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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  My 10. Chevrolet truck,most fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By V.Max Troegel - March 25 - 8:30 am

  In general I like this truck,however the intake manifold gasket blew after 30000 miles, the chrome was pealing from the grill after 35000 miles the suspension bushings are squeaking even after they are lubricated.Drivers seat is getting soft on the outside. I hope GM will make improvements on its next model.

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  Dissappointed - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dissapointed - March 22 - 10:33 pm

  Wanted to buy "American",Traded a Ridgeline(mistake),I noticed the quality difference right away, if I could have taken it back a week later I would have,they(GM)offer you $500 to wave the 60 day return option(now I know why).The Bluetooth works sometimes (AT BEST), the new 6 speed transmission is "Jerky" and shifts noticeably more than it should, at 9700 miles the brakes squeak,the speakers vibrate,the cloth seats are extremely cheap material. I had 36000 on the Ridgeline when I traded and it was a much tighter vehicle. I will either go back to a Ridgeline or other Manufacturer soon. Very disappointed in the Silverado. LT2 ZR1 CREW CAB

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  Pretty car..too many transmission problems - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Charlene - March 20 - 3:56 am

  The car actually belongs to my mother, but due to eye problems, I am the driver. My mother purchased the car in Nov. of 2007. Since the purchase, weve had a new transmission installed and had to have it checked twice after that. Now there is a problem with the shifting the car from Park to Drive,etc. The shift has become stiff and it takes two hands to get it to move. Love the car, hate the problems weve had.

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  Average...to the EXTREME - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By samdc - March 19 - 9:53 pm

  Front wheel drive. It isnt too fast, but not underpowered. It has a few decent interior features, but feels cheap. There is no road-feel, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your taste. It has unique styling (again: which may or may not be good.) For a 6cyl it should get better mileage. Lots of road noise. Smallish backseat. Odd headlight controls. Front wheel drive.

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  1/2 Baked Truck - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Unsatisfied Owner - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Had the truck for 1 month & since day 1 there has been a loud noice caused by the vacuum assist pump. Evey guest rider asks "What the heck is that?" Even the dealer says its annoying, but there isnt anything they can do. This is my 1st Chevy in 21 years & it appears that their products are still 1/2 baked.

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  Paint has dust under clearcoat that is causing bubbles - 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By zippy2hf - March 17 - 12:59 pm

  Bought truck new with 15miles on it on 6/21/12. there is a spot rusting on the roof and two spots on the passenger side of the truck (back passenger door and front fender) that have dust in the clearcoat that is causing a bubble. countaced gm two days after i bought it and been passed from person to person to person and now they want to paint my truck and are telling me quote the finish wont be the same as new and we wont be able to exactly match it. i asked for a new truck which i only think is right and i am getting the run around there customer service people leave alot to be desired!!!

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  Crazed Cruze - 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
  By Allieverhoped4 - March 13 - 9:15 pm

  Its not a luxury sedan with a V6

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  Service contract poster child... - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By MTK - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my EXT new in 2002. We had several fit/finish problems which needed to be taken care of (primarily paint related). In addition the air conditioner has been worked on, the windshield wiper motors have been replaced, the fan clutch has been replaced, and the gas tank developed a hairline fracture and needed to be replaced. If you really insist on buying a TB, I strongly recommend buying a extended service contract. It has saved me several times.

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  Trailblazer Bomb - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By lllll - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble out of my trailblazer. It is in the shop now for the 3rd time with transmission problems. The rear brake lights have never worked. I have replaced the bulbs 8 times now. Im trading this piece of crap.

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  Yikes! 3 Steering Racks in 3 Years - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Call me disappointed - February 23 - 12:43 pm

  No question, the Maxx gets great mileage (I average 29 mpg). And I love that the back and front passenger seats fold down to give lots of cargo room. And its fun to drive -- when its not in the shop for repairs. There have been several electrical problems while still under warranty, all easily resolved. The real problem is the steering rack. Its been replaced 3 times. My Chevy dealer says its a design flaw and many cars come in with this problem. If you want a trouble-free car, Id stay away from the Maxx.