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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  My 50th - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By genepreston - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good car. Too bad there were so many copies sold. It will be years, if ever, before it becomes a collectors car. Its a good thing they made a really good car, but you didnt have to pay an extra $6,000 along with literally thousands of other folk for the "anniversary edition".

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  great truck - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By tomq1 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  this has been a good solid truck, the v6 vortec is a tried and true engine, has nice options that, for the money, make it one of the best push button 4x4 values on the market.

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  camaro keeps on going - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Georgerx7 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle, lasts long and takes a beating.

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  Smooth Ride - 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Ohio Sales - July 23 - 2:00 am

  3rd Suburban for a traveling salesman and this one is the best to date. 125k and no major problems to date. Towing 9000# with very little effort. Problems with the previous Suburbans have been addressed. Excellent ride with handling to match.

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  Avalanche,a good choise. - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Loren Guinn - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Siyle, comfort, useability, size and all around good looks. I chose not to include the add-on plastic, it looks tackey and has no use. I have been delighted with the ride and power. I purchased the 66 towing package and the best seats. I am one happy camper.

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  Love It! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Sunlinerdude - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a truck consumer. I had overlooked the Avelanche in the past thinking it was a gimick vehicle. After driving it and really looking at all it has to offer, I am hoping that in three years when I need to replace this vehicle there will still be another one available. I love this truck and all of its features.

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  Do It All Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By btec75 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Gutsy SUV combo, many uses. Will fit in most gargages at home. Solves trade off of long length with midgate.Owned my 03 Z71 Avalanche since December 2002, equiping with Convenience and Personal Security Packages, Sunroof, Leather and HD Tow Pkg. Best vehicle Ive even owned in over 30 years of driving. Solid and rugged. Chevy did something unique with the Avalanche. If youre not accustom to larger SUVs or pickups this may not be the vehicle for you. However, if you want something tough but comfortable and can climb into the vehicle, you found it. "Like A Rock" -- I love my Avalance.

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  Love it - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jo Jo - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Love it Love it Love it

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  Amazing Car for the Money!!! - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By PeteyPete - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my mint condition 99 hardtop last year and couldnt be any more happy. Its been a reliable and fun Sunday car that turns heads, and is a pleasure to drive. Im impressed w/ the mileage i get, averaging 20 mpg driving in a mix of city and highway driving. The interior couldve been a bit more refined, but the car makes up for it in performance and style.

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  AWSOME TRUCK - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By BLUE AV - July 22 - 2:00 am

  AWSOME TRUCK, RIDES LIKE A 4 WHEEL DRIVE CADILACK. I HAD IT FOR 8 MONTHS AND NO PROBLEMS. THE ONLY DOWN SIDE IS THE GAS MILAGE, 14 CITY AND 16 HIGHWAY BUT I DID NOT BUY IT FOR THE MILAGE.