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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  Great Ride - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By speedy2890 - September 18 - 9:50 am

  Its a good truck. I tested out the 4wd numerous times and it has pulled me out of sticky situations. Could have more power , but Im also used to my other truck though. No noises or anything. Pulls trailers like theyre not even there. Kids fit great in the back seat. Doesnt turn on a dime though. But for the most part, I love it.

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  One versatile truck - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By R Stephens - September 18 - 4:49 am

  I ordered My Avalanche while stationed in Japan without ever test driving one. I was not disappointed. We now live in Germany and get lots of attention and questions from the locals. It is definately one of the most comfortable trucks Ive ever driven and it has no problems getting up to speed on the Autobahn. My only complaint is the speed limiter switch kicks in at about 100 MPH. Parking in German garages can be a little nerve racking with its size, but it will fit. Since it is the only 4 wheeled vehicle we have here the ability to carry the family or lots of cargo is very nice. We wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  06 not bad - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Ken - September 18 - 4:33 am

  I always like the HHRs but hate PT cruisers. I could not pass up this deal a 06 for $13000. Even through the door molding could be a little better and not so cheesy Im very happy with the car. The visability is very different but not impossible with minor adjustments to how you use vision for everyday driving. Overall very happy and glad I got it.

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  Its a toss up - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina
  By sissiegail - September 18 - 1:40 am

  I inherited this car from my mom after I wrecked mine. The compressor and condensor went out after only two years of ownership. Was told it would be cheaper to replace the car than fix it. The fuel guage stopped working after about two years. The ash tray broke off, two of the air vents are broken, both cup holders are broken, the passenger visor is broken and after more than an hour or two the seats become extremely uncomfortable. However, the car has almost 140,000 miles on it and no major mechanical work has had to be done. I would suggest that you weigh whats important to you in a car before you buy one of these.

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  Gas guzzler - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sal - September 18 - 1:06 am

  I bought this just before the $3.00 gas rush. I am sorry to say its a nice SUV, but around town its horrible. 8 miles to a gallon and its killing me already. Thank God I bought it with a GMAC Smart Buy because I am most definitely going to give it back on the 36th month. Thats unless gas should ever happen to go below a buck a gallon!

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  Trailblazer LT EXT V8 5.3L - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Carlos P. - September 17 - 11:16 pm

  I love this SUV, and the looks and performance on the V8 engine. Its roomy. A perfect vehicle for family trips or vacations, and well designed.

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  Awesome - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Tom G - September 17 - 8:23 pm

  I got my LT1 Equinox end of December.Could not be happier. I had a problem with slush (Buffalo NY weather) getting into the front door lower panels. I have since had the fitted mud guards installed and the problem is almost totally fixed. There is a cheap rubber guard on the door bottoms but they dont do enough and do seem shoddy. If that is the biggest problem I have I will be very happy. I love this SUV !!!!

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  Reliability - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By ahunn - September 17 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had a great experience with my 97 Tahoe. Were selling to make room for a Volvo wagon now that we have a baby, but if I could, I would have held onto this truck for another 20 years. Gas mileage is not the best, but reliable and safe.

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  TS Uplander - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By TSUplander - September 17 - 1:31 pm

  Not the average mini-van. Acceleration and power are more than acceptable for this vehichle. Overall good ride, tight steering with loads of interior features. The best part is American Made by an American Company!

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  Good so far - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By jpearce - September 17 - 8:27 am

  Just bought the pickup in sept 2005. It is a black reg cab SB LS/ZR2 model.An excellent, sharp looking truck! I picked it up with only 20,000 miles, being a 1997!! and have put around 600 0n it. So far it is great but the rear wheels ABS sensor failed and is being replaced on warranty.