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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  A TOUGH LITTLE WORKHORSE - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By jerrymax - February 24 - 3:11 pm

  Okay, I dont actually "own" my S-10 but as a state highway engineer it was assigned to me brand new in January 2003. I am the only one who drives it and it now has 116,000 miles. On the job I drive up onto highway medians, over curbs, into wooded areas, etc. It takes a beating and keeps on going. Been very reliable. Worse thing was a broken throttle cable at 60,000 miles. Routine maintenance only by our state mechanics. Has pretty good acceleration but terrible traction on snow and ice. Ive taken it on several official business trips to upstate New York and it performed very well. Always starts, always gets me where Im going. Been a good little workhorse and Ill miss it when its gone.

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  So far So good - 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jonathon Peterson - February 24 - 10:17 am

  We hesitated to purchase a new vehicle since 1981 due to the huge drop in value. The Aveo is a replacement for an ageing Subaru Justy being towed by our motor home. First we were very surprised that the Aveo was not designed to be towed with drive wheels on the ground. A tow dolly fixed the problem. The economy is right on the numbers with our 5 speed manual and keeping the speed under 60 mph. At 75-80 we still average near 30 mpg. Learn to drive the RPMs not the economy marks on the dash and you get reasonable power. Handling is better than our old Metro, not as quick as the old Subaru, not near as fun (but a much better car) than our 1972 Honda 600. So far, good value for the money

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  09 Cyber Gray Z-51 6speed - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
  By gtfldad - February 24 - 8:49 am

  What a toy! But only a toy...On the roads in the Northeast,especially after this winter, the roadways are more of an obstacle course. With Z-51 package, the ride can be jarring at times. The front airdam is way too low, but chaulk it up as an expendable item that can be replaced without big effort or bucks. I dont see reliability being an issue, as Ive spoken with numerous of owners who have lots of seat time in their Vette with very encouraging feedback. Certain cunsumer magazines arent consistant or accurate in their assessment of this car. It is fast, fun, iconic and efficient. Ive had GTOs, Cobras and a Grand Sport GSX. At age 57, I have the best of them all plus, plus plus

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  This is my second AVEO.. I love the car! - 2010 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Connie - February 24 - 8:35 am

  I bought an Aveo when they 1st came out in 2004 only problem I ever had was w/ the horn & clock dying out Chevy was aware of this flaw & fixed both for free with no hassle. I put 71,000 miles on my 2004, and loved every minute, so when I saw the new 2010 at the dealership, I fell in love & bought it. The ride is GREAT.. smooth & silky. TONS of room inside this car.. my huge boyfriend rides in complete comfort. the car handles like a dream, & the body / build feels tight. the interior is nicely styled much better equipped w/ extras, far more so than other cars in its class. better warranty too!

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  Awesome buy! - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By rsharp - February 24 - 12:19 am

  I enjoy this vehicle. I traded 97 Benz and 02 Jag. Ride is comparable. Look is acceptable. Interior is very nice. Compartments are everywhere. The power is lacking, but not noticeable most of the time. Gas is cheaper. Overall, this is an awesome buy!

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  We got a lemon - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Heidi - February 23 - 6:52 pm

  We bought this truck new from the dealership. Within the first weekend we had it the a/c broke. We took it in and they thought they fixed the problem. We had to take it back 6-7 times to get the a/c fixed and the dealer finally had to take the back apart to fix the problem. All we got out of GM was free oil changes and tire rotations for 30k miles. We also had a tire rub within the first month we bought it.We have had problems with the battery too, but that is a easy fix by jumping it.This was my second suburban so I though we would be getting the same quality but I was mistaken.My parents worked for GM until they retired so I have only bought Chevrolet products,but I am going elsewhere .

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  Blown head gasket and other issues - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Blown head gasket - February 23 - 6:42 pm

  By 64,000 miles experienced the following issues: Blown head gasket, oil pan gasket leaking, Lower trans cooler line leaking, water pump blown, water pump gaskets leaking, and poor GM customer service. Local dealer was somewhat helpful. They did good work on the car. Wish I didnt have to go to them but the car is junk.

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  Herbys Hot Rod - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Harmonica Herb - February 23 - 10:53 am

  I dont know another car that could have reacted as quick as my HHR did when another car slammed on brakes in front of me. Another driver said," I dont know how you missed that guy."

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  Way to go GM !!!! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jamie in SC - February 22 - 7:36 pm

  My 2nd Tahoe, the 05 Z71 was great at 65K miles but wanted the "new 07 styling". Its been a terrific 4 yrs and 100K miles dlr maintained, syn oil, a battery and a set of tires later and I am ready to buy another..the experience (s) has been great. A solid 40K has been towing my Porsche race rig all over the USA. I hit "tow-haul" and have watched that engine pull that big rig up the mountains of Pennsylvania etc @ 4500 RPM, on the floor in 2nd gear for miles..time after time, never missing a beat..nary a drop of oil used..truly "like a rock". I have every option, for overall comfort, fit, finish and reliability a GREAT BUY. Way to go GM, my Porsche buds cringe every time I sing your song!

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  I LOVE MY TRUCK !!! - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Redman - February 22 - 5:37 pm

  A couple years ago I decided I wanted a Tahoe.When my wife and I go on weekend getaways, my mountaineer didnt seem to have enough room. Ive had many Chevy,Dodge and Plymouth vans but nothing to compare with my Tahoe!!! I have enough room,Its turning radius is great..No problems at all...