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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  Master of all trades - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Beez - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck does it all. I have driven Ford Lariats the past 5 years, but after seeing the Avalanche I decided to give Chevrolet another chance. I needed alot of interior room to transport clients, but still needed the truck box to haul items. There are even storage compartments on the rear sides that I use as toolboxes and/or coolers. Most people cant believe the smooth quiet ride. Best vehicle Ive ever owned!

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  best car - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By bob the builder - December 12 - 2:00 am

  i have many experiences with this vehicle. we go to the sunday night drags and beat everybody with it. but there is a supra that is faster than me.

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  I love this Car! - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By BQuicksilver - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Its perfect, thats all I can say!

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  Great Truck - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By eng6fire - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Dont understand complaints about steering & suspension. Mine turns fine and rides better than most cars. Also handles sharp corners with ease.

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  Happy so far! - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By PA - December 11 - 8:42 pm

  Purchased it two months ago. Great ride going from 1999 Dodge Durango and great handling. Loaded with features in comparison, but way more expensive. Wondered if wife who usually drove minivan would like it, but now she wont give it back. Kids love the ride and the back seat room. Tested Ford Explorer and Toyota Sequoia but found cargo space and price value better with Chevrolet.

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  Stay Away - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By overpriced - December 11 - 7:02 pm

  This vehicle looks great inside and out but doesnt perform as great. I have had leaking windows in both quarter panel windows and the windshield above the rear view mirror. Supposedly they fixed it but the day after I took it home it was leaking again. Its still under warranty but being in the shop twice in one week is very inconvenient. Gas mileage is bad and ball joints are bad already after a year. This vehicle is overpriced

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  1998 malibu LS - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Anthony DOliveira - December 10 - 10:50 pm

  car rides well expecially around curves.has very good passing power,also,shifts gears smoothley.Ive rented taureses and sables, this car out performs them by far,in comfort,speed, and its great looks

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  Dads new truck ! - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Tom Morin - December 10 - 1:18 pm

  Best crossover truck on the market for all weather use. Great power for towing, from small boats to six-place snowmobile trailers.

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  PURE FUN - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Don - December 10 - 5:36 am

  Absolute thrill to drive. The quality is outstanding. Chevrolet has finally developed a Corvette that looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside. It is easier to get in/out and more comfortable as a daily driver than previous models. Highly recommend it. The power is inspiring!

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  Clean Camaro - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mindi dimeo - December 10 - 2:34 am

  Bought this vehicle used, re-painted to impove black sports car appeal. High mileage 120,000 - expected normal maintenance, brakes etc. Above that repaired many oil leaks - all minor problems, minimal costs - most major repair was alternator. Although you gotta love Chevy, purchased one from junk yard for $35 with lifetime warranty - still working now! Updated tires and wheels to 96 Trans Am style - most expensive addition, but improved look of car tremendously. Drives every day for personal and business use - has suprisingly high cargo capacity, excellant vehicle except in inclement weather.