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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  Silverado - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Bob - April 20 - 11:50 pm

  Very quick and nimble compared to 05 2500HD. Fast and rides smooth. Driver seating does not agree with my frame. It was fine on two test drives, but after 1 hour on the highway, very painful. I have tried all the adjustments and controls and have decided that the seating is too soft. For the most part, vast improvements over previuos models. I have owned all 4 Chevy truck styles from the past 20 years, and this one is very nice.

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  So far so good - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By bernie - April 20 - 11:33 pm

  After reading all the brake problems, i hope this will not happen to the ss. I just bought a red ss and cannot tell you how pleased I am with it. With the 260 hp eco tech turbo engine, it is a little rocket. The ss specific interior is comfortable and well designed. The 5-speed shifts firm and quick. The exterior ss specific ground effects, 18 inch wheels with speed rated tires filled with nitrogen, paint finish and door gap fit is the best Ive seen in a long time. Oh yes, the smaller steering wheel and quicker steering make this thing loads of fun to drive. It is quick. It also has larger 4-wheel disc brakes that stop great. so far happy as a clam with it.

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  I Love Mine! - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By WayneV - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best trucks I have ever owned. My wife and I also own a Toyota Tacoma Pre-runner that wears me out on long trips. My Z71 Silverado is so comfortable, I believe that I could drive it across the country and not even be sore at the end of the trip. The power and the 4WD has never let me down when called upon.

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  Gets the stares! - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Tyson45454 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Turns heads everywhere I go. Way much better than the S-10. Not as nice as the Silverado, but up in its class. Like a ROCK!

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  The Greatest Little Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Gary M - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but praise for this car. It is fun to drive, has plenty of power, and has been no trouble. Who could ask for anything more?

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  Bang for the Buck - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Doug27 - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This is plain and simple the best performance you can get for your money!

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  Style to Spare! - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Deborah - April 19 - 3:26 pm

  Ive only had this car for a month - but everyday Im so impressed with it. I went from an SUV to the HHR - and it only took a few days to become used to the front wheel drive and lower profile. Its fun to drive - lots of pickup despite the 4 cyl motor. Lots of room on the inside - only complaint is the placement of the armrest - a little out of place. Nice in dash storage, and plenty of room for supplies under the back cover above the spare tire. Stereo booms - and has easy to use controls. I was surprised with all the extras on the LS - power everything - its a lot of car for the money - so very happy - and it just looks hot to drive! Lots of looks and questions!

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  great car - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Joko - April 19 - 12:39 pm

  2.0 engine takes premium fuel and the 1.5 takes 89 0ctane

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  the best i ever owned - 1996 Chevrolet Caprice
  By caprise 1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  my dad got this one when it was new. he drove it for a number of years and loved it, i got it from him about a yr and a have ago ..since then i have put a stagering 60.000 mi on my chevy. and let me tell you it is the best!!! verry little prob since i got it,the only thing i had to do was to change the alt appart from oil change and tires. last sumer we took a vacation to Fla, i got 32 mpg belive it or not. i got a 4.3 v8 in it you would sware it was a 5.7..... if i had to put any thing that might be bad would have to be that i cant get a 2003 ,,,, why would chevy stop making them?????????

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  used car - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By dsmith9118 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive ,sharp looking . good gas mileage around town