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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  One Awesome SUV! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By cyberdoc95 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is simply awesome. I was shopping (for a replacement of my 7 year-old Subaru Impreza) for almost 5 months. When I test drove it, I fell for it right away. Even though Ive already seen my first choice which is the BMW X3, I still went to get the Equinox. It actually has more Cabin and cargo space and at least $10,000 less. The interior is great with all the conveniences. The dashboard is beautifully designed (streamlined and simply neatly designed). Its simply just comfortable. AC is powerful. Just a very comfortable, beautiful and powerful ride overall.

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  Equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By starcatcher_6 - July 31 - 9:03 am

  I just purchased this vehicle 2 days ago. Its extremely comfortable, and the ride is so smooth. What sold me on this particular SUV was the crash test ratings. I was very concerned on the rollover potential since it was an SUV. It handles extremely well!

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  Transmission/Recalls - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Transmission - July 30 - 10:40 pm

  I have 7000 miles on my car. There is a noise coming from the transmission when it shifts from 1-2nd, only does this after the car has sat for about an hour or more. I have taken this to the dealership, let it sit for about an hour, tech said he THOUGHT he heard something, checked it out in the shop, said it was ok. I dont think so. I will go to another dealer. Also FYI there are already two recalls on this model. Over all I really like my car, fun to drive and I like all the features it has. The one thing I miss is a button to activate the garage door opener.

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  From Large to small - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By gold7 - July 30 - 8:00 pm

  I went from a 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor AWD to the smaller HHR and was unsure that I could adjust to the smaller size and style, but I was wrong. This is a fantastic little vehicle. Snappy, quick response, with a great array of electronic features. Im getting about 28 miles per gallon in city and 33 hwy. Its made well, with solid construction and plenty of room for a smaller wagon style. Plus the styling blows away the PT Cruiser! Recommend to all that are looking for a really neat roomy concept style vehicle!

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  First time SUV - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Norm - July 30 - 4:33 am

  Research this type vehicle, test drive it, look for dealer certified deal, enjoy the ride!!

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  Great Car - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By almadrid - July 30 - 2:46 am

  Excellent car for the money. Chose it over the Accord and Camry due to styling and performance. It is a very quiet car with the insulation and laminated glass that GM incorporates into these cars. Test ride one and you will be surprised on far GM has come in terms of quality and style. Being a prior Quality Assurance specialist in the defense industry I can attest to the quality built into this vehicle.

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  My little calvalier - 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Sirjames - July 29 - 10:38 pm

  Its not a Cadillac it was not made to be. It was intended to be cheap, reliable, transportation I bought mine in 06 and its a 99 and I still own it now in 2016. I paid 2,200 dollars for it and it had 80,000 miles on it. Now it has 200,000 miles on it. Change the oil regularly and your maintenance. Things I have replaced a starter, alternator and normal wear and tear. And parts are cheap because its American. Also its the 2.2l I-4 automatic my daily driver but not my only vehicle. But I think if you take care of your car it will last in my opinion.

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  Wife loves her camaro - 2015 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Randy Murphy - July 28 - 7:23 pm

  Her eyes light up every time she looks at it. She cant quit smiling when she drives it. So if this is how you want to feel,,, get one!!!

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  Reality - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Talley - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a hihg value/price ratio car, nonetheless quality could be improved much more; "abs" platic used in the interior seems and says "el cheapo". A/C very erratic, had to fix, change control panel US$500.00; alternator give up w/o warning US$500.00 repair; gas guzzler. noisy front suspension. bland tires.

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  This vehicles is AWESOME! - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By New Avalanche Owner! - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Avalanche about a week ago, and I have loved it ever since. It is everything that the brochures say it is; a very versatile, accomodating, comfortable SUV that I can drive to work during the week and load up with all kinds of stuff on the weekends (like mulch, lumber, my Great Dane, etc.)! I only wish I had a longer commute to work; when I finally get there, I find myself wanting to keep driving!!