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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  good - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Yuan Wei - August 3 - 2:00 am

  best car i ever driven

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  muscle at its max - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By JordanZ06 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I would say the Corvette ZO6 is way cooler and faster than a viper. If you like muscle cars than you should buy a corvette.

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  vette - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By printer631 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  far better than any corvette ever built

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  07 Yukon - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Annshusband1 - August 1 - 1:46 pm

  Had a 2000 YUKON and really hated to give it up, but I could not pass up the deal they made me and I am so happy with my 2007. The ride is softer, the room is bigger, and the mileage is better with the 5.3 DOD. Many more features than 2000.

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  What Fuel Economy? - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By silveradohd - August 1 - 7:42 am

  I own a 2002 2500 HD Silverado 4x4 with the 6.0L engine that has 115000 miles on it for six years now and i could not be more pleased with it. Ive done a few mods to it like larger tires, flowmaster cat back exhaust, K&N air filter and some other cosmetic items.The truck has been super reliable and is a blast to drive. As far as fuel economy, I didnt buy it for that. but It still gets about 16 mpg and tows anything i put behind it. As far as fuel economy is concerned 16 mpg from that big of a motor isnt thats bad. Their maybe more efficient trucks on the market today but I would still put my Silverado up against any gasoline truck out there as far as perfomance and reliability.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By RENEE - August 1 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS DA BOMD

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  avalanche 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By char - August 1 - 2:00 am

  im very happy with my new 03 avalanche.. i had a 99 silverado Z71 ext cab. previous to this avalanche and a 96 chevy silverado before the 99.. im a chevy person and buy thier product for the dependability.. in my business i need something that will handle the mileage and the weather.. having 2 growing boys and a dog just as big i wanted a new vehicle for room but still have my truck space for work and camping supplies... (the avalanche has a tent and air matress that can be purchased for it.. which to me is a good investment.. all in all, its a good truck...

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  outstanding Z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By ww67317 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  great vehical smooth ride - space for passengers and luggage. Excelent trim interior & exterior Love the 17" rims

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  1st new truck purchase - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Brandon - July 31 - 9:00 pm

  This is the first truck I have purchased new. Totally enjoy the truck so far (3500 miles). I did have a leak in the front trasfer case, took it in and they found nothing. It hasnt leaked since. Looked like a seal was leaking. The only complaint I have is something I have seen on here, the cloth seats need constant removal of lint and seat shedding. Didnt know if this was due to "new" seats or if this will be a constant battle. Maybe should have spent the extra money for leather. Other than that it is an awesome truck, get lots of looks and compliments. Added a soft bed cover, spray in liner and chrome door handles. Back in black and lovin ever minute of it. Like a rock!

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  waited for a deal and found it - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By jmorris@vertafore.com - July 31 - 8:02 am

  dont skimp on what you want