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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  03 Impala Ls - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jerad - December 9 - 1:03 am

  I bought my 2003 Impala Ls on February 12, 2009. Car had 70,000 miles.The car ran great for a long time until it was in a accident in july 09.Cracked my intake,cat converter.Trunk light kept killing the battery(no biggie). After the wreck and shop time I have not any other issues. Tranny is strong smooth, love the car. The car now has 102,000 miles... Already 32,000 miles in less than a year. Its honestly a great car. Other complaints also depend on how hard you are on your car. Hope this helps.

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  Do Your Home Work--Compare & Drive !!!! - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bedbug - December 8 - 8:30 am

  I bought 2010 LTZ V6. This car has great power. Handling is great, I have 300 miles and car is getting a little loose on bumps. Breaks are sharp. Fit and Finish is good overall. It is very quite while driving. Styling is great and Jewel Red is a hot color. Door opens wide good for kids and older adults. Leather interior is great.One thing I DO NOT THE GAS MILEAGE STATED BUT ITS A BIG V6.** One suggestion rent one before you buy it, it does have some strange features see below. No light in trunk front hood or glove box can be annoying.

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  Front end shaking Between 40-50mph - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Popeye - December 8 - 6:10 am

  Silverado 2500hd diesel 2006. From the day I bought it there was a shaking in the front left side only noticeable between 40/50 mph.They said it was the tires,but have put two new sets on and problem is still there. Seems like a shake in the frame or chasie posiblely,due to lack of weight in the rear end of truck.Can feel it in the wheel and also in the seat while driving.Shaking not as noticable at other speeds but still there.Could be something in the drive shaft also. Looking for some answers.

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  Finally Got One - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Joe - December 7 - 10:24 pm

  Camaro has always been my favorite car since I was a kid. This is my third Camaro and it really fulfills my ideas of what a pony car should aspire to be. Have you ever tried on a glove that doesnt fit well? Driving this car is like putting on a tailor made glove. The whole driving experience from the steering to acceleration to the braking, makes you feel like the greatest driver in the world. I feel like you get a lot for your money.

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  good van - 1990 Chevrolet Astro
  By brad - December 7 - 8:11 pm

  I have this van for over 8 years, I bought it with 160,000 miles on it tranny went out at 245,000 same with fuel pump alternator went out at 250,000 I drove this van till 600,000 on thrid tranny had a few minor problems, I sold it to buy one with less mileage, my friend bought this van and has been driving it for two years

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  its the best of Chevy cars! - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro
  By jerry - December 7 - 5:04 pm

  i had a camaro 1983, love it, and after got a thunderbird, and a chevy lumina, great cars chevy, other not that much, and then i want another camaro again, and its the best, great driving experience, power on v-6, fuel economy, t-tops, great design, great for my two kids, they are comfortable in the small back space.

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  let go driveing - 1996 Chevrolet Lumina
  By jj - December 7 - 12:27 pm

  Very good car paid only 2500 had it for 2 years no work done to the hard put about 45,000 miles on the cars since I had it. Only thing I have ever done is change oil. Need a car with out a big repair this is the one for you.

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  Great Purchase...Very Satisfied - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By SteveI - December 7 - 11:54 am

  Previous owner of a Toyota and BMW.. I am glad to back in an American vehicle..boy they have improved. The Tahoe, excellent Grand SUV, from inside to outside, I appreciate the quality and workmanship. Great electronics to keep you updated on the vehicle performance. The only ding..the MPG..14- 17..but using regular fuel is helpful in that respect.

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  Go Buy One! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By SIlver06SS - December 7 - 9:36 am

  I purchased this car just recently and its nice to know I wont see one of these on the road every day. I purchased 1200 dollars in aftermarket parts and Im hittin 0-60 in 5.4 seconds!The interior I feel is better then anything for the price and the safety ratings are good also. Good job GM for finally getting rid of the Cavalier and bringing something new and exciting to the market. They underrated the HP numbers, stock they are achieving 215-225 horsepower to the wheels! Overall Im very happy with my purchase and if i had the choice i would buy it again. Thanks GM Also they are releasing a ton of aftermarket parts from GM that wont void your warranty.

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  Impala Pride - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank Goshert - December 7 - 3:26 am

  This is a much better ride than our 1999 Sable. The Impala is very comfortable to drive and is very quiet. I love the 6 way power split bench. After years of buckets it is nice to spread out.