If you’ve stopped by the showroom on 5 & 20 recently, you’ve probably been greeted by two of our absolute hardest-working team members. They don’t sell trucks, and they aren’t certified to change your oil, but Willow and Hazy take their jobs as our official four-legged greeters very seriously.
With the mid-July heat hitting the Finger Lakes, our two favorite pups have been busy perfecting the art of finding the exact spot on the showroom floor where the AC hits just right and sunbathing in the parking lot!
Since they spend so much time making sure everyone who walks through our doors feels like family, we let them take over the blog today to share a few of their top rules for keeping your own furry co-pilots safe and comfortable on the road this summer.
🐾 Willow & Hazy’s Guide to Summer Road Trips
1.Never Leave Pups in a Parked Car:Rule #1.
Even on an 80°F day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rocket past 100°F in less than 10 minutes—even with the windows cracked. If you’re running errands where your dog can’t come inside, it’s always best to leave them resting comfortably at home in the AC.
2.Watch the Hot Asphalt:Protect the Paws.
Before loading up for a walk down by the lake or a stroll through town, do the 7-second test. Press the back of your hand to the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws! Stick to the grass or wait until the sun goes down.
3.Keep Them Secure in the Back:Safety First.
We know they love the feeling of the wind in their fur, but letting dogs ride with their heads way out the window can lead to eye injuries from flying road debris. Keep them safely secured in the back seat with a pet seatbelt harness or a secure crate.
4.Pack Extra Water:Stay Hydrated.
Always keep a travel bowl and a fresh gallon of water in the cargo area of your Equinox or Silverado. Dogs can’t cool down as efficiently as we do, so a quick hydration break during a long drive keeps them happy and tail-wagging.
A Cool Space for the Whole Family
The Cram family has been a part of this community since 1969, and to us, treating you like family means making sure your pets are welcome, too. Whether you’re dropping your vehicle off for a quick summer service checkup or browsing our latest inventory, you’re always welcome to bring your well-behaved pups along for the visit.
Stop by this week, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in our air-conditioned showroom, and let Willow and Hazy give you a proper, friendly Finger Lakes welcome!
Want to make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning is keeping up with the July heat? Give our service department a call at (315) 539-9272 or schedule an appointment online today!
We are officially in the heart of July, and the Finger Lakes summer is in full swing! The sun is shining, the lake water is perfect, and if you are anything like the team here at Bill Cram Chevrolet, your weekends are packed with trips down Route 89, ice cream runs, and packing up the truck for days out on the water.
But while we love this mid-summer weather, the July heat can be incredibly tough on your vehicle. Before you head out on your next highway cruise or lakeside commute, here are three quick things you should check today to keep your ride running smoothly all summer long.
1. The AC “Stress Test”
When it is hot outside, your vehicle’s air conditioning has to work double-time. If you notice it is taking a long time to cool down the cabin, or if it’s blowing cool-ish air but never getting truly cold, your system might be low on refrigerant or dealing with a clogged cabin air filter. Don’t sweat through your commute—let us take a look before the next heatwave hits!
2. Tire Pressure Fluctuations
Did you know that for every 10°F change in outside temperature, your tire pressure can change by about 1 to 2 PSI? Under-inflated tires flex more, which creates heat. On a hot July asphalt road, that extra heat can drastically increase your risk of a blowout and lower your gas mileage. Take two minutes to check your driver-side door placard and verify your tire pressure today.
3. Battery Check
Most people associate dead batteries with freezing Waterloo winters, but intense summer heat is actually harder on your battery’s internal chemistry. Heat accelerates fluid evaporation and internal corrosion. If your engine is cranking a little slower than usual morning after morning, it is trying to tell you something.
Mid-Summer Service Special: Planning a big road trip later this month? Avoid the headache of a roadside breakdown. Stop by our service lane on Waterloo Road this week for a quick multi-point inspection, fluid top-off, and battery health test.
Wherever the road takes you this week—whether you’re towing the boat or just heading to work—stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the beautiful Finger Lakes summer!
Need a quick check-up or looking to upgrade to a cooler ride like the Chevy Equinox or Silverado? Drop by and see us, visit us online, or give our service team a call at (315) 539-9272 to schedule an appointment today!
There is nothing quite like the 4th of July in the Finger Lakes. Whether you are packing up the cooler for a day out on Cayuga Lake, heading over to the public docks for a sunset view, or staking out the perfect spot for fireworks in Seneca Falls or Waterloo, Independence Day hits a little differently around here.
For over 50 years, the Cram family has been lucky enough to help our neighbors find the perfect vehicles to power these holiday memories. This weekend, as we gather around the barbecue with friends and family, we want to wish everyone in our community a safe, happy, and truly spectacular 4th of July!
Ready for Your Next Summer Road Trip?
Independence Day is all about celebrating freedom—and nothing represents freedom quite like the open road in an American classic. If your current ride is feeling a bit cramped for those big family beach hauls, we have got you covered:
The Ultimate Tailgater: The Chevy Silverado 1500 has the cargo space and towing power to easily pull the boat down to the launch or hold all your grills, lawn chairs, and coolers.
The Family Road-Tripper: Packed with safety features and plenty of legroom, the Chevy Equinox or Trax are perfect for scenic drives along Route 5 & 20 without constantly breaking the bank at the pump.
The Electric Pioneer: Want to zip around the lakes gas-free? Check out the all-electric Chevy Blazer EV or Equinox EV for a quiet, high-tech summer drive.
Holiday Service Reminder: Planning a late-summer getaway? Don’t let a bad battery or low tire pressure ruin your fun. Stop by our service department on Waterloo Road next week for a quick check-up to keep your summer rolling smoothly!
Have a “Cramtastic” Holiday!
From our family to yours, thank you for making Bill Cram Chevrolet your trusted home for everything automotive. Enjoy the parades, stay safe on the water, and look out for one another.
Happy 4th of July, neighbors!
Note: Our sales and service departments will have adjusted hours for the holiday weekend so our hard-working team can enjoy time with their families. Give us a call at (315) 539-9272 or check our website before driving down!
On June 30, 1953, a hand-assembled, Polo White convertible rolled off a makeshift assembly line in Flint, Michigan. It didn’t just mark the arrival of a brand-new model; it permanently rewrote the rules of American automotive engineering.
Today marks exactly 73 years since that historic moment. What started as an experimental dream by GM’s legendary styling chief Harley Earl—and brought to mechanical life by brilliant engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov—has evolved into a global icon. Here at Bill Cram Chevrolet, we are pausing to look back at the incredible journey of America’s Sports Car and celebrate the passion that continues to fuel it today.
The 1953 Original: Where the Legend Began
The automotive landscape of 1953 was dominated by heavy, chrome-laden steel cruisers. The original Corvette was a radical departure. To keep the car lightweight and agile, Chevrolet took a massive gamble on an experimental material: fiberglass.
Every single one of the first 300 Corvettes produced in 1953 was identical. They featured a beautiful Polo White exterior, a striking red interior, black canvas tops, and were powered by the dependable “Blue Flame” inline-six engine paired with a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. While it wasn’t the track-tearing monster it would soon become, its sleek styling captivated the public’s imagination at the GM Motorama and set the stage for generations of performance.
Did You Know? Because the first 300 Corvettes were built almost entirely by hand using evolving fiberglass techniques, no two models from the 1953 production run are exactly alike. Finding an original 1953 Corvette today is considered the ultimate treasure hunt for classic car collectors worldwide.
The Evolution of a Thoroughbred
Over the last seven decades, the Corvette has pushed boundaries across eight distinct generations, constantly adapting to lead the sports car world:
The Small-Block V8 (C1/C2): The addition of the iconic small-block V8 in 1955 gave the Corvette its true racing heart, paving the way for the legendary 1963 Split-Window Sting Ray.
The Muscle & Tech Era (C3/C4): From the aggressive, shark-inspired curves of the late 1960s to the high-tech, digital-dash innovations of the 1984 redesign, Corvette solidified its place in pop culture.
The Track Titans (C5/C6/C7): The introduction of the hydroformed box frame and transaxle layout transformed the car into a dominant force at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, beating Europe’s finest on their own turf.
The Mid-Engine Masterpiece (C8): In 2020, Chevrolet fulfilled Zora Arkus-Duntov’s lifelong dream by moving the engine behind the driver, delivering supercar performance accessible to everyday enthusiasts.
Join the Celebration in Seneca Falls
The spirit that began on June 30, 1953, lives on right here in our showroom. The Corvette has always represented the pinnacle of automotive freedom, engineering pride, and raw excitement. Whether you dream of tracking down a classic mid-century roadster, or you are eager to configure a brand-new, mid-engine C8 Stingray, E-Ray, or Z06 to cruise along the lakes, the legacy belongs to all of us.
Stop by Bill Cram Chevrolet this week to chat with our team, share your favorite Corvette memories, and see firsthand how that same passion is engineered into every new Chevrolet car, truck, and SUV on our lot. Happy Birthday, Corvette!
With the average price of a new vehicle continuing to climb, finding a ride that offers space, modern technology, and sharp styling without a massive monthly payment feels almost impossible. Enter the completely reimagined 2026 Chevrolet Trax. It has officially broken the mold for compact crossovers, proving you don’t have to sacrifice premium features to stay on budget.
If you are commuting daily between Geneva, Waterloo, and Seneca Falls, here is why the latest Chevy Trax deserves a spot in your driveway at Bill Cram Chevrolet.
What is the starting price of the 2026 Chevy Trax?
The 2026 Chevy Trax features an incredibly approachable starting MSRP of roughly $21,495 for base trims, with even the top-tier, premium Activ and RS models starting right around the $25,300 mark. This positions the Trax as one of the most affordable and high-value compact SUVs on the market.
At Bill Cram Chevrolet, we find that local buyers are shocked by how much comes standard at this price point. You aren’t getting a stripped-down “budget” car; you are getting an edgy, beautifully sculpted crossover that looks and drives like a vehicle twice its price.
What features come standard on the Chevy Trax Activ and RS trims?
The 2026 Chevy Trax Activ and RS trims come standard with an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, LED headlamps, and active noise cancellation. They also include the comprehensive Chevy Safety Assist suite.
Feature
What It Does for Your Finger Lakes Drive
Trim Availability
Wireless Phone Integration
No messy cords—your maps and music sync the second you get in.
Standard on LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, & Activ
Heated Seats & Wheel
Essential for those freezing Upstate New York winter mornings.
Standard on 1RS, 2RS, & Activ
Chevy Safety Assist
Includes Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist.
Standard across all 2026 models
Active Noise Cancellation
Keeps the cabin incredibly quiet on noisy NY-5 and US-20 highway stretches.
Standard across all 2026 models
Is the Chevy Trax big enough for family road trips and cargo?
Yes, the redesigned Chevy Trax offers surprising utility, featuring a longer wheelbase that grants 3 inches of extra rear legroom compared to previous generations. It delivers up to 54.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded flat, easily accommodating luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear.
Whether you’re packing up cooler bags for a day at Cayuga Lake State Park or loading up groceries in Seneca Falls, the layout maximizes every inch. The low cargo floor makes loading heavy items easy, and the cabin comfortably seats five adults without those in the back feeling cramped.
Test Drive the High-Value Chevy Trax at Bill Cram Chevrolet
You don’t need to break the bank to drive a tech-packed, head-turning SUV. The 2026 Chevy Trax is proof that smart engineering and affordability can go hand in hand.
As a family-owned dealership that has served Seneca Falls and our neighbors for decades, we love helping drivers find vehicles that truly fit their lives and budgets. Stop by Bill Cram Chevrolet today at 1913 Route 5 and 20 in Seneca Falls to explore our Trax inventory and take one for a spin!
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the automotive world lately, you know that big changes are on the horizon for America’s favorite workhorse. Chevrolet has officially confirmed that a fully redesigned, next-generation Chevy Silverado 1500 is making its grand debut later this year for the 2027 model year.
As your trusted team here at Bill Cram Chevrolet, we are tracking every insider update, patent leak, and spy shot closely. The fifth-generation light-duty Silverado is shaping up to be a massive leap forward in power, utility, and interior luxury.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when this next-generation truck hits the roads of the Finger Lakes.
1. Under the Hood: The Dawn of “Gen 6” V8 Engines
The biggest news for truck traditionalists lies in the powertrain lineup. Chevrolet is retiring the current 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engines to introduce a brand-new sixth-generation Small Block V8 family. Built to meet stricter modern emissions rules while maximizing raw capability, these pushrod engines bring back a legendary displacement number:
The Return of the 5.7L V8: Replacing the current 5.3L volume leader, this all-new 5.7L engine targets an estimated 6% improvement in fuel efficiency alongside a healthy horsepower boost past the previous 355-hp baseline.
The High-Output 6.6L Gas V8: To replace the premium 6.2L V8 on high-tier and off-road models, rumors point to a half-ton variation of GM’s heavy-duty 6.6L gas engine, potentially pushing output into the 460 to 475 horsepower range.
Refined Favorites: The high-torque 2.7L TurboMax four-cylinder and the highly efficient 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel inline-six are both expected to return with minor updates. There are also strong industry rumors pointing to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain option currently undergoing real-world testing.
2. Exterior Architecture: Bold, Chiseled, and True to Its Roots
Recent spy photos of camouflaged prototypes reveal that while the 2027 Silverado maintains its iconic, boxy, and muscular frame, the front fascia is getting a sharp technological makeover.
A thick crossbar bisects the front grille, separating slim, high-mounted daytime running lights (DRLs) right at the hood line from the primary stacked headlamps lower down. Around the back, the taillights wrap further into the bedsides, while a panoramic sunroof is expected to make its debut on premium trims like the High Country.
Crucially for local drivers who depend on their trucks for towing, hauling, and farm work, the 2027 Silverado will sit on an updated version of the T1 body-on-frame platform. It will retain a solid rear axle with traditional leaf springs, turning down the multi-link rear setups used on full-size SUVs to ensure its towing and payload capacities remain best-in-class.
3. A Dramatic Cabin Tech Overhaul
While the current 13.4-inch diagonal infotainment screen completely revolutionized the truck’s interior, the 2027 model is prepared to take the digital cockpit to a luxury level.
Interior spy shots show the driver’s gauge cluster and the main center infotainment screen integrated under one continuous, massive sheet of glass arching across the dashboard. This ultra-premium layout mirrors the latest cockpits found in Chevy’s advanced EV lineups, giving drivers an ultra-crisp, seamless command center for navigation, trailering tech, and media.
What Is the Timeline?
Production lines for the next-generation gas models are anticipated to start rolling near the tail end of this year, following an official vehicle reveal later this summer or fall.
If you want to be among the very first in our community to receive official ordering guides, trim configurations, and production updates directly from the factory floor, let our team know! We are here to make sure you have the exact right tool for the job.
At Bill Cram Chevrolet, we have always believed that doing business the right way means putting people first. Today, we are incredibly proud to share a major milestone that proves that dedication is paying off: our dealership has officially been named a 2025 Chevrolet Mark of Excellence Award winner!
The Mark of Excellence is a highly coveted honor presented by Chevrolet to an elite group of dealerships nationwide. It isn’t just about the number of vehicles that leave our lot; it is a direct reflection of a dealership’s commitment to outstanding performance, brand dedication, and—above all else—superior customer satisfaction.
To celebrate this milestone, we want to take a moment to look back at what made this achievement possible and say a few well-deserved thank yous.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Community
We have been a family-owned business right here in Seneca Falls since 1969. Over the decades, we’ve watched generations of families walk through our doors, trusting us with their first cars, their growing family SUVs, and their hard-working trucks.
This Mark of Excellence award belongs to you—our loyal customers across the Finger Lakes region. Every time you choose us for a vehicle purchase, bring your Chevy in for routine service, or recommend us to a neighbor, you help build the foundation for this kind of national recognition. Your trust drives everything we do, and we are profoundly grateful for your continued support.
Celebrating the Best Team in the Business
An award like this doesn’t happen without an extraordinary team working behind the scenes. From our knowledgeable sales consultants who help you find the perfect ride, to our certified service technicians, parts specialists, and administrative staff who keep everything running seamlessly—this achievement is yours.
It takes daily dedication, a commitment to ongoing training, and a genuine passion for customer care to meet Chevrolet’s strict standards for this honor. We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and heart our team puts into their jobs every single day.
Looking Ahead
While we are incredibly honored to look back at a successful 2025, winning the Mark of Excellence isn’t a finish line for us—it’s a reminder of the standard we promise to uphold.
As we press forward into 2026, our mission remains exactly the same: to provide the transparent, low-pressure, and community-focused experience you’ve come to expect from the Cram family name.
Whether you’re in the market for a new Chevrolet, need an oil change, or just want to congratulate the team, we invite you to stop by the dealership and see what award-winning service looks like firsthand. Thank you again, Finger Lakes, for making this milestone possible!
There’s something incredibly special about looking back at where you started. This month, all of us at Bill Cram Chevrolet are taking a moment to reflect, smile, and say a massive thank you as we celebrate our 57th anniversary!
Since we first opened our doors back in 1969, a lot has changed. Car designs went from classic chrome and muscle to advanced electric vehicles and smart tech. The roads around Seneca Falls have grown, and generations of drivers have come and gone. But through nearly six decades, one thing has remained absolutely unchanged: our commitment to you, our community.
From 1969 to Today: A Journey Built on Trust
When Bill Cram first established this dealership at the intersection of Route 414 and 5&20, the goal wasn’t just to sell vehicles. It was to build a business rooted in honesty, family values, and local support.
Fifty-seven years later, we are incredibly proud to say we are still standing on that exact same foundation.
More Than Customers—You’re “Cramily”: We’ve had the distinct honor of selling someone their very first car, then years later selling a car to their children, and eventually, their grandchildren.
Rooted in the Community: Whether we are cheering on our local Bill Cram Chevrolet T-Ball team at the Geneva Little League opening day, supporting regional events, or just helping a neighbor out of a pinch in our service bay, the Finger Lakes region is our home. We don’t just work here; we live, volunteer, and raise our families right alongside you.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Team and Neighbors
A milestone like 57 years doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of two vital groups of people:
Our Incredible Staff: From our dedicated sales consultants to our expert service technicians who keep your vehicles running safely year after year, our team’s hard work is the engine that keeps us moving.
You, Our Loyal Customers: Thank you for trusting us with your major milestones, your daily commutes, and your family road trips. Thank you for choosing local.
Let’s Keep the Wheels Turning
Whether you’ve been buying from us since the ’70s or you just discovered the “Cramily” difference recently, we invite you to stop by the showroom this month. Come raise a glass (or grab some popcorn), test drive a new Chevy truck during our anniversary event, or just stop by to say hello to a friendly, familiar face.
Here’s to the last 57 years of memories—and to the many miles left to travel together. Thank you, Seneca Falls!
Want to celebrate with us or need to get your current ride ready for the road ahead? Give us a call at 315-539-9272, email us at info@billcramchevrolet.com, or swing by the dealership at Route 414 and 5&20!
“See the USA in Your Chevrolet” is an iconic 1948 advertising jingle written by Leo Corday and Leon Carr, famously sung by Dinah Shore. It became a cultural phenomenon and signature song for Chevy, highlighting American road-trip culture, excellent performance, and nationwide dealership availability.
As we prepare to celebrate 250 years as a nation, we recognize it’s the resilience, pride and work ethic of the people that have always driven us forward. Chevrolet has been woven into the fabric of this country for the past 114 years, and we’ve done it the only way we know how — together.
There is nothing quite like the sound of a ball hitting a glove and the smell of fresh-cut grass to signal that spring has officially arrived in the Finger Lakes. This past Sunday marked a very special milestone for us as the Bill Cram Chevrolet T-Ball team took to the field for their very first game of the season!
Watching those oversized jerseys and ball caps hustle across the diamond is a reminder of why we love being part of this community. At Bill Cram Chevrolet, we believe that supporting local youth sports like Geneva Little League is about more than just the game; it’s about teamwork, making new friends, and building memories that last a lifetime.
More Than Just a Game
Our commitment to Geneva Little League stems from a long-standing family tradition of giving back to the community that has supported us since 1969. Whether it’s cheering from the bleachers or seeing our name on the back of a jersey, we are honored to help provide a safe, fun environment for our local kids to play.
A Huge Shoutout to Our T-Ball Stars
A massive “congratulations” to our T-Ball players on a fantastic first game this past Sunday! You played with heart, ran the bases with speed, and—most importantly—had a great time. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to the coaches, volunteers, and parents who dedicate their Sundays to making the league possible.
Come Join the Fun
If you see our team out there this season, be sure to give them a cheer! We are looking forward to a summer filled with home runs, dusty cleats, and post-game snacks.
Go Bill Cram Chevrolet T-Ball! We’ll see you at the ballpark!
