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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  After one year - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By John Rogers - June 11 - 12:30 pm

  My Avalanche is the first full size truck Ive ever owned after 25 years of driving. I bought it for its versatility, towing capacity and styling. The truck has not disappointed after 16,000 miles. Gas mileage in congested Dallas, with a lot of stop and go traffic everywhere, has averaged a little over 15 MPG. I like the ride and handling of the vehicle and its really very comfortable as a daily driver. The only build quality problems Ive had are with the body side molding which developed adhesive bubbles that required replacement of all door moldings after one year. I would never buy a just a pick-up. The versatility of a luxury vehicle with the ability to tow and haul is great!

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By DL1003 - June 11 - 6:03 am

  I finally made the move from my beloved C3! This car rocks! Great handling, smooth ride, excellent acceleration. Gas mileage exceeded my expectations.

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  Poor handling on the highway - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By TedK - June 11 - 2:34 am

  We found it was hard to pass vehicles on the highway. The tachometer swings wildly and the car gets stuck in low gear, with drivers behind us giving us an annoyed look. The ABS of this car also gives problems when trying to slow down during an exit from the highway. It actually veered offroad into a collision. The car is too small to handle well in windy conditions. Overall, while some may like the head room and drivers seat, my old Toyota Corolla is way ahead of this car in terms of reliability and and highway handling.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By J Dancik - June 11 - 2:20 am

  Very good, reliable car. People still look at it, as it is a very good looking auto.

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  Big, but great gas mileage - 2004 Chevrolet Express
  By Brian - June 10 - 9:53 pm

  Actually have 3500 ext. conversion w/stand up roof modification. Great gas mileage even towing (when using NON reformulated gasoline) 14/14.6 towing 16/16.8 non towing. The dash is ugly but the conversion shop added some trim. They should have kept the same dash as the 1998/1999. A/C volume is good but the air could be colder. Conversion A/C might be affecting it on my van though.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By xavier seidl - June 10 - 9:50 pm

  The 2005 C6 is one awesome machine. The acceleration and handling is superior to prior models. I know this because I have owned a 1986, 1993, 1999, 2001, and now a 2005 convertible with a 6 speed. I love it. Chevrolet really has engineered a great car.

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  Everything I expected and more - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Dr. Richie - June 10 - 6:00 pm

  Hard to get. But once you get the car its great! Fit and finish are excellent. It has good gas economy. I get 20 to 24 in the burbs. My car has every available option, although I can do without XM radio. I just wish the wind wasnt so loud when driving. The paint job is excellent, better than the past Vettes. Shifting could be more presice on the 6 speed. The headlights are fantastic! This car is too quiet. It needs a deeper, throaty sound.

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  Awesome - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Deborah - June 10 - 4:45 pm

  This is the most amazing car I have ever owned and I have owned 14 different Corvettes. Bravo to Chevrolet by continuing to strive for excellence! This car is gorgeous inside and out.

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  Bets Corvette - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill - June 10 - 4:36 pm

  We have only had this vehicle for a period of 3 mos. It now has 2500 miles on it, and has been the most exciting car to drive. Very comfortable with awsome power.

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  Goose Bumps - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Al - June 10 - 10:18 am

  WOW! Do not test drive this beauty unless youre ready to buy it! One spin down the road & youre hooked BIG TIME! Most fun Ive had since flying Cobras in the Army & thats saying something...its a little hard to get used to the stares & double-takes from other drivers on the road...a stop for gas can last 20 minutes because people want to look & talk about the 05 Vette. Its a gas to drive & has more than sufficient zip to get your heart pumping at upper triple digits. Pure enjoyment to drive - drivers seat is not comfortable, but who cares...its a kick in the pants to drive. Gas mileage is better than I ever dreamed. Get one & you will not be disappointed...best deal for the money too.