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, fun car for the price - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bill Jones - September 3 - 3:06 pm

  After six months of owning the Maxx I am very satisfied with my decision to buy it instead of a Camray or Accord. The car performs great and is getting great all around gas mileage (26mpg). Plus I know I spent $4-6k less than I would have at a Toyota or Honda dealer (I know I lose some of that in resale but that is down the road, the savings were now).

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  Chevy Cobalt A Winner - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - September 3 - 5:50 am

  This car has features that that were previously found in more expensive vehicles, i.e., electronic steering, digital readouts on the dash (fuel economy, outside temperature, etc.) Its a fun car to drive and gets a lot of looks. I drive 90 miles to work and back each day through stop and go traffic and still get 28mpg. I think GM did their homework on this one and I think they have a winner on their hands.

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  Love my Malibu! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Elins - September 3 - 2:00 am

  My husband (a Chevy fan always) convinced me to buy the Malibu rather than the more expensive Honda Accord or Toyota Camry that we tested, and I am so glad that he did. Our car is loaded and still cost less than the others, and it is great! Handles well, good pickup, nicely appointed, good dash layout, great gas mileage, plenty of leg, head and storage room, and lots of fun to drive. Super value for the money!

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  Ultimate Christmas Present - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Cannon Family - September 2 - 10:33 pm

  This car is awesome to drive and to look at. Who could ask for more? We have the HHR 2LT and we are enjoying it to the max. First new car in 10 years and when we saw it we wanted it. Our first driving experience was a trip over the holidays and we headed north to Pa. and thru W.V. and ran into snow covered interstate and it handled terrific. The gas mileage has been in the high 30s on the road. We have not driven in town that much. This is our tripmobile and we are looking forward to our next excursuion to show our HHR off to the big guys. Go Chevy and keep up the Revolution. We wouldt change a thing.

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  Dont listen to the negative press... - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cobalt_fan - September 2 - 2:13 pm

  I started car shopping by looking at and driving everything I could get my hands on. I wanted to spend as little as possible and get a substantial car. I drove a lot of cars. I even drove a Civic. Im sick of hearing how great a Civic is! The Cobalt drives great for a lot less, especially with GM rebates factored in. I guess if the car was the same price as the Civic, I would be more forgiving. But this Cobalt can be bought for less (thousands), and is just a great car all around. For the money, the Cobalt is a good buy. Honda is doing just fine. Throw GM a bone, they finally have given us a good small car that can be proudly called American.

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  The Lil Car that could - 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Leon127 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This car was originally bought for my mom, and shes an older lady so she doesnt know too much about car maintenance. The engine in this car has ran 3 times with no oil AT ALL, i know it sounds impossible but its true. And i just did her tune up because her last one was at 60k miles.. the car is at 80k now. The engine in this car is extremely fuel efficient and reliable. This is an excellent first car.

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  Good Little Car - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By dynomatastic - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my used Cavalier in 2001 with 38,000 and since then have driven it to hell and back (average 22,000/year Total: 102,000 to-date). Hasent died on me yet! Only major problems was with the ABS which was still covered under warranty. But this car has taken a lickin and has kept on tickin (been in 2 fender benders and backed into by SUVs about 4 times). This has been a great second car (not as fun as my 89 Tracer Hatchback :), gets great gas milage, and I hope it will last me another 22,000 miles! *knocks on wood*

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  Runs Fine / Does what it is supposed to. - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By gjg - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I needed a large vehicle that had space to carry a large load and could pull a trailer. The Suburban worked out just fine - no problems, strong motor, very reliable, decent ride for a large SUV and pretty good handling.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sky Pilot - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is truly amazing. Took it to Florida and back, and averaged over 65 MPH with 34,5 Miles Per Gallon. I also own a 2002 Camry XLE V6 with navagation. This car was equipted with every option that the Camery has except it has Onstar instead of Nav, and it was almost 8 grand cheaper with all the discounts.

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  From Jeep to Chevy - 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Riley - September 1 - 3:02 pm

  First time with a Chevy and I am very pleased, so far. Cant wait to see how she does on the dead of winter.