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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  All of the Above - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By 08 LTZ - December 11 - 9:22 am

  What is the Avalanche, a pick up truck, an SUV, a motorcycle hauler, a comfortable long range cruiser, a technical wonder? The answer is, all of the above. The Avalanche does so many tasks with ease. I load with people some times, or haul one of my motorcycles in the back or both. The LTZ with the auto leveling suspension handles that with grace. This is my second Avalanche as I had a 2002 when I was living in NH. Both have / were totally dependable with no issues what so ever. (to be expected from an American car, I know). The 08 with this advance handling and suspension is a dream to drive in very slippery conditions. Buy one you wont regret it.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Lumber Baron - December 11 - 12:57 am

  Leased this car 3 yrs ago & have nearly 36k on it now. Lease will end in April and I may just buy it as it has been all that I could ask for & more. Just one trip back to the dealer for warranty work - dim light in radio & clunk in steering. Fixed both in about 1/2 hr. I tracked the mileage for the 1st 30k, recording every gallon used. Averaged 29.8 mpg for the 3 yrs & got as high as 40 mpg on 1 trip. Just returned from 2500 mile trip with 4 adults & trunk full of luggage. Averaged 30.2 mpg for the trip. This has been a great car, adequate performance, good ride, reliable, trouble free. Well thought out interior with lots of room. I much prefer it to my wifes 08 Saturn Aura XR.

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  Best and Most Versatile Vehicle Ever - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By JON - December 11 - 12:56 am

  Chevrolet have got it bang on. The vehicle has power with great fuel economy, wagon cargo space with nice styled lines. Perfect family vehicle, DVD player in the back keeps the little ones happy and quiet. Great versatility with being able to fold all seats flat to increase storage, as well as the back seats being able to slide forward and back and tilt for great back seat comfort. Loads of leg room front and back. Power foot pedals, seat, roof, windows and locks make things very comfortable. The oil life monitor meant that my first oil change was not until 12,000km so very economical for service and also environmentally. Has been very reliable with a bulb being the only thing to replace.

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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By JR - December 10 - 3:40 am

  Very under-rated compared with other sport coupes for less than 21-23 K...The supercharged version has suprising (to other drivers) power & handling. Hasnt really got the accolades it deserves from the press because its a "cheap US car" - victim of stereotyping Pleasantly suprised overall

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  Cool Cobalt - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Craig - December 9 - 5:20 pm

  This car is fun, plain and simple. Its style is nice and its comfort level is up there with a car that you would pay twice as much for. If it has a downfall, it would be that they used to much plastic on the interior. They put a lot of extras on this car that you wouldn`t expect on an economy car.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By I love this car! - December 9 - 3:57 pm

  I bought this car in December 2007 and have had no problems at all. Its great on gas mileage, very roomy and comfortable, and it looks great! My Malibu is loaded, heated seats, 6 disc CD changer, sunroof, spoiler, remote start..you name it, it has it! This is truly my dream car and I wouldnt trade it for anything! I plan to own this car for a very long time. I know others have complained about different things but I dont think its because its a Malibu, I think it just depends on the car. Mine is awesome!

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  Impala - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By T.C.Talbot - December 9 - 1:25 pm

  Mine is a Govt staff car. Base model. Flawless since day one. Actually seats 6 grown men. I consistently get 29- 31mpg! Bigger than Accord or Corolla for a Chevy price. Bigger interior, bigger trunk, and sacrificing 4-5mpg is worth it. Surprisingly good in snow too.

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  I love my Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dandwboykin - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Malibu,it rides great.It is easy to get around in.Gas mileage is waonderful compared to the van I had before.

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  satisfied customer - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By T.T. - December 9 - 2:00 am

  the avalanche is a very smooth,comfy ride. gives a pretty secure feeling on the road.the break down from suv to truck is less then 90 seconds,very easy.The only issue i have with my ava is the gas mileage,but all big vehicle owners have the same issues.This vehicles is excellent, all my co- workers compliment it...

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  New Vette - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By eilertsson - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle of this type for the money on the market. 6 Speed is the way to go to put fun back into driving. Great Pickup...comfortable ride. Compares with the best sport convertibles on the market today.