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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  Very Pleased - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By TrendEOne - August 21 - 2:00 am

  Much better handling than Cavs of the past. Very stylish lines, and the factory body kit is just enough. Surprisingly peppy for a four banger.

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  I love my suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By tim hershberger - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has improved my life. My kids love the ride and I love the comfort. By far the most incredible vehicle Ive ever driven.

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  A Great Vehicle for A Family of 5 or Up - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By DRitchie - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed driving the Suburban LT. It handles very well for a large vehicle and its very roomy for the occupants as well as all the cargo to go with them. The only down side is the fuel that it burns is pretty substantial but well within the mpg ratings for its class. I highly recommend this SUV if you are a family of 5 or more.

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  my suburban - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By mARK Hancock - August 21 - 2:00 am

  well if i just know the 2002 suburban was so good for my family and towing my trailer. i would of got one sooner. thank you Mark Hancock.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Sam - August 20 - 12:16 pm

  I tried them all and in the end it was an easy choice. I have no problems towing a boat or trailer, gets ok gas mileage, is very comfortable, and a very nice ride. By far the best truck I have ever had and I have had a Ford and a Toyota.

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  should have bought a hyundai...... - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By bob - August 20 - 10:46 am

  Bought this car hoping that it would be enjoyable to drive, however front end vibration, limited cupholders, wind noise around windows, cant put a map in drivers side door pocket, no glove box light, no vanity mirror lights, lousy radio. no locking gas door.

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  Greatest Sports Car in USA - 1995 Chevrolet Corvette
  By interlandsoft - August 20 - 2:00 am

  One of the greatest sport cars ever driven. Love the handling and speed. Would not settled for anything else. This is a part-time car for me. I regularly drive it on the weekend to the local gym/metro in Greenbelt, Md. I will only purchase a Porsche 911 Turbo wide body and a 95 Vette for my sports car, nothing else. Although, I used to own an 89 911 Turbo and loved it, but not as much as the Vette b/c of the handling. Hate to sell this car -- will be placing an ad this week-end due to relocation to Thailand.

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  Lucky Cav Owner - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By decentcavalier - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year and 32,000 miles and absolutely no problems. You cant expect much from this car other than taking you from point A to B and it does it quite well. Dont expect great 0-60 times or cornering or anything to do with performance this is strictly a commuter car and those who complain about it should be looking at other models. Great as a your first car, then move on to bigger and better things. Keep the car for as long as you have it financed because the resale value is crap, you will be loosing a lot of money if you want to get rid of it before time.

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  HHR after 1 week of ownership - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Woody68RS - August 19 - 6:36 pm

  Our inital reaction is one of total satisfaction. Performance and economy are much better than even we expected. Avg after 2 tanks of fuel is 27mpg, and we have avgd 40mpg on the highway twice! The design while similar to the PT is different enough that it turns peoples heads. Ride quality is excellent, and exterior noise is virtually non existent inside. I recommend taking one home for a 24 hour test drive. If this is the size vehicle youre looking for, youll never want to take it back to the dealer.

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  BWs Cobalt Review - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bob Willard - August 19 - 11:36 am

  You have to drive it to believe the handling for such a low priced base car. The pick up from 0-60 is amazing tho at high speeds the pickup isnt quite as impressive. Fun to drive, affordable, and excellent handling are the top qualities of this low priced Chevy.