If you’ve lived in Placer County for more than a few years, you know the name. John L. Sullivan. It was synonymous with the Roseville Auto Mall. For decades, the bright signs of John L. Sullivan Chevrolet dominated that stretch of 350 Automall Drive. But lately, things have gotten a bit confusing. People are still typing Sullivan Chevrolet Roseville CA into their phones, but the name on the building—and the name on the business license—has shifted.
Honestly, the dealership world is a game of musical chairs.
Earlier this decade, the legendary John L. Sullivan dealership changed hands. It was a massive deal in the local business community. For a while, it was part of the Lithia Motors empire, a massive out-of-state corporation. But if you look at the signage today, you’ll see it rebranded as simply Roseville Chevrolet, now operating under the Prieto Automotive group.
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This isn't just a corporate name change; it’s a shift in how the place actually operates.
The Transition from Sullivan to Roseville Chevrolet
The legacy of Sullivan Chevrolet Roseville CA is deep. John L. Sullivan himself was a titan of the local economy. He didn't just sell cars; he was a philanthropist who helped build the very identity of the Roseville Auto Mall. When the dealership moved away from the "Sullivan" name, local customers noticed.
It’s different now.
Prieto Automotive, the current owner, has been trying to balance the old-school Roseville feel with modern dealership practices. They still occupy that same massive lot. You’ll still find the rows of Silverados, Equinoxes, and the increasingly popular Blazer EVs. But the "Prieto Pledge" has replaced the old Sullivan way of doing things.
What Owners and Shoppers Say (The Good and the Bad)
Let’s be real for a second. Dealership reviews are usually a battlefield. You’ve got people who just got a free oil change and are thrilled, and people who had a bad afternoon in the finance office and want to burn the place down online.
Looking at recent data from late 2025 and early 2026, the sentiment is... mixed.
- The Service Department: This is where the friction usually happens. Some customers, like Robert P. and Diane H. (recent 2025 reviewers), rave about the efficiency. They mention getting in and out for routine maintenance in about an hour.
- The Tech Gap: There have been some vocal complaints about communication. Some folks have reported a "ghost town" vibe when calling the service line, getting stuck in infinite hold loops.
- Sales Transparency: This is a big one. Under the new management, there’s a heavy push for "up-front pricing." Long-time Sullivan customers sometimes find the new "add-on" culture a bit jarring compared to the old days, but that’s the industry standard now, whether we like it or not.
One interesting thing? The dealership is still a hub for high-performance Corvettes. Even with the ownership changes, the technical expertise for the mid-engine C8 remains a draw for people coming from as far as Auburn or Folsom.
Why People Still Search for Sullivan
Habit. Pure and simple.
When a name is on a building for that long, it becomes a landmark. If you tell someone to meet you at "Roseville Chevrolet," they might pause. If you say "Sullivan's," they know exactly which corner of the Auto Mall you mean.
But there’s a practical reason to know the difference. If you have an old warranty or a service contract from the Sullivan era, the new Prieto-owned Roseville Chevrolet generally honors those GM-backed agreements, but third-party "Sullivan-specific" perks might have evaporated during the transition.
Navigating the Current Inventory in 2026
If you’re heading down there today, the lot looks different than it did five years ago.
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Electric is no longer a "niche" corner of the lot. The Equinox EV and Blazer EV are front and center. Chevrolet has leaned hard into the Ultium platform, and the Roseville location is one of the higher-volume EV dealers in Northern California.
However, the Silverado is still king. This is Roseville, after all. The demand for heavy-duty trucks (the 2500 and 3500 series) remains the bread and butter of the business. Interestingly, the used car market at this location has expanded significantly. They aren't just selling used Chevys anymore; you’ll see quite a few Toyotas and even the occasional Lexus on the pre-owned side, likely trade-ins from folks moving into the new Tahoe or Suburban models.
Is it Still Worth the Drive?
The Roseville Auto Mall is a competitive shark tank. You’ve got every major brand within walking distance.
Does the former Sullivan Chevrolet Roseville CA—now Roseville Chevrolet—still hold its own?
In terms of sheer inventory, yes. Because they are part of a larger group (Prieto), they can often pull stock from other locations if you’re looking for a specific trim or color that isn't on the lot. The "Small Town America" vibe that John L. Sullivan worked hard to cultivate has definitely shifted toward a more streamlined, corporate-efficient model.
For some, that’s a win. You get faster paperwork and digital signatures. For others who miss the "handshake deal" era, it feels a bit cold.
What You Should Know Before Visiting
- Check the Website First: Don't just show up. The inventory moves fast, and their online "Express Store" is actually pretty accurate for checking if a specific VIN is actually on the grass.
- Ask for the "Prieto Price": Since they've moved away from the Sullivan branding, they often have specific "locally-owned" specials that aren't always mirrored in the national Chevy ads.
- The Café is Still There: One of the quirky legacies of the big Roseville dealerships is the on-site food. It’s still a decent place to grab a sandwich while your oil is being changed, though the hours can be a bit wonky on weekends.
- Service Appointments: Seriously, book them online. Walking in on a Tuesday morning without an appointment is a recipe for a 5-hour wait.
The Actionable Bottom Line
If you are looking for Sullivan Chevrolet Roseville CA, stop looking for the name and start looking for the address: 350 Automall Drive.
The name has changed to Roseville Chevrolet, but the core mission of being the primary GM hub for the region remains. If you’re a former Sullivan regular, expect a different culture—one that is more data-driven and focused on the new EV lineup.
Verify your existing service contracts before you go. If you bought a "lifetime" oil change plan in 2015, make sure the new management has it in the system before they drain the pan. Most GM-certified warranties will carry over without a hitch, but it’s always better to ask the service advisor the moment you pull into the bay.
Check your trade-in value on a third-party site like KBB or NADA before walking in. The current market in Roseville is aggressive, and knowing your numbers will help you navigate the "new" way of doing business at this historic location.