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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  2006 Aveo LS - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Billy - July 30 - 8:57 pm

  I have 600 miles on my new Aveo LS and so far I am pleased. First tank of gas was 32 mpg mostly highway miles. Second tank was 34.5 mpg. I hope it conteniues to go up from here. I bought it as a transportation car to save on gas to and from work but find myself wanting to drive it all the time. I also have a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 that I love but at 13 mpg it sits home alot.

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  Unreliable - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Manny- Chula Vista - July 30 - 1:20 pm

  Im very disappointed. I just purchased my 2008 LTZ with every option, has had to be towed twice, last time left me totaly stranded, nothing would work, including OnStar. Great looks but has had a replacement alternator, battery, and now waiting for a complete new wiring harness.

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  Good starter car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Erica - July 30 - 10:07 am

  I like the sporty look of the outside and the ease of driving it. However, the seats could be more comfortable and the alloy rims are very expensive to replace. It has the basic features I need and is a good starter car.

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  2003 Trailblazer LTZ - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By chris - July 30 - 6:35 am

  Ive had dozens of vehicles in my life and my Trailblazer, knock on wood, has been the most reliable so far. The ride is fantastic and smoother than any other SUV out there (and trust me...I looked at everything out there prior to purchasing). I was all set to get a full size SUV like a Tahoe, but my wife really liked the Trailblazers size, not too big and not too small. Not having a third seat (I opted not to go for the extended length version because I thought the looks were less appealing) will probably disuade some buyers but I really didnt have a need for it. My only complaint is that it doesnt get 30 mpg, but then no SUV does. Lets see if I am still happy 2-3 years from now.

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  Chevy Uplander best car I have driven - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By C. Gedeon - July 30 - 12:00 am

  This Chevy Uplander has been a pleasure to drive. My family just drove from Ohio to Florida for a family vacation and the Chevy Uplander traveled us in comfort and entertainment for the kids and the in-laws. It is also nice to drive a vehicle that has no problem keeping up with traffic on route 77 and route 90. This is the third Chevy I have owned and for the third time I am impressed.

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  Take the good with the bad - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By James in KY - July 29 - 11:46 pm

  Overall the Chevy S-10 has a solid engine with the Vortec V6. I will say I have the same problems as many others. Owned it for only a week (brand new with 53 miles) and the vanity mirror light stayed illuminated. ABS grinds. Mirror rattled loose. Tranny, clutch and catalytic converter went out at 50K. At some time still under warranty, wiper delay module went out. Now AC needs recharging every summer ($10 kit from Wal-Mart). Water pump, O2 sens., alternator, U-joints going out to be expected w/ high mileage. Check engine light stays on now with 135,700 with no other indications of mechanical problems. With regular maintenance, engine has no problem. Probably drive it until wheels fall off.

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  Great Ride, Great Mileage - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sully - July 29 - 6:33 pm

  Traded from 98 Taurus and immediately enjoyed the spacious interior. Rode from Boston to Englewood,NJ & back on one tank of gas getting 32mpg! Handling is sweet and I was surprised at the tight turning radius. The 3.4V6 seems to have all the pep I need, especially with gas prices the way they are.

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  Performance of 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe - 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By KEVIN KILCOYNE - July 29 - 4:24 pm

  Very reliable, comfortable ride for an SUV. Smooth operation, very good transmission. Very good overall performance, satisfied owner.

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  Above Average Repair Costs at 78,000 mi - 2000 Chevrolet S-10
  By Coleman - July 29 - 3:09 pm

  I have spent over $4400 in repairs in 05/06 - 78,000- 91,000 miles - upper & lower ball joints, wheel bearings, oxygen sensor, oil cooler lines, shocks, brakes, belts, and tune- up. There is a moisture problem with the rotor cap screen which affects performance. The plastic club door latch broke off at 60,000 ($145 repair) and the passenger seat recliner arm busted ($245 repair).The current Consumer Report lists the S10 on the Worst Car List. I spend over $300 per month on gas for work. I am going broke owning this vehicle but the mechanics keep telling me "its a good truck." I have not yet hit 100,000 miles and am worried about whats ahead. Anyone out there have similar stories?

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  Dont buy one - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Ruth - July 29 - 10:05 am

  I have own mind for three years. It has the V8, and it does get up and go. But its been in the shop for things like two new transmisions, still giving me trouble as I write this. Several air conditioning problems since new, and finally last year it ate it self up and they had to replace the whole air conditioner, including all the belts. Right now I have a light on the dash telling me according to the dealer that I have to pay $350 for them to tell me why? I purchase the added protection just about everything they wanted me to purchase, now its all ran out! Before the warranty ran out I was protected. What do I do now since the dealer told me that the air bags arent working?