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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  Cheap - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Rick - August 1 - 1:27 am

  I bought it new, and have only put 20k miles on it in over 2 years. A wheel bearing went bad at 8k miles. The stereo stopped working at 13k, the horn stopped working at 18k, engine belt had to be replaced at 20k. Brakes are shot now at 20k, tires are wearing pretty badly as well, and nope, I dont do any jerky driving or high speed turns. I also get random weird vibrations and noises. i have noticed tiny spots of rust forming on the roof and trunk. The rust is under the trunk lid as well, so Im wondering what is going on there. The car feels cheap in general, but I think I would have gotten my moneys worth if it werent for these annoying problems. Im afraid of many more problems happening after the warranty is up.

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  I love it - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By mssskittyy - July 31 - 8:26 pm

  By far the best car we have ever owned. We get excellent gas milage, we actaully fight over who gets to drive! Everywhere we go people look and ask us about the car, best car Chevy ever made. Thanks Chevy for the funnest car to drive for the 30 somethings.

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  Fuel System Vapor Locks - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Not a GM Fan - July 31 - 7:18 pm

  We bought the vehicle to tow our 8000lb camper. It tows the vehicle very well, however, it has died on us three times. Each time, were headed up I-70 west of Denver in 95 degree heat towing the camper. The fuel system vapor locks. Chevrolet keeps replacing the fuel pump, but the fuel pump obviously isnt the problem -- the vehicle is completely drivable (until placed in the aforementioned conditions). If it happens one more time (and we fully expect it will), the state of Colorado will officially consider it a lemon and hopefully well get our money back.

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  My toy - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By nancy weisman - July 31 - 5:55 pm

  I have driven a lot of vehicles, and owned quite a few. I love my Tahoe. Its everything you need in a vehicle. The mileage could be better, but I like it anyway.

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  01 Suburban Review - 2001 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kbdelong - July 31 - 5:24 pm

  I have not owned it very long, but already love the vehicle. I have two grown teenaged daughters, my wife, myself and an invalid mother-in-law that is with us a great deal. The Suburban gives us all the room we need to transport everyone. We just got back from a beach vacation in the truck, and I am here to say I am furthur impressed with the load capability and comfort. Also, it gets approximately 18 mpg on the highway. I have friends that have had them for several years. and I wish I had not hesitated to finally purchase one. I will looking to purchase a new one by next year

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  Love My T-Dog! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Clen - July 31 - 2:54 pm

  I love my Trailblazer! We had some inconviences in the beginning because of recalls, but it was worth it. Besides, you have to accept that when a new model has just started production.

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  Car for the kids - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By pd - July 31 - 1:45 pm

  We bought this for our kids to share, getting 29 miles per gallon. Its very safe and solid, so no fear of injury if they are in an accident. Its roomy inside to fit all of their "stuff", and still be safe in travel. It has a good warranty, and the seats fold to fit band instruments. The 4 cylinder runs great and still had enough power to get a speeding ticket. My wife even drove it for three months to work and loved it for the size and comfort. Thinking of sending this with the college boys and buying a second for the high schooler, but hate the thought of all the dings in the college lot. This is why we looked for reliable and inexpensive. I would recomend this car 100% for quality transportation.

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  New Purchase, Happy - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By M.DArco - July 31 - 1:32 pm

  I had a 2004 Armada, 14 months old. It had brake and wheel alignment issues, and air bag issues. I traded for the Suburban. The Chevy rides better, and quieter. More like a luxury car rather then a truck. Had the Suburban as a loner for a week. fell in love with the thing and bought one.

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  Good handling and comfort despite huge size - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jmfnmln - July 31 - 12:04 pm

  We stepped up from a Ford Expedition when our family grew. It was a good move! It handles very well despite its size, has good power and handling, and the interior space is great. It is very comfortable -- more so than the Expedition, and I dont find it too much more difficult to maneuver.

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  Chevy knocks one out of the park - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Carl Rinaldi - July 31 - 10:58 am

  In May of 2005 I purchased a 2005 Trailblazer LT with all the bells and whistles (except for the touch screen navigation, I am able to read a map), and I have to say i extremely pleased all around with the vehicle. From its gutsy power to its driver information center, this vehicle has been an effortless delight to drive. There is less worry when driving due to its driver information center which goes as far as to tell you when you are driving with your turn signal on, when you are low on window washing fluid, and what your engine oil life expectancy is in percentage. Chevy has definitely given the public a lot of luxury for a small dollar amount. Thank you Chevorlet