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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  Great Truck - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Chris - May 3 - 9:14 pm

  This is my second Avalanche. My 04 Z-66 was fantastic and after looking at the others, I decided to go back to the dealer and purchase a tarted up 07 with sunroof. This is a great truck. Heated leather seats, Bose radio, 22" Wheels, improved steering and brakes. Whats not to like? It looks even better with the factory chrome wheels and running boards. I knew what to expect with the mileage. My family will love going on vacation in this awesome rig.

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  Overachiever - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John - May 3 - 12:19 pm

  So far at 7000 miles, the car has been flawless. Explosive acceleration, delightful torque at any speed. The car is a red Z51 convertible 6 speed manual. This car has a dual personality. If you want to just commute normally, its relatively quiet, smooth and docile. If you drop the hammer, it turns into an animal, loud and brash. Even frightening if you are not expecting it. Despite stiffer Z51 option, ride is firm, but not harsh, I was impressed also with the stiffness of the structure despite being a convertible. So far no rattles and a door squeak went away as weather warmed up.

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  Most fun to drive - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By blueberrywagon - May 2 - 7:49 pm

  I learned to drive in this car and have been driving it since. It is more fun to drive than any other car Ive driven simply because of the joy of driving such a small car. The visiblility in all directions from the drivers seat makes city driving easy. The performance leaves a little to be desired, but it does have enough power to reach the governor. Its cornering capabilities arent sporty by any means. It has been quite reliable for me. The transmission needed rebuilt soon after I bought it. The engine also had a head gasket failure, resulting in a cracked head. A new engine for $300 solved that problem. I did the work myself. It is easy to work on, and overall is a great car.

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  Red Vette Convertible - 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Gary - May 2 - 2:55 pm

  I purchased this Corvette for fun and it has certainly not disappointed. While a bit tight to get into and out of, you cant drive it without a smile on your face. Power is adequate, not mind boggling. Handling is great. Convertible top, though manual, goes up and down with ease.

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  Must have been built on a Friday - 2000 Chevrolet Tracker
  By whocares - May 1 - 9:31 pm

  Purchased the tracker new in late 2000. Got the no frills, basic 5 speed model. At approximately 3,000 miles loud squeaks and squeals came from engine transmission area. I told dealer I thought it was trans but he supposedly changed water pump. Went back and forth changing parts finally trans 5th gear blew at 65,000 others are not far behind. Directional and electrical wires grounded out between firewall and trans. oil seals began leaking heavily at 70,000. Built by Suzuki but not as dependable as Samurai I have.

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  Maxxed Out Mamma - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Sharon V. - May 1 - 8:26 pm

  Ive owned this car for two months now, and still cant wait to drive it every day. As a realtor, you couldnt ask for a better vehicle. Tons of back leg room and great cargo space that fits all my signs. People stare at the car all the time when Im driving it. Those who do approach me about it cant believe its a Malibu. I almost didnt test drive it because it was a Malibu. I really wanted the Impala SS. But after comparing everything, the Maxx SS won hands down. Drive this car before you make a decision to buy and youll be hooked too!

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  My Red Cobalt - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By bitterdelight - April 30 - 12:23 pm

  I like my car. Ive had it just over a year. Its cute and runs well. I have had a couple of small issues that were covered by warranty and were not much of a pain at all. I get great gas mileage 38.2 freeway and 29.4 in town. Thats good if you ask me. It has plenty of room for my sons carseat and fun to accessorieze too. Its my family car thats still sporty.

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  I love my 2004 MAXX - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GypsieRose - April 30 - 4:13 am

  I had been driving Saabs for years before I bought this Maxx. I had also owned Mercedes, Corvette, Tahoe, Cadillac and Chryslers. This Maxx is the perfect car for me at 62. I am 4ft 8in tall and the adjustable pedals and steering wheel afforded me to drive for the first time in many years without a cushion and being forced up against the steering wheel. The mileage on freeway is avg 37mpg! Great handling. Kicks butt when you punch it to pass, cruises at 70 like a dream. I love the hatchback for hauling stuff. All are comfortable in seats/roomy. The price was affordable. Next time I will get leather heated seats. I love the lines. Not one hiccup yet! I love this car!

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  Nice Car! - 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Sebaot - April 30 - 1:26 am

  I bought a 1996 Lumina base sedan and brought it to Mexico City, where I live. The power is good for American standards of driving, but here in Mexico we drive a way faster, so it feels sometimes underpowered, especially at steep climbs. I think is due to the altitude. Suspension works fine and is very comfy, specially on bumpy roads. The seats are good, but drivers seat lacks a lot of lumbar support, so is likely to catch some back pain. The car overall is very reliable. Did the loong trip down here wonderfully, and makes me look different! A long, low, and wide American car at a sea of short, tall, and narrow European hatchbacks and sedans.

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  Cobalt is a Keeper - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Kevin - April 29 - 1:23 pm

  I bought my new red Cobalt LS 5-speed 2-dr coupe about 3 weeks ago. This is my first new GM vehicle, and I am very pleased with it so far. It is comfortable and fairly quiet, and has a very nice interior layout. The EPA rates it at 25/34 mpg city/hwy, but I got 33.6 mpg on my first tank, and 35.9 mpg on the second. My commute is 20 miles each way, mostly Interstate highways, but including weekends I expect that it is about 25% local/75% highway driving. I am driving efficiently, but I still keep up with traffic on I95 (70-75 mph). I use the A/C as necessary. It isnt as powerful as my 86 Mustang GT, but is still quite fun. I am very pleased with my purchase.