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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  Best of both worlds - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By wesg33 - November 22 - 2:01 pm

  This is the perfect vehicle for someone who needs a truck, but would rather have an SUV. Ive had mine for almost three years now and still havent seen a vehicle that I would rather have. In fact Im thinking about trading this one in for a new one soon. I sometimes fold the midgate down, take off one panel, and am able to haul 12 metal studs. Its also nice to be able to haul 8 drywall or plywood completely dry. I dont use it for this very often, but it sure is nice in a pinch. I also love having the bed panels, it allows me to haul quite a few tools in the dry.

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  Better Than 2000 Model - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mpt654 - November 22 - 1:12 pm

  Better than my 2000 LS. Engine power superior, body design more pricey looking. Ride is solid, brakes and steering solid. Great buy at discount rate with many god standard features. 16 inch wheels a plus and must. Id recommend this car in the LS or LT versions. Driver visor mirror lid broke, redesign in the works, still waiting.

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  Great for trucking around kids! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TC - November 22 - 12:32 pm

  This is the third new Chevrolet vehicle that I have owned and I have been very happy with it. You sit up very high and can see the entire road and everything that it is ahead of you. The ride is very comfortable and handles extremely well especially on the highway at upper speeds. My wife was opposed to a mini van, so we looked at the Toyota Seqouia, Honda Pilot, before deciding to purchase this vehicle. On several occasions we have sat 4 adults and four children comfortably. If you need some space to hall around a family and their gear this would be an excellent choice.

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  Love It - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SSCharged - November 21 - 10:40 pm

  The Cobalt is one of my favorite cars, and thats why I bought it. The supercharger is awesome, and the many things you can do to this car. Its very affordable.

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  Orange SS - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JohnR - November 21 - 9:50 pm

  This has been a great car. I drive a lot of highway miles. Have about 10K on it already. I can get up to 33-34 mpg on the highway. Im a big guy, 61" 245lbs and I fit just fine in it. That was my worry before I test drove it, but I checked it out and theres plenty of room for me. The only thing that Id like to change is the seat material. I got the sport cloth and it seems kinda cheap, so I will get leather put in eventually with custom seats. My brother, who has a Lexus IS300, loves my car. He says it really flies, and handles really well. The SS suspension is really tight and stiff. The engine growls when you punch the gas, and the auto tranny is really smooth.

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  Sleeper vehicle - 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
  By FJDTraverse - November 21 - 6:43 pm

  The 2017 traverse is a great suv. It is very quiet on road. You can hold a conversation with someone. Over bumps I did not hear any suspension noise. Handling is very good there was not any body roll. I am told the second row captains chairs are comfortable. Acceleration is good, I go up one of the biggest hills in my town and I can feel the the acceleration (does not lag). The bose 10 speaker stereo is great, imaging is excellent. The goodyear fortera tires seem to ride well. People often confuse tire noise with vehicle noise. The body fit doors, etc are lined up well. I like the power liftgate. Gas mileage on the highway according to the mpg computer was 26 mpg at 55. The mosaic black metallic paint looks excellent. If your looking to buy a 3 row suv this is it. It has more room behind the 3rd row than the Tahoe which costs 15,000 more.

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  Great, Great, Great - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By HOUSTON - November 21 - 3:20 pm

  This truck met most of our expectations. The ride is super smooth, very comfortable and the Bose system if very nice. It turns corners pretty good for a truck.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By 8697hopper - November 21 - 8:06 am

  I am very happy with the truck. Never a single problem yet. My regret is not getting enough use of it due to job change that added 80 miles a day to my commute, after owning truck 3 years. Got 18 mpg on trip to FL in summer, fully loaded. Gets 17 mpg if take on 95 mile round trip to work. These are great numbers for ext cab 4wd with 270 HP V8. Rides as smooth and quiet as a luxury car.

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  255,000 miles and still going - 1995 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bren - November 21 - 12:40 am

  Would you believe I have 255,000 miles on my Camaro with no major mechanical problems so far? Always thought that would be a volvo or saab, not a chevy. Ive been very pleased with my cars longevity just goes to show you what consistent oil changes do for you and good workmanship.

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  Best Minivan Ever - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By patric - November 20 - 3:12 pm

  With great fuel economy, wood trim, and a standard DVD player this is by far a nicer minivan than its said to be. Driving it was like driving a luxury car no violent bumps. The front has a much nicer look than competitors. Though Im not a minivan person, this is a great car.