas roads. This built-in safety system provides a report card on how your teen driver did when they were out and about. You'll be told, for instance, if any safety features had to kick into gear because of your teen's performance behind the wheel. You'll also be informed of the top speed reached and the total distance driven. No doubt you'll feel like you were right with your young driver during their trek. You can also use Teen Driver tech to set limits on what your teenager can do. For example, you can limit the volume of the music and make sure the vehicle won't enter drive mode if they don't have their seatbelt on. Just because you might not be in the cabin doesn't mean you can't still exert some control over your Equinox. When other parents are tearing their hair out with stress because their kids are getting ready to drive, you'll rest easy knowing your Equinox has your back. Families Will Adore the 2027 Chevy Equinox The 2027 Chevy Equinox offers cutting-edge safety features, tech designed with families in mind, plenty of cargo room, spacious seating, and all at a very affordable price, no matter the trim or powertrain. For Texas families, the Equinox might just be the smartest purchase on the automotive market today. We encourage you to visit us and take one for a test spin. We harbor no doubts you'll be won over by the Equinox's easy steering. This SUV drives smoothly, ensuring everyone in the cabin feels relaxed. All-wheel drive can give you even more command, ensuring a wet day doesn't become a problem and a tough road doesn't deter you. We'll be happy to answer any more questions and concerns you have about the Equinox. Everyone here is passionate about this SUV, and we're eager to help you locate the one that'll take you and your family's automotive life to the next level. [a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

A white 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 parked outdoors.

Why Choose the Chevy? Comparing the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2026 Ford F-150

"Chevy vs Ford" is one of the most iconic rivalries in the nation; in fact, one only has to have a loose understanding of the automotive industry in order to appreciate how deeply this duel has impacted the development of America. However, for many drivers, the choice between the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2026 Ford F-150 isn't a social or fashion statement, but one that carries real consequences. Smart drivers want to be sure that the full-size truck they purchase can do all the jobs it needs to do and provide great value for the price. With that in mind, here are some compelling reasons why a driver might bring home the Silverado 1500 and leave the F-150 on the lot. When It Comes to Power and Performance… Both Chevy and Ford understand their customers, which is why both the 2026 Silverado 1500 and 2026 F-150 are offered in impressive ranges of distinct trims. Some models are designed for work, others for towing, and others still for high-speed off-road antics. Though the specialized trims offer advantages, most of the models are versatile enough to do all of these. The 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 lineup includes the WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, High Country, and ZR2 models, as well as an EV option. On Ford's side, the F-150 is offered in XL, STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, and Raptor trims. Each lineup includes a choice of several engines to match each driver's particular needs and budget, but there are two quiet standouts among Chevy's offerings. The first is the extremely powerful TurboMax engine that comes standard under the hood of much of the lineup. Producing a best-in-class 430 lb-ft of torque for moving heavy loads and staying calm on rough terrain, this engine is also good for 310 horsepower. Though the standard engine installed in the 2026 F-150 is a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 good for 325 horsepower, it comes significantly short of the Chevy option with just 400 lb-ft of torque. Perhaps this is why it's only standard on the XL, STX, and XLT models, leaving the more impressive engines for the higher-priced trims. Then there's the matter of pulling power. The Silverado 1500 list of options includes a Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel engine. Standard on the mighty ZR2 model and available on nearly all other trims, this 305-horsepower engine with its 495 lb-ft of torque can tow loads up to 13,300 lbs. It also claims an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG on the highway for the rear-wheel drive version, making it one of the more efficient options in the class. The 2026 Ford F-150 has a slightly higher towing capacity at 13,500 lbs, which can't be ignored. The engine accomplishing these feats of strength is a 400-horsepower 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 500 lb-ft of torque, which is available on all trims except the STX and Raptor. The EPA-estimated fuel economy on these models ranges between 24 and 25 MPG on the highway, meaning maximum towing capacity comes at a higher cost on the Ford than the Chevy. Ford only offers diesel engine options on its Super Duty trucks, not the F-150. When It Comes to Overall Capability… The word "capability" can refer to many different things, depending on how drivers use their trucks. Thankfully, the Chevy Silverado 1500 does many things very well. Ford likes to brag that the 2026 F-150 has a top-notch payload maximum of 2,440 lbs, which is a truly impressive number. The 2026 Silverado 1500 has a maximum payload capacity of 2,260, or just 180 lbs less than the F-150, but the numbers don't lie: Ford wins this round. However, weight is just one way to measure a truck bed's capability. The Silverado 1500 actually has the larger bed, with long bed models carrying up to 89.1 cu. ft. of cargo. The F-150 long bed has a capacity of just 77.4 cu. ft. In fact, the Ford F-150's 62.3 cubic foot regular bed is even smaller than the Silverado's 62.9 cubic foot short bed. And when it comes to actually using the bed, the Silverado 1500 has 12 standard tie-downs compared to the F-150's standard 6 tie-downs. The 2026 Silverado 1500 also offers the Multi-Flex Tailgate, which can be opened and positioned in several different ways to accommodate oddly-shaped loads and allow greater access to the rear of the bed. The Pro Access Tailgate found on the F-150 is pretty cool, but it is mainly designed for providing access to the bed when trailering or as a work surface, making it less versatile than the Multi-Flex Tailgate. The Silverado 1500 also offers a long list of trailering cameras and tools, including Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert and an in-vehicle Trailering App. The Ford F-150 can be outfitted with Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and Trailer Reverse Guidance, all of which are very helpful but limited in the information they provide, especially compared to what the Silverado 1500 offers. Driver's Choice When it comes to time spent behind the wheel, drivers naturally have differing opinions about comfort and convenience. Therefore, when we evaluate how driver-friendly a vehicle is, we think about overall value and what comes standard at the best price. The 2026 Silverado 1500 has a starting MSRP that's over $2000 less than the most basic Ford F-150 model, but the list of standard features on the Silverado 1500 WT takes care of all the basics. The WT trim may have a smaller touchscreen, but it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Bluetooth connectivity, and safety-forward technology like a standard HD Rear Vision Camera. The 2026 F-150 includes a standard 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which also offers wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the standard SYNC4 technology. The F-150 also comes with a standard flip key, while all Silverado 1500 models include remote keyless entry. The Battle of the Top Trims But what happens when you take it to the top? The Silverado 1500 High Country is decked out with just about everything a driver could imagine, including power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a huge 13.4-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in, a Bose Premium sound system with a Richbass woofer, and a power-sliding rear window. Chevy's Super Cruise hands-free driving technology is available on the Silverado 1500 High Country, as well. The 2026 Ford F-150 Platinum model offers most of these standard upgrades, as well. From BlueCruise hands-free driving to a premium sound system, the Platinum matches the High Country in nearly every way. But much like the introductory trims, the starting price for the F-150 Platinum is about $2000 higher than the top-of-the-line Silverado 1500 High Country. The 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Offers Great Value and Capability As with any rivalry, both teams will have their strong points. There are many admirable features and capabilities found in each of the 2026 Ford F-150 truck models. However, there are many ways in which the 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers drivers more. From more standard torque to more cargo room in the bed, Chevy understands what drivers want. And even better, they offer it at a more reasonable price point. MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.