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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  Just bought it used - 2014 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Tirebiter - December 7 - 5:15 pm

  The bumper-to-bumper warranty is over, but the drive-train warranty still has some time. Its got two mystery sounds that may need servicing. There is a very quiet, high-pitched, whine at particular times, almost robotic, like during parking: I would compare it to a 4th of July firework coming down, and a bass, quiet pounding under the rear sometimes as I backup, or other times, like someone dropping furniture. The design is the most pet-friendly Ive had. Its great for me who is uncomfortable in small cars and insecure driving trucks. UPDATE Nearest Chevy dealer got rid of noise by changing transmission and brake fluid. The OnStar Navigation is more expensive than cell phone but more convenient. My dashboard warned me about black ice this morning. You can push a button on your mirror and ask OnStar to dial a phone number. The newest concern is smoke out the back in cold. Hopefully it wont be major. I like how it is quieter from outside noises than previous cars of mine. Update: July 27, 2017. Driving 60 mile round trip commute many times. The front bumper hangs low and catches on curbs: $300 to fix. I hear new intermittent noises around the rear wheels like a voom air pocket of weight coming down, and a high pitched screech down under the center while going very slowly. (That stopped with regular maintenance). No major problems. My hips and legs get cramped on long trips, but it may not be the cars fault. The car feels otherwise roomy. The side mirrors have close up lenses on them. I am past 50,000 miles: planning 3rd set of tires, battery, brakes according to commercial mechanic’s recommendations.

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  luvmymaxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By mymaxx - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the LS with 1SB package. Im 62" have more leg room than in my Venture van. This car is quiet and comfortable. I love the way it handles and performs. I drive narrow winding single lane country roads where the need to pass is important. The Maxx has no problem going from 55 to 80 within the short passing zones. Its made driving back and forth to work fun again. For under $20,000, I believe this car has an excellent price/performance ratio.

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  Love My 2004 Competition Yellow LS !! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Oblio3 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2004 Monte Carlo LS Yellow Competition Sport model and I love this car, It is very sporty, a real head turner, comfortable and lots of fun to drive. Love the Stereo with the 200 watt amp and the way the interior is personalized to the driver. I love my hot rod !!!!

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  Randys Monte Carlo SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Randy Heath - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The car rides like a Caddie on the highway. The throtle is very responsive at all speeds. The A/C works very well but is noisy on acceleration, I plan to have it checked out at the dealer when I have time. As for handling, this is better than any other car I have owned, I was impressed that a large front wheel drive could corner so well. I give the car a 9 for overall satisfaction.

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  Avalanche - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By COY ALBRITTON - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The first avalanche I purchased was a Z66 2002, and another one, a Z71 2002, Kept the Z66 for 26 months with 34000 miles, traded for a 2004 Z66, plan to trade the Z71 soon for a 2005 Z71. I am 71 years and have driven Fords most of my life, The last Ford I had was a 2001 4X4 super crew at the time I purchased the first avalanche, six months later I traded for the Z71

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  brandons 04 impala indy ss - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By uptown - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Impala SS is a superb performance sedan.The vehicle is strapped with 240 horsepower, 280 foot pounds of torque and a motor trend tested 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and 14.7 in the quarter mile at 92 m.p.h. bone stock.The SS also comes with many standard features as well as great options such as sunroof,driver information center,200 watt-6 speaker premium sound system,heated seats,xm radio,on star and indy commerative package.This Impala SS is a steal at a base price under 28,000 and just over 32000 for a fully loaded one with the indy package.

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  great - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By buk - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I like the overall design and performance.

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  AWESOME RIDE - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By KIDTAXI - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my Z71 Tahoe, it is a great value for the price, powerful yet easy to handle and a blast to drive!

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  HHR - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By lillie - December 6 - 8:03 am

  I love it. It drives good and handles good. Gets good gas mileage. Love to drive it. Had a big truck for six years. Had to get a car I could get in because of my health. Like this just as well.

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  cant beat this suv - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By ferrari man - December 5 - 8:50 pm

  so far this suv has been bulletproof ,great gas mileage 28 mpg , plus this truck is very quiet and i suggest 4 cyl with front wheel drive 1 second quicker to 60 mph than awd