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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  Done with Chevy/GM - 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Mike - December 14 - 3:47 pm

  I bought this vehicle certified pre-owned with 12,000 miles on it. The vehicle met expectations and had been reliable for the amount of driving I do. I put on 15-20,000 miles a year of mostly highway miles. The vehicle was well maintained and I kept up with the regular maintenance on it. Last week I was driving and suddenly seemed to lose power. The vehicle would not shift into third gear and when I made it home I also realized there was no reverse gear. I did a lot of research on the internet and quickly realized that this had been an issue on the 2007-2009 models with the wave plate. GM had actually extended the warranty on the models for those years to 120,000 miles. I took mine to the dealership and they agreed that it sounded like the same issue with the older models. I contacted GM and they said they would inquire with the dealer. When I heard back they offered to cover a mere 30% of the $5,000 repair. I didnt expect the repair to be done for free (maybe I should have because thats what they did with the older models with more mileage than mine), but there resolution was a slap in the face. This is obviously a manufacture defect that they dont want to take accountability for. At this point Im looking to trade this lemon in and switch to a brand that will be a little more reliable.

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  Poor Stepchild to the Suburban - 2002 Chevrolet Astro
  By KVD - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Got the LS AWD (with leather and every available option) for family trips. No aftermarked flip-down video made for the model. Owned vehicle 6 months and has been in the shop 7 times, once to re-attach the gas tank! Rattles like garbage truck and parts coming apart on the interior. Had a 93 Astro that we drove all over the US with no problems. Get the impression that all the attention goes into SUV design and production. This could be a great vehicle.

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  Back To Basics - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kweku - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Decent (exterior) looking SUV with a Vileinterior and a Dibolical Gas Mileage to match. Having driven and owned a Mitsubishi Montero this is definately something that is unaceptable

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  my first van - 1997 Chevrolet Venture
  By NotSatisfied - December 9 - 2:00 am

  My family is very disappointed by this van. We have many problems right after the standard warranty expired. starter stoped working, fuel level indicator failed, etc. MPG grandually deterioted to less than 18 even on highway. Recently the engine became to have problems too. We are ready for a trade- in anytime.

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  Problems - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By John & Amanda - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but trouble with this car. A few of the same problems others have such as the tail lights and the AC switch. Also the ignition switch wouldnt always go all the way off so when you leave the car the accessories come on and the battery is drained next time you get in. Alternator was going out. Made creaking sounds from the rear when going over bumps. Squeaky brakes. Oh yeah and 4 (FOUR) cracked fly wheels in less than a year. The best thing about the car is that Swope Mitsubishi offered to give us a new car recently to replace this Malibu. A Galant. More trade in value and a lot nicer.

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  Will never buy another Chevy. - 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CheyHater - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Dont ever buy one of these unless you have a lot of money and time to waste. A whole lot better to pay a couple grand more and buy and Accord or a Campry or an Altima.. or anything else.

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  1999 Astro LS AWD - 1999 Chevrolet Astro
  By danjpao - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Many problems after the first 2 years (35000 miles). Transfer case was rebuilt twice, 35000 miles apart because of locking up on cornering. Cant keep brakes in it - rotors keep warping - brake system is to small for the weight of vehicle. Power steering pump, 1 door lock actuator, 2 sets of idler arms, oil cooler lines, ignition coil, ignition switch housing and pinion oil seal all replaced. Right now at 76,000 miles my Astro is in the shop with the engine out because of a coolant leak. I am amazed at Chevys lack of concern for this lemon!!!

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  Poor quility SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By blazer owner - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I liked the blazer at first but quickly became a huge pain !!! AHHH I will never buy another chevy as long as I live it has been in for service over 17 times in 1 year for the same unfixable problem my whole family works for GM. I am very disappointed.I am eligable for a GMS but would rather pay the extra for something that I will get to drive instead of their rentals!!! frusterating will be glad to see it go when it does

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  Never Again!! - 1996 Chevrolet S-10
  By surf - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I new this truck had a spotty record, but didnt think it would ever be this bad. The trucks on its 5th water pump. It blew a rod at 102K and the entire engine is replaced. Power windows have had problems. The AC compressors been replaced. All fuel injectors have been replaced – more than once. Alternator is gone too. The inside is all plastic and things rattle. It was recarpeted by the dealer because of such a poor fit. This truck is garaged and highly maintained. I hate to see one that is neglected! You need a kidney belt to ride in this thing because its so bumpy. The only thing thats been good on it is the brakes.

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  I wouldnt buy one. - 1992 Chevrolet Beretta
  By Yeah - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Hi, about one month ago I went and bought my first car went out and bought a 92 Chevy Beretta GT black with the teal pinstripe and teal and crome wheels looks perfect never seen a car look so good with its age. The car has just a little over 76000 miles on it and i bought it on its looks. I have done more work to this car then i knew could be done had to have regular work done yeah ok but i had to replace the head because it was cracked the started struts radiator and who knows what next my recommendation is not to buy one i am already ready to sell it.