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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  Solid functional vehicle - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By roscoe38 - September 19 - 7:54 pm

  I purchased the car w/ 28000 miles on it in 03. I put around 10000 miles a year on it. No major issues except for the intake gasket which I had to replace. Replaced mine at 58000 mis, cost me $500 plus. Other than that, nothing but the typical maintenance and upkeep. A solid ride, if rather bland, but performance is adequate. Inexpensive to keep on the road and has yet to fail me. Starts easily, runs well, decent on gas. Again, rather unspectatcular styling, but functional. Great choice for second car

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  Awesome Value for Money - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Ray Campbell - September 19 - 7:31 pm

  This is my first Impala, and I have to say it is the best car I have owned. Had it for a year now, and Im still impressed. I looked at the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, but the Impala SS gave me the best value for money. Was able to get all the bells and whistles for a great price. Plenty of room, lots of power, stylish good looks, and great gas mileage for a large sedan. Its a joy to drive. I get tons of complements on the laser blue color. It looks blue or purple depending on with angle you look at it. Great for long drive or short trips around town. I would buy another Impala.

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  I love my Equinox! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Lisa - September 19 - 6:53 pm

  I just bought this SUV a few days ago and I am wondering why I waited so long...I love my new Equinox...Chevy really out-did themselves this time! I couldnt ask for a better SUV...

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  New, Fun Silverado - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ric Gleason - September 19 - 5:10 pm

  So far, so good. No issues what-so-ever. The mileage is not great, but it is a truck so Im not upset at all. The 5.3 is plenty for my applications, but I do think a 6 speed tranny would be better. The Crew Cab layout is great. I narrowed my selection to the Silverado and the Tundra. After driving both, I chose the Silverado. No regrets at all. Overall its a very nice truck.

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  Great SUV! - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Great SUV!! - September 19 - 10:50 am

  Ive owned my Blazer for almost 11 years, and I am the original owner. With 218,000+ miles what can I say? We have had a recurring problem with the EGR valve and oxygen sensor but other than routine repairs we have had no problems. Replaced the main belt at 125,000 miles and finally replaced the muffler system at 210,000 miles. Also replaced the fuel pump at 212,000 miles. Rest of the equipment is still original.

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  Not what I thought - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Stacy - September 18 - 12:36 pm

  Although I initially loved the look of the car, Im highly disappointed with the lack of visibility due to the high back and large blind spot on the drivers side. I feel unsafe driving the Cobalt because of this design. For the interior, the vents are poorly designed so that passengers do not get the air, either hot or cool, from them and this affects the defroster too. The pick-up and braking are great but the car could be lighter to improve gas mileage. My old Cavalier still gets better gas mileage than the Cobalt.

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  Most Reliable Car Ever Owned - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By RPriest - September 18 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car used 7 years ago. Days in shop for repairs since then? Zero. It performs exactly like the first day I bought it, and still gets the same outstanding city mileage (31 mpg). This is a car with no hassles. I cant say enough postive about it.

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  Greatest Van Ive Ever Driven - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Darlene Di Masi - September 18 - 10:24 am

  Greatest van Ive ever driven. The comfort of the seats is awesome. The van handles just like a car. In fact, sometimes you really forget its a van. Its a smooth ride whether in sunshine, or the rain. Traction is great. Great seats, supports the back, comfort for long legs, and it is just right. Great if one has kids, or just alone, and carry a lot of things. You dont even notice the things that you carry because of the roominess of the van. I love it, and will get another one when it is time to trade in if it is just as comfortable, and has the assets that this one has.

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  Awesome Experience - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RuneMan - September 18 - 10:19 am

  This is my 6th Vette including 3 C6s in the last 2 years. My Vettes have always been my daily driver. I have owned Porches, Infinity, Lincoln, Cadillac and other find automobiles during my forty plus years of car ownership. This is the most exciting auto experience of all my dealings. The performance is unbelievable. The reliably of my last four Vettes has been perfect with absolutely not one warranty issue and zero for this one now in its second month and 2200 miles. A perfect and most rewarding experience!

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  Brand New Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Shay - September 18 - 9:30 am

  We just purchased the Cobalt. My husband and I picked the Cobalt for the look and ride. We got a great deal on it and so far we love it! I hope it holds up good for the long run. But for right now its fun to drive, gets good gas mileage, and is very cute! We love it! I love the little info button that tells you everything!