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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  Phenomenal Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By tootall - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have owned or driven, bar none. Power and performance of an exotic with roomy comfort and everyday usability at an affordable (relatively) pricetag. It looks great too! Traded in my 90 ragtop for an 02 I loved the 90 but 02 is orders of magnatude better in every way - no squeaks or rattles, zero problems. If you are thinking about getting one, GO FOR IT! You will never regret buying it, only that you didnt get it sooner. Americas Finest!

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  Phenomenal Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By TooTall - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have owned or driven, bar none. Power and performance of an exotic with roomy comfort and everyday usability at an affordable (relatively) pricetag. It looks great too! Traded in my 90 ragtop for an 02 I loved the 90 but 02 is orders of magnatude better in every way - no squeaks or rattles, zero problems. If you are thinking about getting one, GO FOR IT! You will never regret buying it, only that you didnt get it sooner. Americas Finest!

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  Aveo Rocks - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By goody - February 25 - 2:23 am

  The car is an amazing little beast. It may not have a lot of power, but come on, its a 4 cylinder. It has plenty for its size. Lots of room for bigger people. Especially leg and head room. I never feel cramped when riding in it.

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  99 Prizm review - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By Jim9999 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a great selection for someone looking for inexpensive, good- quality transportation. Fuel economy is good, and maintenance is few and far between.

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  Never buying American again....... - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By exchevyman - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1998 Chevy S-10, 4WD extended cab, 55000mi....waste of my hard earned money. I DO NOT ABUSE THIS TRUCK. My driveshaft snapped out and dropped out my truck....please explain how this can happen? From day one nothin but problems. Interior: visor broke off in my hand, passenger seat adjustment broke off in my hand and intermittent power window problems. Exterior: wash and wax regularly and everytime I do I find chipped paint and rust spots, cracked side view mirror casing, 3rd door hand broke off in hand. Mechanical: front cv joint boot just came off, spare tire holder broke, brakes are less than par DONT BUY THIS TRUCK!

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  Sorry to see her go - 1999 Chevrolet Blazer
  By great truck - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my blazer for 4 years. I drive hard and I put 60,000 miles on her. I have to trade her in cause I cant afford the raising gas prices I need something smaller. As far as ride, power, room, features, and dependablity this car gave me everything. The ball joints went bad on the front axle, but it was in the shop for a day and it was covered under warranty. Im gonna miss her

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  A dissappointed customer - 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Mylander - February 25 - 1:03 am

  We were told that the new 2005 Chevrolet Uplander would have a smoother ride than our 2003 Chevrolet Venture. In fact, the front end is extremely bumpy and drives more like a truck than a minivan. Given a choice, our 2003 Venture offers an exceptional ride in comparison.We are quite disappointed...

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  2007 Impala LT - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By NLJJS36 - February 24 - 5:16 pm

  Coming from a 2005 Toyota Camry SE I wasnt sure what to buy. Went to Honda and Toyota dealership then went to Chevrolet. For the money Chevy put the other dealers to shame. The price on the 2007 Impala was about $3,900 less with much feathers. This car is also great to drive.

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  207000 AND STILL RUNNING! - 1991 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Robbi - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I cant tell you how much Ive enjoyed my car. I have changed the oil every 3k miles and have owned it 9 years. 207,000 miles later, it is starting to let me know its tired. I would guess so!! Although brakes are notorius on the 91, the other repairs Ive made have been minimal. I just replaced the original cat converter & muffler just last week. The engine and transmission have NEVER had problems and are still original. I have just standard plain ol basic interior and still looks good.....except for the dog hair!

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  a P.O.S.... never spend your money on it - 1991 Chevrolet Beretta
  By Charlie R. - February 24 - 2:00 am

  great speed & acceleration. horrible reliability. i have always had problems with batteries and starters. in the past 2 months ive had spent a total of $1,684 on 3 different problems. i emplore you to never consider this car for a purchase. let it die off the face of the earth like it deserves... every owner that ive talked to has hated owning it. i dont know what these people are talking about or that they realize that we are discussing the 91 chevy beretta.