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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  Excellent SUV-I love it - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Miguel - March 19 - 6:40 pm

  I like the style and the acceleration this SUV provides when pushed. The leather interior is superb!

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  Best SUV Ive ever driven - 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Greg Rank - March 19 - 5:26 pm

  Growing up as the son of an executive in the auto industry, I started at a young age having the opportunity to drive many different styles, and types of vehicles. My first personal SUV purchase was a 1991 Chevy Trailblazer. From there, Ive owned, leased or at least have driven every GM style SUV, both full size and mid size. In December, my company decided it was time for me to turn in my 2003 Chevy Tahoe as it had 167,000 miles on it. Picking up the new Black 4wd LT was very exciting, however, I didnt realize just how exciting it truely was going to be. It rides better than most cars Ive driven. Hands down its the best SUV Ive ever driven.

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  Step up from my 04 - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Fred - March 19 - 8:13 am

  The new 08 ls3 engine is something lot of power smooth and responsive 6 speed w exhaust package makes it fun the 3lt package and leather dresses it up as the interior can be plain needs blue tooth but overall real happy I waited for the 08 the performance handling package is great makes the ride completely different so a new toy to play with

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  Turns the Heads - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Robert Sutherland - March 19 - 3:43 am

  Weve just bought our loaded 2LT this week, and Ive been amazed at how many people compliment me on its looks. It drives exceptionally well, rides nicely on the Sport suspension, and is very comfortable. The engine could use a few more horses, but this is the wifes and Im used to driving my 295 hp Z71. The automatic tranny shifts smoothly and it doesnt feel at all like the speed were cruising at. Even around town its easy to drive faster than the limit without realizing it. Roomy enough for the family, I even fit well behind the drives seat when its adjusted for me to drive (Im 62" at 245lbs.) Option list is nice, the only thing we dont have is the engine block heater

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  Nice change from a family van - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By cpannarbor - March 18 - 9:36 pm

  We traded in our Mazda MPV for the Traverse. Out kids have adjusted to losing the sliding doors and really like the car. Mommy and Daddy love the car. It has great handling and acceleration. There is plenty of storage and too many great features to list.

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  One hundred tewnty two miles - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By linda - March 18 - 12:41 pm

  I love this car. Hear they are bringing the maxx back. If so I will be checking it out and pass this one on to a family member. I still get 30 miles to the gallon when I travel the freeway and with my local driving I get 25+mpg. Which I think is great considering I do not ..how would you say..like to wait at the green light. I do not use my local dealer but travel to one 45 minutes away because they treat me really good and I feel they treat me fairly. I have only had a few issues and several recall notices and they were promptly taken care of.

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  Ecellent - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Rodney - March 18 - 12:46 am

  All around great truck! Very little road noise, comfortable smooth ride, plenty of power, tows like a dream. Love the new look. I swithced from a Ford to the new Chevy and I am now sold.

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  Great after 3 years - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By anderson427 - March 17 - 1:15 pm

  I have had my Silverado for 3 years now. I bought it brand new. So far I have had NO problems with this truck. I absolutely love it.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By purotexmex - March 16 - 4:26 pm

  I recently bought this car while on leave from Iraq and I must say, I love this vehicle! I couldnt stop driving it. It is fun to drive and has a lot of room inside. My two daughters love it also. My wife, she is very pleased with this car. All the extra features it has is great. This car is well built. I have a family of four and it sometimes got very tight in our last vehicle, but with the amount of space inside this one, it is great. The remote ignition starter is great too! I am now back in Iraq finsihing up my tour and all I can think about is my family and this great car we bought! Thank you Chevy!

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  Cynthiana - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By cynthiana - March 16 - 1:17 pm

  Traded in an Oldsmobile Sillouette. Did see a particular need for a van & also the discontinuance of Olds. Always have been a family car person. Bought the Impala here in PA (Monesson). Been completely satisfied. Only long tripwas to Columbus, GA & back to Pgh area PA. Great gas mileage. Once on the open hiway, I set cruise control on 61 or 62. I do not fight traffic.