Overview & Reviews

Chevrolet sells an impressively wide range of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to huge vans and SUVs. If you're looking for a reasonably priced vehicle, odds are that Chevy will have something to fit your needs.

Chevrolet got its start in 1911. After William C. Durant had been ousted from General Motors, he joined forces with Swiss-born racecar driver Louis Chevrolet to found the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. The company's first offering was the Classic Six. Introduced in 1912, this five-passenger touring sedan could top 65 mph, fast for the time. Chevrolet's storied bowtie logo -- reportedly inspired by the wallpaper of a Paris hotel room that Durant stayed at -- made its first appearance in 1914.

By 1918, Chevrolet's profitability allowed Durant to purchase enough shares in GM to regain control. Chevrolet became another division of GM, and was its largest volume division by the mid-1920s. By 1927, Chevrolet outsold rival Ford, with sales in excess of 1 million units.

In the mid-1930s Chevrolet introduced independent front suspension, which provided a smoother ride over the rough roads of the day. The 1940s saw continued success with affordable coupes, sedans and pickup trucks catering to American families, farmers and businessmen.

By the mid-1950s, Chevrolet, GM's entry-level division, had added a V8 engine, power steering and brakes, power windows and air-conditioning to its list of available features, allowing luxury for those on a tighter budget. Around this time the iconic Bel Air model -- available in coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon body styles -- proved very popular. The company introduced its alluring Corvette in 1953; the vehicle was the first mass-produced car with a fiberglass body.

The 1960s saw the unveiling of the popular, air-cooled Corvair compact, which held the distinction of being the first domestic production car with all-around independent suspension. That decade also witnessed the launch of the compact Nova, the midsize Chevelle and the sporty Camaro, the latter Chevrolet's answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang. The Camaro proved an instant hit, comprising 10 percent of Chevrolet's total sales in 1967, its first year of production.

In the 1970s, Chevy responded to changing preferences by introducing small cars like the Vega and the Chevette, and by downsizing larger models such as the Caprice and Malibu. The company combated the market domination of foreign nameplates in the 1980s by rolling out the Cavalier. By the end of that decade, trucks and SUVs had started to become increasingly popular with the general consumer, and the brand's mid- and full-size models continue to this day to be some of the most popular on the road.

The '90s and the early 2000s saw the company raising the performance bar with its Corvette (notably the Z06 and, later, ZR1 variants) and reincarnated Impala SS. Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck and Tahoe/Suburban SUVs continued to be hits as well. By 2010, the Camaro had returned to the lineup after a seven-year hiatus.

Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already well-rounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles.

User Reviews:

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  Fun, Fast, but with trade-offs - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By rskdsk - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The editor reviews are right on . With one exception . This car is far more fun than the 2011 mustang gt! At first, I was impressed with the power, but I felt it was a bit sluggish . Still better feeling than the 2011 mustang gt, but then I found out that the dealer had put 87 octane in the car and that the computer did not reset. I reset the computer and wow it feel great! This car get thumbs up everywhere and it seems that everyone likes them. I have the orange with black automatic and could not be happier with the purchase

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  Its hard to beat an old Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala Guy - November 3 - 2:00 am

  We have a 2004 Impala that my wife bought new. It is a 3.4, but is loaded with the Sport Appearance Package, Sunroof, Aluminum Wheels, etc. Were up to 94,000 miles. All weve ever fixed was the water pump, replace the battery, and tires. Otherwise, it has been dead reliable, and serves us very well. It looks as good as it did the day we bought it inside and out. We just bought a new Impala to replace it, but the old one was so good, we decided to keep it as a second car.

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  I like it! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By happy camper - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the car exactly 4 years and like it. Aveo LT was sold out, so I had after-factory door locks, car alarm, & windows put onto car. The car runs great, is fairly low maintenance. Ive not had my key stick, or any of the other issues that I see written about. I know when things go wrong, we tend to be more vocal about it, but I wanted you to know that others DO mostly like their Aveos.

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  Awesome Ride - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Lane Lowrance - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car as a wedding gift to my new bride. We have 9,000 miles on it. She and I love it. No problems so far. Super power! My wife says she is always getting approving looks. The Red Jewel color looks really great. The night time ambient interior lighting is wonderful. Love the instrumentation. A lot of fun for the money. Only complaint I personally have is I am a big guy, so I have a hard time getting comfortable on long drives. But, I still love the car (when she lets me drive it). Besides, I bought it for my wife and she loves it. Thats all that matters!

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  Dont Want to Give Up My Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Judy - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car new. Currently has 122,000 miles on it. Classy looking and very comfortable. This vehicle handles and rides like a dream even through I am hard on vehicles. I did have some issues with the electrical system during the first few months, but they were resolved. As others have noted, there is an issue with a knock in the steering & the gas float doesnt work anymore, but I work around it. Getting approx 28 mpg in rural driving situation. Husband is pushing for a new car, but I dont like the style of the new Impalas. Hate to see the "old girl" go. Ill probably go for an all wheel drive crossover this time since I cant find a sedan that gives me what I want.

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  Fantastic Van! - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By ChevyFam09 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van when our 4th child was on the way. Fantastic vehicle... literally NEVER had any major issue with it. The door sensor on the back sliding door can be a little "over sensitive", but we just keep the front door open til its closed. Better over sensitive with all the little fingers than under! We bought it used. the kids adore the DVD player (as do we!!) and they seem to have lots of room! When we have company, we have fit 3 car seats/boosters side by side on the back bench. Its tight, but they fit. I drive 40 min expressway each way every day and only use about 1/2 to 3/4 tank in a week!! Great van. You have created a Chevy-loving family for sure with this one.

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  Just purchased - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
  By chas - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased in October 2010. A very pleasant and quiet driving experience especially on smooth roads. Much less quiet on bumpy roads. The car handles beautifully. I am already getting 5 MPH better overall than with my 2003 Buick and i am looking forward for even better mileage as i break it in. Average now is 27 MPG. The bucket seats are not as soft as i am used to but i think i can get used to them. Bluetooth and on star are excellent features and i am already using them.

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  Very Nice Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JD - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car today so I havent had much time in it but after reading some of these reviews I will have to disagree. I think its a great car! The radio sounds great, ample trunk room, quiet ride, great instrument panel, AC/heat works great, very comfortable, plenty of inside room (we had 4 big adults and a kid in a booster seat comfortably). Overall so far it seems like a very good car. Like I said though Ive only had it a day but Im really liking it. The gas mileage is a big seller as well! I have a feeling this has been a very good purchase!

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  Power Steering motor recall - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Carol - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I noticed steering issues with my 2007 LS Cobalt. The dealership replaced it at no cost to me since there was a recall. It has made a huge difference in the feeling of control when Im driving. I dont drive much so I wasnt sure if I was just imagining this lack of control or not but I feel a lot safer now.

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  Nearly Perfect - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Ryan - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned to 2010 Camaro 1LT for around 9 months now, and I still have a smile on my face every time I hop in the car. The power is amazing (now SAE certified 312 hp, instead of the original rating of 304 hp), especially coming from a V6. GM knocked it out of the ballpark with the design. I have had people lean out of their cars on the highway to gawk at the car, people talk to me and ask to see inside it at gas stations, and been given thumbs up by other people driving their cars and motorcycles. I seriously feel like a rockstar driving this vehicle.