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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  Very disappointed! Stay away. Visit Ford. - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By upstatenydave - May 12 - 10:37 pm

  I would stay away from this model until Chevy fixes serious defect in build quality. I bought my truck about a month ago. On test drive before signing paperwork I mentioned to the salesperson a loud humm at speeds over 30 mph. We thought it was tires breaking in. Well, after a month of aggrevating noise, took it back to dealer. Service states something in rear was over torqued and bearings need replacing. At 1900 miles!!!! So now, my truck has been in dealer shop for a week because Chevy claims part is on "back order"!!!! This is a new truck! Meanwhile Ive got work that I cant get done. If Chevy is reading this my case number is 711251316207

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  TrailBlazer - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By SW Driver - May 12 - 7:57 pm

  This car has been reliable and is extremely comfortable. I bought it used over a year ago and have not had one problem. I have been very pleased with the purchase. There is a little road noise and if I do not get the gas cao on tight enough, the Service Engine light comes on. Other than that, it is a great vehicle.

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  Fun Ride - 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Sabrina - May 12 - 1:34 pm

  This is an excellent first time SUV but. The entertainment center is excellent, I wish the speakers had a little more power but I would have to have gotten the premier, I love my panoramic roof, I love my huge touch screen, heated seats work so well they even get a little of your lower lumbar. I also used to drive with back support, but I havent needed to in this car. The safety features are awesome, for a little more money I could have gotten the 360 view. But the rear camera does a great job of seeing people on either side of the car. I highly recommend it.

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  Most Nice - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Unknown - May 12 - 11:53 am

  It is a great vehicle to drive. I love it. The truck in my opinion is one of the best SUVs to come out in 2002

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  Chevrolet hammered this one out of the PARK!! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Craig Brandriff - May 12 - 2:40 am

  Truly a superior and roomier design than many of the larger sedans, and most of the similarly sized competitors. Handles better, roomier, and much better cargo space than the Buick La Cross we replaced, (horrible headrests).

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  Malibu Won Me Over - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By 1st grade teacher - May 11 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned a Camry and an Accord. When I went in to test-drive for a new vehicle, I hadnt even considered the Malibu. A friends father (who used to be a loyal Camry fan) suggested that I try out the Malibu before buying the Camry I had picked out. Wow! It quickly won me over! I got way more car for the money! Ive had many people tell me it looks like a Lexus or other more expensive car. Im very pleased with my purchase and glad I could buy something domestic and feel happy with the quality. Although I havent had the car long, Ive already been recommending it to all my friends.

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  Out of the box - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By huey7018 - May 11 - 9:43 pm

  Great small car. Lots of driver room. Use as a commuter car and love the fuel economy. When comparing price/ comfort/ economy this is a hard car to beat.

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  Update to Old Reliable - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Old Reliable - May 11 - 3:36 pm

  Old Reliable now has 114,500 miles and still no major problems only routine stuff like battery and oil and filter changes. Had a tune up at 90K although vehicle was running fine. I finally had to have to rear brakes done at 95K but the fronts are still OK and original! Replaced tires at 84K although tread was adequate but with rainy weather coming bought Goodyear Aqua Tred 3. Great tires! Recently got 23 mpg on trip to Jacksonville, Fl and back. Paint and interior still looks great (garage kept) and no other complaints. Believe it or not this is probably the most reliable vehicle I have owned including Nissan, Toyota and Accura.

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  Walked Away Safely - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Mike Griggs - May 11 - 9:47 am

  On May 7, 2006, I was in a crash that involved my Colorado. I hit water and lost control and totaled my truck. After the fact, you could not recognize that it was a Colorado, but the fact remained I walked away from the accident with only a mild concusion. Its design, I think, was the main reason Im still alive today. Thanks Chevy.

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  Love it! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mom2TwoLil1s - May 11 - 9:42 am

  I had a Ford truck before my car, and I have got too say I love my car! I get where I need to go faster because of the easy handling, and not having to fill up on gas everyday! I have 2 small boys and I feel safe in this car that if an accident did occur they would fine. Also my OnStar is a huge plus, very helpful people that are outgoing and willing to go the extra mile to help you out!