Right now, the new car market is tight due to the micro chip shortage. That why buying a quality used car makes good sense. And we have an excellent recommendation for you. Discover the 2020 Chevy Equinox.

It’s a small SUV with a big reputation. The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox not only has a striking exterior, it backs up its good looks with an outstanding reputation for safety.

All 2020 Equinox models now have Chevy Safety Assist as standard. This bundle of six advanced technologies can help the driver detect and prevent potential road hazards before they happen.

Traveling at speeds below 50 MPH during the daytime, the Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking helps you to reduce or avoid the severity of a front end collision with a detected vehicle.

Camera technology is also standard and is used to automatically provide hard emergency braking or to help the driver enhance hard braking.

Not only has the Equinox been voted the most dependable compact SUV three years in a row by J.D. Power, it has also received recognition for keeping kids safe.

The 2020 Car Seat Check Honor Roll from Cars.com recognized the 2020 Equinox for its big back seat—roomy enough to hold two car seats easily!

Cars.com found the two sets of lower anchors easy to use and find. Plus, on the seat backs, the three top tether anchors are clearly marked for easy use.

For adult driver and passengers, there was plenty of room.

In fact, the Equinox received straight A’s across the board! With well-labeled tethers and its ease of installation, it’s no wonder growing families turn to the 2020 Equinox.

The 2020 Equinox features a 60/40 split folding rear seat that magically adds 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space, folding flat.

Underneath the rear cargo floor, there is also a hidden storage compartment to keep you organized.

Two Engines to Choose From

The Equinox has two engines to choose from. For even more get-up-and-go, choose the 2.0L turbo engine. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that offers 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of toque. It makes towing easy, up to 3,500 pounds!

Or choose the Switchable All-Wheel Drive engine, available on the LS, LT, and Premier models. This engine enhances both traction and control on slippery or snow-covered terrain.

It lets you travel in the front wheel drive mode which is more fuel-efficient until the system prompts you to switch to all-wheel drive.

Technology

Every family need intuitive technology that integrates easily with your compatible devices. With the Equinox, you’re always just a touch a way.

Teen Drivers

If you’ve got a new teen driver in the house, you’ll love the Equinox’s assistant. It mutes audio until front seat belts are buckled, automatically turns on certain available advanced safety technologies, and can provide an in-vehicle report card to show you how your teen driver is performing on the road. A great coaching lesson!

Ready to see how the 2020 Equinox can fit your busy family life? Learn more about us on the Joe Bowman Chevy website. And then stop in for a test drive. We’re happy to help!

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Chevrolet 2021 SUVS: 5 Lifestyle Choices

Want the convenience of more room in your vehicle? Don’t want to compromise on quality? Good news! Chevrolet’s 2021 SUV’s deliver on both value and quality. In fact, there are five to choose from—one for every lifestyle—that offer ample cargo space and seating.

Take a look at what Chevy offers families both large and small. Then decide which one is right for you.

2021 Chevrolet Trax: Performance, Agility, and Speed

This city-friendly Chevy SUV, Trax is easy on gas without compromising pep and agility. With 48.4 cubic cargo space, you’ve also got plenty of space. Seating up to five passengers, this compact design is sure to please.

The Trax also has the technology every driver wants, keeping you connected to your favorite people as well as providing you with the entertainment options you want.

As always, safety is a priority with Chevrolet. That’s why 10 airbags are standard with the Trax and the frame is a high strength steel safety cage.

Serious cargo space. Spacious seating. Fuel efficient with 26/31 MPG. An excellent choice for any first-time SUV buyer!

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer: Bold, Versatile, and Spacious

The first thing you notice about the Chevy Trailblazer is its striking style. A small SUV with big personality, it has a sculpted design and bold proportions. Everything about it has a fresh, modern feel.
And there’s no skimping on room, either.

With a maximum cargo volume of 54.4 cubic space and a hands-free lift gate available, you’ll have plenty of space for whatever you want to carry.

Passengers stay comfortable and all your things stay in place.

Then there’s the must-have technology. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, and you can get Alexa built right into your vehicle.

Safety Assist comes standard with the Trailblazer as well as a long list of additional safety features. And there are two engine choices, a 1.2 liter Eco Tec Turbocharged I-3 or a 1.3 liter Eco Tec Turbocharged I-3.
Bold and spacious, your style options are as open as the road before you!

2021 Chevrolet Equinox: The Safety First Mid-Sized SUV

The Equinox is quite possibly Chevy’s safest SUV. With Safety Assist standard, it also has a bundle of six safety features that utilize technology to help you spot potential hazards on the road.
What’s more, the Chevy Equinox was voted one the best new cars for car seats for the 2020 Car Seat Check Honor Roll.

But it’s not just about safety. The Equinox has sculpted contours and accents like LED daytime running lamps. The cabin has smart features that keep you at the center of everything.
Your passengers have plenty of leg room and you have plenty of cargo space, including hidden storage under the rear cargo floor.

You can also take your favorite technology with you on the road. The Equinox is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Easy at the pump, the Equinox gets approximately 26 MPG around town and 31 MPG on the highway.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe: Bigger, Better & Bolder

The 2021 Tahoe is the most versatile and advanced Tahoe ever to be offered by Chevrolet! There are six trim levels to choose and three engine sizes to choose from:

• 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8

• 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8

• 3.0-liter Duramax Turbodiesel I-6

Available in 2WD and 4WD, the Tahoe can haul up to 8,400 pounds—almost the size of a truck!

The 2021 Tahoe is bigger than its predecessor, has a more spacious cabin, a better ride and handling, as well as a commanding presence.

No matter what trim level you choose, each offers its own unique style and capabilities. Plus, the Tahoe offers advanced safety and driver features that allow you to stay in control.

Standard on every 2021 Tahoe is an emergency braking system, forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking. More safety options are available.

With an available 15-inch heads-up display and an available class-leading nine camera views, driving and parking is safer!

The 10.2-inch diagonal Chevrolet Infotainment System and the available new rear seat media system keeps passengers entertained.

Impossible to ignore, the all-new Chevy Tahoe is a pleasure to drive and own.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban: The Large Family SUV

With a best-in-class second row leg room, a newly expanded third row–144.7 cubic square feet—and a best-in-class cargo volume, it’s all about comfort for everyone with the 2021 Chevy Suburban.

The largest of the Chevrolet SUVs, the Suburban offers the same three engine options as the Tahoe — just in a bigger package. Seating up to nine passengers, it’s available in 2WD and 4WD and boasts similar fuel economy as the Tahoe.

The Suburban offers the same six trim levels as the Tahoe and tows up to 8,400 pounds. It’s the perfect mix of utility and comfort!

And technology? Now, for the very first time, Alexa can be built right into your vehicle!

You can also get an available built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, and a new Rear-Seat Media System with a dual 12.6” diagonal LCD touch screen. Passengers have everything needed to stay entertained and connected.

And like the other lifestyle SUV’s, the Chevy Suburban offers driver assistance and safety features designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Besides the standard automatic emergency braking system, forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking, the 2021 Chevrolet also has available:

• Adaptive cruise control

• Lane Keep Assist with lane departure warning

• Rear cross traffic alert

Whether you’re looking for a fun drive or powerful and commanding drive, Chevy has the SUV that fits your lifestyle and budget. To get behind the wheel of one of Chevrolet’s 2021 SUV’s, stop in for a test drive at the Joe Bowman Auto Plaza Harrisonburg, VA dealership.

Or browse our inventory online!

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Here at Joe Bowman Chevy, we’re all about helping you to make your car last as long as possible. Taking care of the exterior of your vehicle is one way to car for your car, truck, or SUV. That’s why we’ve put together our list of the three best types of car wash soaps to use on your vehicle.

All soaps do the same job, clean a surface, right? True, but each soap has its own method for cleaning. Think laundry soap, hand soap, dish detergent. So why not use them for a car wash soap?

While it might seem handy to reach for one of these household cleaners, the truth is any of them can ruin your vehicle’s paint!

Using a dedicated car wash soap is the first stop to preserving your car’s paint. And definitely choosing a quality car wash soap will extend the health and beauty of your paint job.

Specifically, car wash soap is designed to clean your car while protecting the paint. It loosens debris and makes it easier to wash away environmental contaminants. So, what should you use? Here are our three suggestions.

3 Car Wash Soap Types

Concentrated Car Wash Soap

The most common type of car washing product on the market, concentrated car wash soaps line the shelves of any auto parts store.

Excellent for regular maintenance washes, they will get your car nice and clean. Specially formulated to work with wax and/or sealant applications, different kinds of concentrated car wash soaps offer different results.For example, some promote a waxy finish while others promote being extra tough on contaminants and debris.

Concentrated car wash soaps are cost-effective as you use much less of the product as it is diluted in water.

Wash and Wax Car Wash Soap

This is a step up from the basic car wash soap. While it does offer the same function as a concentrated soap, it has the added benefit of offering a protective layer of wax.

That doesn’t mean it’s a substitute for a wax job, but it does mean it provides protection for a limited time. This type of car soap is recommended for those who live in hotter climates.

Waterless Car Wash Soap

With an increased awareness of our environmental and ecological stresses, consumers are looking for better ways to conserve and protect the world we live in.

Waterless car wash soaps meet that demand. Eco-friendly, you can wash your car at home using less than a gallon of water and save time and money.

Plus:

• Save 20-50 gallons of water per vehicle

• Wipe the car surface clean without danger of harm

• Leaves a protective finish on your car

Waterless car wash soaps remove more than dirt. They also remove road tar, pests, tree sap, and mess up marks, all while saving you time. Generally, it takes about 30 minutes.

What’s more, waterless protects the environment. Washing your car the traditional way—with a hose—causes water to run down your lane. All of the chemicals used go straight into drainpipes and ultimately into lakes, rivers, and seas.

Waterless also produces a durable sparkle. You’ll find the best products in this category will grain up water for two months while also protecting your vehicle from tar, insects, salt, road grime, and more.

Costing about the same as a traditional car wash soap, a waterless soap makes an excellent choice all the way around!

Those are our three choices for car wash soaps. No matter which one you use, you’re protecting your investment and extending the exterior life of your vehicle!

The Joe Bowman Auto Plaza team of professionals are here to help you find the car that fits your budget and lifestyle. And our service department of certified Chevy mechanics keeps your car purring!

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No matter what the time of year, safety is always in season! Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’re huge advocates of staying safe on the road. And, of course, there are many ways to do that.

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, one of the simplest ways to stay safe on the road is to keep your windshield clean, free of debris. That’s why choosing a good windshield wiper fluid is key.

So, what type should you choose? First up, what you shouldn’t choose is plain water. It works adequately in warm temperatures, but it can breed bacteria like legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease.

And, in the winter, water freezes.

Instead, here are four options that are far safer and better than water.

Standard Windshield Washer Fluid

This is the least expensive option to choose in washer fluids. A no-frills option, it’s available at grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores.

This washer fluid will clean your windshield but may not be as effective against mud, snow, and ice.

Concentrated Windshield Washer Fluid

If you don’t want to lug around a jug of washer fluid, you can always pick up a commercially available concentrate and use that. These kill bacteria and have a few solvents to clean your windshield.

As always, just make sure you match the concentrate to your climate.

Windshield Washer Fluid for Tar, Grime, and Bugs

This type of washer fluid is made specifically to rid your windshield from environmental elements like bird droppings, tar, dirt, and bugs. Do read the label carefully as some of these types of windshield washer fluid will freeze in water.

For increased visibility, look for formulas that say they are streak-free.

Bonus Suggestions: Water Repellant Windshield Wiper Treatments

While not technically a washer fluid, a water repellant can be a helpful addition to your glass care. Usually, these treatments come in a spray bottle, or a liquid you apply with a soft cloth, or as a ready-to-use wipe version.

Formulated for repelling water and snow, they are extremely helpful in increasing your visibility.

The type of windshield wiper fluid you use is an important part of your car maintenance to keep you safe on the road.

For fender-to-fender car maintenance protection, turn to the Joe Bowman Chevy service department. Our GM certified technicians will keep your vehicle in topnotch condition!

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When you buy a brand new Chevrolet from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you want your vehicle to last as long as possible.

That’s where good, consistent maintenance comes in. At our Harrisonburg Chevy dealership, maintenance for your vehicle is what we preach!

Our service department is second to none in providing the best auto maintenance and repair services. In fact, we’ve listed five big benefits of working with the pros in our service department.

Chevy Certified Technicians

The GM certified technicians in our service department are highly trained. They know your vehicle inside and out. While they can work on any brand that comes through the door—and do it very well—GM certified technicians have also been trained to know every inch of your Chevrolet vehicle.

And you can rely on them to maintain your vehicle with the same genuine GM parts it was built with.

Top Quality Tools

The tools and equipment we use to service and repair your vehicle are top quality! We use the best professional tools, giving our technicians an edge over independent repair shops.

If your vehicle requires specialized Chevrolet repair, you won’t have to wait days for the tool to arrive. And you won’t hear, “We don’t have the equipment for that repair.”

We have the right equipment in our bays to do the job quickly and professionally.

Large Inventory of Parts

We keep only original equipment parts from Chevrolet. You never have to worry if the part is going to be the correct one for the model of your car, truck, or SUV. Instead of generic brands, our service department only uses genuine GM parts that were specifically designed to fit your vehicle.

Complete Service History

By having your vehicle regularly serviced with us from the git-go, we have an accurate, up-to-date picture of your vehicle’s road and service history. That means our service department is better equipped to understand what’s going on with your vehicle because we have all of your service records on hand.

Warranty Repair Option

If your car is under manufacturer or extended warranty, we honor that.

Many repair shops charge a deductible and/or labor for warranty repairs. And, they may have to order parts that are not kept on-hand.

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we have the parts needed to make the repairs and we honor your warranty, which means less money out of pocket for you. Not to mention, less time!

For outstanding quality and service, turn to the service pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza.

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Now that spring is definitely here, millions of people are planning on taking a road trip. That means it’s time for our Spring 2021 auto tune up guide. Get your vehicle ready for worry-free driving!

Exterior Checkup

One of the first places to begin your spring checkup is with your wiper blades. Replacing them every six months is a good policy. Or when they are torn, cracked, split, causing windshield streaks or chattering.

Next, check tires. Look for bald spots or bulges. Check air pressure and inspect your tires for low or uneven tread. These conditions could indicate a need for a wheel alignment.

Paint and Resale Value

It’s time to wash your vehicle and doing it by hand is the best way to ensure it’s thoroughly and gently cleaned. Once you’ve got the exterior cleaned, wax it! Regular waxing protects the exterior from sun and other environmental damage.

It’s an excellent investment in retaining the vehicle’s value!

Clean the glass with only automotive glass cleaner. This will ensure it won’t damage the tint or the paint.

Scrubbing tires with a contoured brush and cleaner specifically designed for tires is also important, as well as a wheel cleaner that’s right for your wheel type.

All of these simple steps help to preserve the resale value of your vehicle.

Under the Hood

Spring is a good time to change the oil as well as the filter in your vehicle. Regularly changing the oil lengthens the life of your vehicle. It also helps ensure that it functions at peak efficiency.

Batteries typically last 3-5 years. Spring is a good time to check it to make sure that it’s still in good working condition.

Inspect all hoses and belts. A blown hose or snapped belt can leave you stranded. Check them for safety!

To keep your vehicle running efficiently, make sure all filters are clean including air, gas, and oil filters. Spring is a good time to inspect and change as needed.

Finally, even if your spark plugs and wires aren’t causing any issues, check them. They help to keep your engine operating at maximum efficiency. A quick check is like insurance.

Under the Vehicle

Inspect your brake system including rotors, brakes, and shoes. Replace worn out or damaged parts so that your vehicle performs optimally.

Check struts or shocks for signs of leaking, dents, rusting, etc. Leaks are particularly pesky. These are warning signs that your car could have a large problem.

Get them inspected as soon as possible.

These are a few tips to help you with your spring 2021 auto tune up. If you want some expert mechanical and maintenance assistance with your car, turn to the service department at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza.

We only have Chevrolet certified mechanics, skilled at working on all makes and models of vehicles. From maintenance to major repair, let our certified experts keep your vehicle running like new!

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When buying a truck, not everyone needs a V-6 or V-8 cylinder full-sized pick up truck. In fact, small or medium sized trucks have hit record sales in the past few years.

Consumers that want a truck for the occasional tow, a daily commute, driving kids to school, and for shopping, love the Chevy Colorado. Even businesses find this workhorse pick up truck a valuable part of the team.

With lower maintenance costs, they are also cheaper to operate than one-ton pickups. The 4-cylinder Colorado offers good towing capabilities as well as good gas mileage, and is reliable, comfortable, and attractive.

A 2020 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award winner, the Chevy Colorado is a midsized truck designed to take on adventure in style! With a full boxed frame and 4-wheel disc brakes with Duralife® rotors, the Colorado also has a CornerStep rear bumper, corner hand grips, as well as up to 17 tie-downs so you work not harder, just smarter.

Plus, there’s the Colorado’s 3-system infotainment system with an 8-inch diagonal color touch screen display, a 6-way power adjustable driver seat, and an EZ lift and lower tailgate.

The cabin is quiet with premium features like ample storage, optional leather front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose sound system. Sweet!

Good Fuel Economy and Comfortable Interior

 For those businesses and consumers looking for the experience of a truck but don’t have the need for extensive hauling capabilities, the Colorado 4-cylinder pickup truck is a robust choice!

It’s less of an investment than its higher-level engine partners, but sill offers good gas mileage, comfortable travel, and an excellent infotainment center.

When you don’t need a really big truck, but you do need a truck robust enough to do everyday truck tasks, the Chevy Colorado is an excellent 4-cylinder pick up choice!
Ready for both work and play, Chevy Colorado will take you wherever you want to go, stylishly and ruggedly.

The Chevy Colorado is also available with a V-6 and V-8 engine. The choice is always yours!

Stop in to Joe Bowman Auto Plaza in Harrisonburg, VA, and test drive one today. Or browse our inventory online.

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You might think there’s a big difference between financing a new car and financing a used car. Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, there really isn’t much difference at all!

Sometimes, car manufacturers offer special rates through select lenders that are tied to that brand. These rates are offered only a particular model for those consumers who have higher credit scores, but that is outside of our financing department.

That’s why, generally speaking, the difference between new car and used car financing comes down to the price tag. New cars are a greater investment than pre-owned vehicles. So more money is required, but that’s where the difference ends.

There are, however, three requirements for both types of financing.

3 New and Used Car Financing Requirements

Whether you buy a new or used car, there are three aspects that every lender looks at:

•    Your credit rating
•    Your budget
•    Loan pre-qualification

All three are essential to the car buying process but your credit rating determines everything else because it’s a reliable indicator of your financial trustworthiness. The better your credit rating, the better the interest rate for your loan amount.

Auto Car Financing Options

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we have a large network of car financing lenders to work with. That means we can shop around to find the best rate for your new or used car.

What’s more, we have some of the best auto loan rates in the Harrisonburg area. We encourage you to shop around. You’ll find that we offer rates that meet or beat local Harrisonburg lending institutions.

When you choose to work with our financing team, you’ll get a simple interest loan that allows you to pay off your loan early without any pre-payment penalties. And the process for approval is quicker.

If you choose to work with your bank, we can process all of their paperwork including ours, but it will take a bit longer. That’s because your lender has to make sure that all the submitted paperwork is correct and in order.

When you work directly with our Harrisonburg car dealership, the process is streamlined. One action step we do recommend for both new car and used car financing: get financial pre-approval before you start looking for a vehicle.

This allows you to take control of the car buying process. You know exactly how much you can afford which makes buying a car that much easier.

When you’re ready to buy a car, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We can help you find the right car, truck, or SUV for lifestyle and budget.

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Buying a car is a serious investment, one that requires thought and planning. So how do you prepare to apply for a car loan? Here are the 7 steps that will get you ready!

Credit Reports

Before you do anything, check your credit report with the major credit bureaus. Look for possible errors and dispute any that you find. According to Experian, it typically takes 10-14 business days to correct errors. This can be an easy way to give your credit score a lift!

Pre-Qualify

Use the Joe Bowman pre-qualification app to determine how much you spend on a car, determine loan length and your estimated monthly payment.

You’ll also want to run insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs as well.

Research Cars

Not sure whether to buy a new or used car? Once you know your budget, look for cars that meet your lifestyle and budget needs. This will help you decide which route to take. With either route you choose, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has competitive car loan rates for both used and new vehicles.

Insurance

When financing a car, full insurance coverage is usually required. Look into the costs for insurance coverage for the type of vehicle you want to purchase.

Income Documentation

Once you’ve gathered the above information, you’ll need your income information to complete the loan application. This will include pay stubs, bank statements, and so on.

Get Car Loan Interest Rates

Your credit score is a big factor in determining your interest rate. Sites like MyFico.com can tell you what kind of APR to expect, if your loan is approved.

Our financing department can also share with you that information. Then with our wide network of vendors, we can find the interest rate and finance terms for your budget and lifestyle.

Loan Preapproval

Working either with your bank or with our dealership, it’s best to get loan preapproval before shopping for a vehicle. Our interest rates and finance terms are as competitive as any of the local banks. Plus, our approval process is quicker.

When working with a third party lender, we must prepare all of their paperwork plus our own, so approval takes a little longer. However, we can most certainly do it.

But if you want the same competitive interest rate and terms, consider dealer financing!

When you’re ready to buy a new or used car, talk to one of our sales consultants. The more you can prepare to apply for a car loan, the easier the process will be. Stop in and see us

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It was the third time the Corvette was honored by a select 50-member jury of independent journalists as car of the year. First in 1998, again in 2014, and then, in 2020.

The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards honors automotive excellence in safety, design, performance, driver satisfaction, value, and technology.

Originally founded in 1994 by Christopher Jensen, NACTOY awards are judged by approximately 50 professional automotive journalist jurors from both Canada and the US.

These journalists work for independent magazines, radio, TV, industry websites, and newspapers.

Chevrolet Corvette Mid-Engine Marvel

For the new 2021 year, the Chevy Corvette continues to carve out its legacy with its mid-engine marvel. The balance of design and performance puts you out in front with just the touch of a button.

With available 495 horsepower, a top track speed of 194 MPH and 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds, this is head-turning performance. Now with new design options available—the FE2 suspension, Drive Mode Selector Visualization, and Wireless Phone Projection, the Corvette Stingray is even more fun to drive.

And the LT2 V-8 engine is visible through the rear hatch window in the coupe model. Definitely not your everyday car, it is, however, a car you want to drive every, single day.

The Corvette makes a powerful statement while combining form with function and beauty. The mid-engine configuration provides rear weight bias with more weight directed to the rear wheels—and that’s where it matters most!

The windshield is positioned over the front wheels which improves the downforce without the need for a front air dam.

A Drive Tailored for You

Every detail of the Corvette Stingray is designed to provide an immersive and natural driving experience. Each button is positioned so that they are exactly where they need to be for a comfortable, safe, and intuitive drive.

And with a variety of seat combinations, you are sure to find the perfect for you.

Ready for a test drive? Stop in to Joe Bowman Auto Plaza’s Harrisonburg car dealership for the drive of a lifetime!

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