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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  Great car but... - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Tom Beames - December 16 - 2:04 pm

  Awesome performance but having problems with shifting from 2nd-3rd and 1st-2nd. Seems as though shifting linkage is not lined up. Some body work needed to be done by dealer. Poor alignment of right front fender, headlight, wheel well liner, etc. There also is a very noticable "mold" seam in left rear fender. Dealer wanted to buff it out and repaint. I said no. Lots of minor paint imperfections. Car is black so it shows everything. But, Lord it is fun!

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  Great Initial Ownership Experience - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Shrike - December 16 - 1:00 pm

  Great handling, comfortable seating, good fit-and-finish. Fuel economy is average, but engine/transmission performance is excellent, ride comfort is very good (even with no load). Positioning of controls is perfect. Got this vehicle to replace my 2005 Lacrosse CXL (used for clients - an excellent car) and my Ford F-150 work truck. Excellent compromise between the two vehicles.

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  Equinox Buyers Beware! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By HATEMYNOX - December 16 - 11:56 am

  My experience with my Equinox has been the worst experience ever. I have had the check engine light, check oil light, and airbag light come on at least 5-7 times a week. The car has more rattles than a 200,000 mile junker, and with every bump hit, you swear it is going to fall apart. Also, the vehicle has a selective starting problem. It will start some mornings, and other mornings it wont. Everyday there is a new problem and a new mystery cause no one can seem to fix the problems. This is by far the worst vehicle that anyone could ever choose to own

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  My dream truck! - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dave - December 16 - 8:20 am

  Ive wanted an SS ever since they unveiled the concept truck way back in 2000! I finally "took the plunge" back in July and man was it worth it!! This truck is awesome. Great performance, head-turning good looks and best of all its a genuine Chevy (the ONLY true American car/truck company in my opinion!!). I would highly recommend springing for the optional tonneau cover for improved mpg! I also invested in a Line-X spray in bedliner right off the bat!

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  Could Not Be Happier - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By stevcaro - December 15 - 9:10 pm

  Was looking a PT but when these came out I was sold. Reminded me of my 1951 pickup I regret selling. HRR is not a sports car but who cares. She handles good enough for me and I have owned 3 Vettes! Bought it with 6000 miles on her and she was loaded and got a deal so there is no negative here. I see more and more of these on the road and could not be happier with my purchase.

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  Do Not Buy Chevrolet - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Tonya Thomas - December 15 - 5:44 pm

  I purchased a brand new Chevrolet Uplander and after 3000 miles I started having problems with it not cranking. Now way past lemon law requirements the vehicle is still not fixed and I am having to go to arbitration. They told me at 3000 miles this was a problem with the vast majority of the Uplanders and they did not have a fix but yet would not replace or refund. My van has been in the shop more than I have had it and now at 20,000 miles the starter is slipping and the rear passanger sliding door wont open half the time. I do not wish this hassle on anyone else because if you are like me you bought a van for a reason.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Andy North - December 15 - 4:43 pm

  Reliable. Comfortable to ride and drive. Handles exceptionally well, a real surpise and pleasure. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys driving and likes to get out of town.

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  Changes - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Wakabu - December 15 - 11:44 am

  Hatch has decent ride and gas mileage seems to be improving although I have only 1200 miles on her.

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  Brakes on my Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By terri - December 15 - 11:06 am

  I have driven a Chevy truck for about 20 years now. This 2006 is the first one Ive ever had trouble with. Took it back to the dealership in Opelika, Alabama a total of 7 times to get the brakes looked at. Warning lights kept coming on and also the car phone charger hasnt worked since the day it came off the lot. Im really disappointed in Chevy with this truck. The dealership would not fix it while it was under warranty and the brakes are still having major problems. Hate to say this but probably will not buy another new Chevy.

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  PeppyChevy - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jackd911 - December 15 - 6:06 am

  With VVT it is very peppy. Not as economical as our 2004. Very roomy. Many good features like traction control and ABS. Has all air bags. Very quiet. So far no defects. I like the styling and new color, Amber Bronze. New position of nets in luggage compartment is very useful. Good build quality.