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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  I luv my caw - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By impala_luver - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Even though Im 25 and Im driving a chick magnet on wheels, I still cant seem to get a date. I thought the heated seats would "warm things" up a bit, but to no avail- but seriously i love the sunroof, heated seats, steering wheel layout controls-radio, the radio adjustment to windspeed, smooth handling, and fun to drive. All my friends want to take it from me on trips. I am an impala junkie.

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  One of the best that I have owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By A. Lane - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome, big, comfortable car. Its handling is great and it is very smooth driving. The gas mileage is great and it has a great safety rating. Finally a 4-door sedan that is fun and practical to drive. Congrats Chevrolet on a great car!!!!

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  Nicest car I owned so far. - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Anne Pennock - October 17 - 3:53 am

  This is a great step up from the Cavalier, I owned a 1999 and a 2001- I like them but this is really a much better car. Feels solid, rides well even over our bad roads. Very comfortable seating. Probably the best car Ive owned considering my low end price range.

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  1st vann owned lt fwd - 2003 Chevrolet Venture
  By 1walt - October 17 - 2:00 am

  this is the first vann i have owned. i like driving it. with leather seats, it is easy getting in & out. we also like the heated seats and sitting up higher which provides better vision. 1walt

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  Great Buy - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By Big Phil - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a great buy. I have 104,000 miles on my truck and havent had a single problem. It isnt a flashy truck but it is worth every dollar.

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  Great little package - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By InjenCavalier - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any serious problems with my cavalier. Recently I took it on a 4478.15 mile road trip and I could not have asked for a better vehicle. The fuel economy for this car is remarkable and there is a large resource of parts if needed. Solid quality for the price you pay.

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  Chevy Rocks! - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By AnneK - October 16 - 2:00 am

  We frequently pull a 26 travel trailer as well as use this truck for every day use running the family around, and this truck performs beautifully. Winter weather does not affect the stability of the vehicle either. The "Auto 4WD" option is the best feature to have during those trips when the road conditions fluctuate between slippery/ice/snow to just wet. We went from a Tahoe to the Suburban and will never pick anything but Chevy when it comes to future purchases.

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  99 6-Speed Corvette Coupe - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By MSUC6Vette - October 15 - 2:00 am

  The car has been great, the ride quality is amazing for how well the car handles corners. The seats couldnt be more comfortable on both long and short trips. Plenty of cargo room for two people traveling. Better than 30mpg on the highway.

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  I love my car! - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By wafb111 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my car!

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  avalanche - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By ccwaverider - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a mussle car. Love it.