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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  Absolutely THE BEST - 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Maranda - July 2 - 8:22 pm

  This car is AWESOME. FUN TO DRIVE SUPER SAFE AND RELIABLE I HIGHLY RECCOMEND IT!!

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  Had this car for over 3 years and still LOVE it! - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By danimarie4 - July 2 - 9:58 am

  I bought this car brand new in July 2008 and I still absolutely love it. Not many issues, other than a recent engine light on for an emissions issue. Its a very reliable car, mileage is CONSISTENTLY 20-21 no matter where or how I am driving. Wonderful family car. Highly recommend after 50,000 miles!

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  Johns review! - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By John18 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  My last truck was a s-10 a 95 4cl it really had no problems at all. With the 3000 rebate i just could not say no to a new one. This time i got the 4.3L V6 Sportside model so it can tow what i want and looks better than a regular s-10.

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  The Lumina - 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Buzsaw - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Our Lumina has been the most reliable and efficient vehicle we have ever owned. The 3.1 engine is economical and runs effortlessly (keep the oil changed and it will run forever). This vehicle is perfect transportation.

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  LOVE IT!! - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dem - July 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is so comfortable..it rides smooth, has great pick-up, can tow just about whatever you want, can fit lots of people comfortably. The only problem (other than sticker shock) is fuel economy.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By james - June 30 - 9:06 am

  I purchased this Monte Carlo because I wanted a sporty 2 door. Very satisfied with the car and the power, features, and mileage. Couldnt ask for a better car for the money.

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  SS, so long! - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Kristopher - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately just had to sell my 00 Camaro SS, convertible. My hardest decision Ive had to make in my young life. Searched for months for the right color and body, and found a 00 leftover in 01 with only 5000 miles on it. Bought for significantly lower than wouldve paid new. Excellent performance, and roominess (ever try sitting in a little Mustang)?

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  Outrun 911 Turbos for 70 grand less - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By A convert - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Never did like Chevys until I got this bad-boy. Its good to be able to humiliate 911 turbos and (if I was rich) still be able to buy another Z06 and an F250 Powerstroke with the money left over.

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  2004 MONTI - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By john c.4643 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  The best car I ever owned in 45 years of driving.

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  A great ride - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By dan snyder - June 30 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle, very good ride. Great room inside, lot of cargo space.Vehicle has plenty of power,Goodyear tires a little noisy.