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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  SS, so long! - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Kristopher - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately just had to sell my 00 Camaro SS, convertible. My hardest decision Ive had to make in my young life. Searched for months for the right color and body, and found a 00 leftover in 01 with only 5000 miles on it. Bought for significantly lower than wouldve paid new. Excellent performance, and roominess (ever try sitting in a little Mustang)?

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  Simeyas Cheverolet Tracker Experience - 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Simeya Hobby - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Well, since I have bought my new Tracker i have had nothing but problems. I had 3 oil leaks with in 1 year on owning the car, gas pump went out, brake light went out, suspension bolt was loose, and a coolant leak. I never imagined I would have this much trouble with a new car. I havent had the car 2 years yet. The dealer ship has offered to buy the car back from me and give refund me for all of my payments ( with the help of the BBB).

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  Engine and brake problems - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By TMoore2491 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Rattling noise deep in engine continually gets louder with time. Dealer (Ivan Leonard) says problem is piston wrist pins. Says can tear down engine and replace but noise will come back in about 5000 miles!! Now way to sell this thing with the noise or after rebuilt engine. I know others with same problem. For one person, dealer fixed twice but claims they cant hear a knocking noise on third round! Also, had front disks replaced at 5000 miles. Now they are warped at 20000 miles causing steering vibration when braking. Also make loud creaking noises when braking.

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  Outrun 911 Turbos for 70 grand less - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By A convert - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Never did like Chevys until I got this bad-boy. Its good to be able to humiliate 911 turbos and (if I was rich) still be able to buy another Z06 and an F250 Powerstroke with the money left over.

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  WORST CAR EVER - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By FRANNI - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD 3 SETS OF BRAKES, 2 WATER PUMPS NEW TIMING BELT, LEFT AXLE, WHEEL BEARING HUB,ALTERNATOR RADIOTOR SENSOR 2X. AND ONLY 20K ON TIERS I AM ON MY 3RD SET OF TIRES.

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  2004 MONTI - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By john c.4643 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  The best car I ever owned in 45 years of driving.

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  DISAPOINTED - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By bill archer - June 30 - 2:00 am

  DRIVE TRAIN, NOICE AND TRANSMISSION UNSATISFACTORY, DEALER AND FACTORY UNABLE TO FIX, MADE EXUSES THAT THE BANGING AND METALLIC NOISES ARE NORMAL. FUNNY, FORD HAS A TIGHT TRANNY AND 4X4 LINKUP.

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  A great ride - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By dan snyder - June 30 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle, very good ride. Great room inside, lot of cargo space.Vehicle has plenty of power,Goodyear tires a little noisy.

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  99 corvette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rmckee0990 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a pleasure in all ways.Performance,design,quality,and reliability.The car currently has 55000. miles on it and has performed flawlessly.

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  Impala LS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By WJT - June 30 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars Ive owned. LS needs to have H-rated performance tires to really handle properly - add those and even driving straight is improved. Build/finish quality is very good. Design layout