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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  Pleasantly surprised - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Big G - January 9 - 3:06 pm

  Have to admit I wasnt looking for a truck when I got to the lot, i was looking for an SUV. But once i saw the Silverado with the upgraded chrome wheels and appearance package I had to take a look. Once I drove it I was sold. I constantly get compliments on my truck and it consistently surprises me on how refined and smooth it is on the road. I have had ZERO quality issues and get over 19 mpg on the highway with my heavy foot. Dealer treats me like they want my business too. Get the upgraded 5.3 engine and the 6 speed transmission. It makes a HUGE difference.

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  The Cats Choice! - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By The Cats Choice!! - January 9 - 12:50 pm

  Searched Through all the SUV crossover choices. It came down between The Toyota RAV4, Pontiac Torrent, the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox won! Why? Best warranty, best ride, more power and all that with the best price!

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  Love my LS - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By BigKLB - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This is, to date, the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned many, many cars. I think it is a great value for the money. I have had no problems with this car at all. I am 62" and have plenty of head and leg room. The style and mechanics are right on the mark for me

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  My 2003 Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Ronald P. Blackburn - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Am I driving an SUV or a car? This Tahoe is so smooth, you would think its a caddy. The get-up-and-go of this large vehicle is awesome. I am paying for it in the gas-guzzling category, but it is well worth it. The steering wheel controls, computer features makes this vehicle an ultimate off-road or city driving experience that you will definately enjoy.

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  Finally! - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By KF07 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Finally an alternative truck for those caught btw wanting a diesel or gas power. The 300hp gas 6.0L packs a hard punch for doing most anything you need it too do without paying 6-7k more for an option you really will never capitalize on. Super job GM on a heavy duty suspension that glides across the pavement.

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  Hard Fax - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Practical Engineer - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Drove 1500 miles in the first month. No problems; handled a near miss with another car and it handled more like a car than a truck. Gas milage really depends on weight of foot ( wife 18.5mpg Me 19.5mpg both around town). Comfortable ride, best SUV for the road save for the yet to be proven Murano.

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  Functional Fun - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By larry - January 9 - 8:55 am

  This is my first American car in over 20 years. Im very satisified. This auto has the space I need, with cool retro styling, and the right mix of power and economy. I dont cary a load every day but when I do this car can do the job excellently. Im very pleased with the smooth ride, very comfortable and easy to get in & out. This is a great buy!

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  HHR Rocks - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Scott - January 9 - 5:56 am

  The LT2 with all options gets all the looks on the highway from everyone who sees it. It is peppy but still has good mileage. A family of four is very comfortable for long trips, and the large gas tank provides many miles between fillups.

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  HHR SL - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Steve - January 9 - 2:20 am

  Great small hauler. Good with the family and has the power and interior room to make it more than just transportation. Good mileage and I disagree with others who say it doesnt handle well. I am a Ford man but was intrigued by the HHR and now am glad I bought one.

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  Safety First - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Safety First - January 8 - 5:32 pm

  So I bought this used Suburban about 3 months ago with about 66000 miles on it. I was looking forward to many years, but it only lasted 3 months. A lady ran a red light, and I hit her Tahoe in the side at 55 MPH. I cant say enough about this truck. I hit the other lady so hard that one of my headlights was stuck in the side of her car, yet I was not hurt at all. I was able to walk around right after the accident. Sure I was sore the next week from the force of the impact, but considering how hard the impact was I am amazed at how my lack of injury. I will definately be buying another one. I know that I am safe in this vehicle. Thanks GM!