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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  California girl buys Texas truck - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By joan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I know that the Suburban is a SUV but to me it is a truck because of its versatility. Its dependable and very comfortable. I have 5 kids and I dont know what I would do without it. Do you know how many times weve move them across town, across country and everywhere in between. Chevy....like a rock. Thank God.

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  Tahoe is a wonderful 4 wheel - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By linda spinelli - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We got our tahoe in 2000. Our son has off roaded it; and this car has not been any trouble at all. It is roomy and very very comfortable in the front or back. we look forward to purchasing our 2004. : ) As far as interior goes it is great Linda

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  heated seats - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bradroth - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my tahoe. The only comment I have is that the controls for the heated seats are easily bumped on and the next thing you know your back is on fire. It is funny when it happens to everyone but you.

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  Why buy a Tahoe? - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By tjasdfsdfasd - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Tahoe is nice, but it comes at a high price. Right now the truck is at the dealer because Im getting water in the truck after I use the A/C or after driving in the rain. Carpets are soaked and stained. Should NOT have a 1960s problem in 2003. FIX IT! I have owned a bunch of Pontiacs and Chevys in the past and to be honest, Im done with GM! Looking at a Seqouia now and dumping the Tahoe. You guys should be ashamed of yourselves. Did you outsource parts from India or China???? Also had a front axle leak, knocking sound on startup and some drivetrain noises. The list goes on...

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  My Chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jay Quaile - October 24 - 10:00 am

  5.3 litre engine is good balance for normal driving conditions and towing light trailer. (under 3500 lbs gross weight) Almost rides like a passenger carD

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  jd reviews - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By dog - October 24 - 10:00 am

  excellent power, very pleasing ride

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  My new Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Melinda - October 24 - 2:53 am

  I bought a 2005 Cobalt in March 2005. Unfortunately, I was hit almost head on by someone who did not stop at a stop sign. Luckily, however, i found out exactly how safe the car was and I am about to receive my new Cobalt. I am even more excited about getting this. It truly was a safe and smart investment. Kudos to Chevrolet for making such a wonderful car. I love the interior and exterior also. I have no complaints about the car or the dealership that sold it to me. I am forever a devoted Chevrolet bowtie!

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  My back feels good - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By flowerlady - October 24 - 12:33 am

  I have a bad back. I tried out 19 cars before I found the Malibu LTZ and comfort for my poor sacroiliac. The car is wonderful! Not only does it feel good, it performs beautifully. So far the mileage is good - about 20 around town, 26 on the highway. I expect it to get better. The car is gorgeous on the outside. The color choice for the inside is strange. I would have preferred a gray or white interior, but the black with brick (which was all that was available with the color I chose - golden pewter) is okay. Only negative is that there is no place to put a trash bucket. Otherwise the car is a dream and I love it.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By jynxme6 - October 23 - 9:20 pm

  This car is such a smooth ride. I am glad I decided to buy this car. The price is also a bargain. I got a great family car at a great cost.

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  My Equinox - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Peter Sollog - October 23 - 10:46 am

  I was going to buy another minivan, but one look at this SUV and I was hooked. I test drove it and that was it. It handles and rides like a car.