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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  Couple issues - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By esnewt - January 18 - 3:26 am

  I have had this truck for about 3 mos and have noticed a few things I wonder if anyone else has 1. the back bumper is rusting right over the exhaust. This appears to be a design flaw 2. the 4wd control is right in front of a vent and gets HOT when you have the heat going. I hope this is the heater and not the control overheating.

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  2004 Aveo - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By tinasboss1 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but good experiences with this little car.

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  Not displeased - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By tonyk - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Been driving for over 3 years. Driven quite aggressively, but the car has held up remarkably well. The engine works just like it was new. No major mechanical problems. Did have some problems with the side airbag on the leather seat, but it was fixed under warranty. I average 30 miles per gallon despite really hammering the throttle. I plan to keep this car until it dies. There is something to be said for the nice low-tech 3.8 liter pushrod. May not have the power of the Japanese DOHCs, but darn, its so reliable and efficient.

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  Very Very FAST!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Cronkvette97 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned!

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  My first Vette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Andy64 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  After Years of Driving Trans-Ams, I finally decided to spend for the Vette and selected the Z06 for sheer performance, knowingly giving up a few of the options available on the base vette. I was pleasantly surprized by the ride quality on rough pavement. While the suspension is definitely on the stiff side, there is a good amount of damping making the ride fairly comfortable. The power of the car is top notch, exceeding anything I have owned in the past. So far, no problems have surfaced. I am still in the "Break-in" period and will review again when some significant mileage is placed on car or significant event occurs.

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  Sucks - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Waterboy - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Its been in the shop twice. For faulty springs. And loud A/C compressor.

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  My Silverado - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Greg Strickland - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. It is powerful, roomy, and extremely comfortable. Even in its brand new state, the Duramax engine gave me 16.2 mpg on a recent trip.

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  Already broke down - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Joey Joe - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Less than 200 miles into this and it already blew the trans. Thanks Chevy...I should have bought a VUE

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  GREAT - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Tay Tay - January 17 - 10:00 am

  the equinox handles like a car! the ride is great, no stiff ride...just absolutely great! i LOVE chevrolets and this is the BEST one yet!

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  excellent car!!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By smerf - January 17 - 10:00 am

  this is the very first american car that i have ever bought and i could not be any more happy wit it. even though i am not american, but european, i couldnt suggest a better car to drive. it is very comfortable, has great driving capabilities as well as looks amazing on the road.:oD