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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  Fun little car to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jimbo - September 27 - 2:00 pm

  Downsizing from a 97 Caravan was an adjustment, but so far, I have been happy with the car. Only hiccup so far has been a muffler that ran hot, but the dealer fixed, no problem. The car is fun to drive. I love the overall feel of the car. It is also very quiet inside. I find myself checking the tach to make sure the engine is still running.The gas mileage has been better than I expected. The interior layout is pretty good. The standard radio is very impressive for stock issue. The stock Continental tires are OK, but there are much better out there. Shop around.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By michelle81886 - September 27 - 1:41 am

  I have had it for a year and I totally love it! I have a few friends that also have Cobalts, and they love their cars also. Its a fun car to drive, and I would tell anyone to buy one!

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  Very Pleased Buyer - 1991 Chevrolet Corsica
  By Very Happy Buyer - September 26 - 11:35 pm

  The only major problem Ive had with my Corsica is new radiator hoses and a new radiator itself. I need the new radiator- has very minor leak. Sealed right up with radiator stop leak. Nothing else except routine maintenance like oil changes, new ignition wires, battery. This car runs so smooth and is very, very reliable. Starts up every time the key is turned. Quiet ride, too. Might need new motor or transmission mounts. (Cheap). Comfy seating is perfect for my bad lower back! Will drive and keep it until it dies! Hopefully, that will be a long time away with only 139K miles on it!! Love it! Id recommend this car for anyone looking for a cheap, reliable car.

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  My Dependable Metro - 1999 Chevrolet Metro
  By Robert Hall - September 26 - 11:31 am

  I have had pretty good luck with this car. In the beginning, I had some problems with a faulty engine control computer module that was then replaced by the dealer under warranty and with the air conditioning system a couple of times during the last 7 years, but havent had any significant problems since.

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  Impressive - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By fm922 - September 26 - 2:25 am

  Just picked up my 2007 C6 and could not be happier. Excellent performance and ride quality. I was impressed that the car rides smooth and comfortable for a sports car. The 2007 C6 is fun to drive and is responsive. With 400 HP, excellent design and improved interior, the 2007 C6 is the best dollar value for those interested in making a serious sports car purchase. The vehicle continues to impress me every time I drive it. When purchasing this vehicle I would suggest purchasing the 3LT and Z51 Packages to enhance ride quality and performance. Excellent sports car, you wont be dissappointed, and wait to you hit the open road.

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  Finally got a blue one - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By kahlme2002 - September 25 - 8:56 pm

  There has got to be something good here. They were used for police cars. They are headturners. Havent had it in any weather yet, so Im waiting to see. Cant believe when they end a tradition they make a plain base car. But it handles nice, ride is pretty good for sport, gas mileage isnt bad. It is a bit wide to see with the mirrors.

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  High miles, low operating cost - Good value - 2005 Chevrolet Classic
  By JC - September 25 - 8:30 pm

  Driving an average of 1200mi/wk, I require reliability and economy. Highway average always 30-38. This car starts every day, and I feel confident driving it daily w/o the distraction of issues. OEM tires (Eagles) are superb still with over 80k on them. Brakes are average. Body integrity above average, but with odd paint peel on rear bumper!? At 25k, sway bar bushing went. Recently (81k) I replaced fr wheel bearing (sealed unit, $375), struts ($325), and a few misc items. Now the rear power window doesnt work (hardly used!). Interior design is awkward and tight. Interior road noise level is bearly acceptable at highway speeds. Car tends to labor up hills, has acceptable acceleration otherwise. Handling is very good.

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  Solid Suv - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By mickey - September 25 - 7:41 pm

  At first I worried about buying American due to the fact of poor reliability. Im going on 2 yrs with this truck, and it has performed perfectly. I have about 18,000 miles on it with no issues. It is great in the winter. It gets you through anything without a problem. The ride is soft, so it does wallow a little bit, but overall has a nice ride.

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  I love my Blazer! - 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Dave - September 25 - 6:37 pm

  Maybe I got a good one? Ive had my Blazer for a little over two years and havent had it in the shop for anything major other than the horn likes to honk for no reason in the winter time when I turn the wheel. The rear window used to rattle when going over small bumps, but I was able to fix it. This has been a really great vehicle despite these negative reviews. I do regular maintenance, and really test it to its limits. Ive added a lot to it like a hitch reciever, and skid plates, and a grill guard. All in all a great vehicle. Maybe I got lucky and got one that doesnt have any problems. Everywhere we drive, we always take the Blazer even though it has the worst gas mileage.

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  Exhaust noises - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By round top - September 25 - 2:00 am

  After hot engine shut down vehicle has loud and prounced bangs coming from exhaust system. During cold start up a loud and prounced poping noise is heard from the exhaust system. When vehicle is driven at highway speeds of 60 and above the droning noise in the cabin is prounced and over powering. I believe GM has a definite problem with the exhauts systems on the 2003 suburbans. There is a bulitan out concerning the poping noise. GM has a superfical fix? for it. HA? Lets hear about your experiences.