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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  Practical and classy - 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ccvi - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was comfortable, efficient, responsive and performed well both in city and open road driving. The extra boost needed from the engine when passing another vehicle was always just a press on the pedal away. It hugged the road giving a feeling of security and safety. Seat design gave support and comfort with its easy adjustment capacity. There is more space for both front and back seat passengers than in some larger model cars. There were no major engine problems during the 128,000 miles the vehicle was driven. Regular maintenance brought the result of not even an oil leak, even at 128,000 miles.

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  So for so good - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By dave_hill3 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  So far nothing has gone wrong. We have taken it on several trips, the kids like the dvd. I got the towing package but I have not used it much yet. I think it will be for short travel towing trips.

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  Nothing beats a great sports car... - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By wadeblakey - February 10 - 2:00 am

  My 2001 Corvette is one of the best automobiles I have ever owned. It embodies great style, outstanding performance and superior efficiency and reliability. I dont believe there is a better sports are value. Handling and and pure acceleration and speed are the true underpinnings of this vehicle class and Corvette does it better than the rest. Absolutely no regrets in buying this car.

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  Impala SS 2006 - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Dave M - February 9 - 2:40 pm

  We have 9,500 miles on our car and absolutely love it. On my last mpg run of 114 miles on the interstate from Billings to Colstrip I got 30 mpg. I wouldnt trade this car for anything else.

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  Old Reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Bill, Chris & Debbie - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I know that others may have had some issues with their Blazers but we have had nothing but routine maintenance and total reliability. Heck, even the original equipment tires look like they could go another 20K miles and they already have run 62K miles. Nothing but kudos for our Blazer!

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  No other car for me - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Lonnie - February 8 - 11:36 pm

  I was able to drive this vehicle last summer when they had just come on the market in California, Since then I hav studied these cars and compared them, I have found that there is not another vehicle out there that compares in price, comfort and ability to facitlitate all the needs I really needed in a car, I have short and very tall family members who range from five foot two to six foot three and everyone fits comfortably. The gas mileage and power are perfect too. I received weekly updates from Chevy on this car and I must say saftey and comfort for my family is number one and I definitely have found it here in this vehicle. Drive one one and you will see exactly what I mean.

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  Love The Equinox - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Todd - February 8 - 5:33 pm

  Tried all SUVs on the market. The Equinox was the best fit based on comfort ( Im very tall ), gas mileage, looks, and affordability. Give one a try. You will be greatly surprised at the room and gas mileage. In town 25-26 mpg is what I get. I purchased the 2.4 L four cylinder. Plenty of power as long as you dont drag race from light to light. I set out to purchase an import, but GM really made this vehicle appealing. Hope this helps.

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  07 LTZ - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mlbender - February 8 - 4:43 pm

  We just picked up our 07 LTZ. So far its been absolutely wonderful. Weve got every option but the Nav/rear cam. Previously had a 00 Yukon, and the new platform is by far superior. Love the new interior, very high quality materials, no "cheap plastic" look that was common with GM for so long. Weve been running only E85 because its almost $0.60 cheaper here (South Dakota) than regular unleaded. Were getting about 11mpg in town and 15 or so on the highway. That compares to about 14/18 with the Yukon on 10% Ethanol. Im going to run a tank of 10% Ethanol next time to get an idea of how well the Active Fuel Management does. So far, cant tell when its in V4 vs. V8. Been great!!

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  Excellent Reliability! - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jdeluca1 - February 8 - 1:36 pm

  This is my 4th Silverado and love it. It has everything I want in a truck. The Bose sound and 6disc in-dash stereo is great. Very comfortable inside. I bought this truck used with 36k miles on it. Since then--in the past 3 years, now it is up to 106k miles on it----still no problems. The only complaint I have was the face of the radio. The paint or numbers would peel off. The other thing I love is how much this truck holds its value. Unlike other cars--it holds its value really well. Great truck!

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  Excellent Reliability! - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jdeluca1 - February 8 - 1:18 pm

  This is my 4th Silverado and love it. It has everything I want in a truck. The Bose sound and 6disc in-dash stereo is great. Very comfortable inside. I bought this truck used with 36k miles on it. Since then--in the past 3 years, now it is up to 106k miles on it----still no problems. The only complaint I have was the face of the radio. The paint or numbers would peel off. The other thing I love is how much this truck holds its value. Unlike other cars--it holds its value really well. Great truck!