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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  2001 Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By ricfos - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery of this car on Octber 31, 2000. It was an ordered vehicle with all options but the sunroof (I need the headroom). Over 20,313 miles, over 5,000 of which were on a road trip from the Chicago area to Los Angeles and back, this car has been perfect. I have had NO (zero) problems with this car. It has averaged nearly 30 mpg at mostly interstate speeds, is as comfortable as any Cadillac or Lincoln Ive driven, and is a just very enjoyable to drive. It has most of the creature conveniences youd expect from a car costing $10,000 more. I love it!

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  Did Edmunds test the same car I bought? - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By David Rogers - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand Edmunds beration of this vehicle. My Impala has been an absolute pleasure to own. We owned a 1990 Linc. Town Car prior to our 2002 Impala and had nothing but trouble with it. NO domestic can rival the Lincs air-ride, but the Impala comes very close. A more sporty ride, the Impala has better handling & does not "float" at speed as the Linc. does. Weve had only one problem, the sealed headlamp module on the drivers side failed & moisture got into the unit. Other than that the car has performed flawlessly. If you are looking for a solid, 6 passenger vehicle, with luxury car ride and feel, at a reasonable price, buy the Impala.

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  Bermuda Blue 4X4 - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 4X4 - January 31 - 7:46 pm

  I love this Bermuda Blue Tahoe. I took it on a 400 mile road trip and it drove like a luxury car. On the return trip I averaged 20 mpg staying under 65 mph. I have no complaints and only praise for GM. This is a fantastic, well-designed, go anywhere vehicle. Its a pleasure to drive.

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  We Like it - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By grmtroberts - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Once I drove this SUV I told my wife this is the "cats meow". Its ride was very smooth and comfortable. The interior is very roomy and very stylish.

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  great buy! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Christina C. - January 30 - 10:00 am

  great acceleration and smooth drive!

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  This is the Best Car Ever - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Diette Harris - January 29 - 12:56 am

  This car is very roomy and has lots of different things to try out. Everyone should experience a Malibu Maxx. There is a lot of leg room for tall people and the comfort is just like if you were at home relaxing in your favorite chair.

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  My Baby - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Barnzy - January 28 - 6:36 am

  Leased my LT (3.8) new in Feb 05 and bought it when the lease expired. I now have 41K on the odometer and the car looks, and drives every bit as good as it did when I first got it. A smooth, quite ride; and exceptional acceleration and steering response. Fuel consumption was disappointing at first, but improved considerably after about 20K. I now average 24 mpg in town, and 30 on the highway. I consider this exceptional for a 3.8 engine and a car this size. This style Monte Carlo is sure to become a classic, and I hope to keep mine for many years to come.

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  Love My Monte - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Rosie - January 28 - 4:36 am

  I love my new Monte, fun to drive, fast, smooth and comfortable. I owned a 1984 Monte Carlo and love it. This one I will definitely keep.

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  Pauls Chevy - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Paul - January 27 - 4:43 pm

  This is the first time Ive purchased an "American" made car in 10 years. I am very impressed with this Chevy, from the price, quality and gas mileage, GM has come along way. If they keep this up, with their other brands, they will remain the worlds largest auto maker.

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  Best Buy for the Money! - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Don M. - January 26 - 2:00 am

  We were looking at cars in the $25- $30K range, when we came across this loaded Malibu LS. It didnt take long to see the merit in this car, and we bought it. With the rebate, we saved the better part of $10k over what we intended to spend. It compares real favorably with some of the foreign cars made by H, T, and N. The fit and finish is excellent, and it rides and performs quite well. I even like the idea that it has a older style "pushrod engine". We wont have to worry about spending hundeds of dollars to have the overhead cam drive belt replaced.