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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  After 4 years - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By RHood123 - September 23 - 12:54 pm

  Only drive my C6 1600miles/yearstored half the year, sometimes wonder why I have this car. Then I remember...it speaks to you. When youre behind the wheel performance,visibility,tradition speak for themselves. Exterior classic design, interior: wish I had steering wheel controls, better carpet, less plastic. Have never had a problem with anything, but then again, at 1600 miles/yr. Terrific value for a truly classic sports car. Did any American male grow up not wanting to own a Corvette?

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  worth every penny - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By zipdave - September 23 - 10:00 am

  suprising how much you get for the money .......easily the best deal out there ...paint quality seems good and the fit and finish is tight as a drum .

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  2004 Impala LS - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By royallouis - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Love the Chevy Impala ls ,other than the boring front grill.Handling is surprising for big sedan.Looks good and reliable.May be a little room for improvement but otherwise am delighted

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  read this youll love it - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Becca1716 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my new equniox its the best car i have ever bought i think its very easy to drive and safe i think every one should get one

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  Very Nice Car - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By BigDaddy - September 23 - 3:44 am

  One of the roomiest cars I have owned in a long time. I am as comfortable in this car as I am in my Silverado Pick-up. I am over 6 tall and it is one of the few cars I have been in that I cant reach the pedals with the seat all the way back. Dealership was great. For the price, warranty and dealer support you cannot beat it.

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  Quiet and Comfortable - 2010 Chevrolet Impala
  By BB - September 22 - 8:36 pm

  This is not a performance sedan but is quite comfortable and smooth on the road. There is a slight amount of delay in acceleration when starting to push the pedal. This car has plenty of pep but the styling is good but not great. Not a flashy car but most buyers want a performer that gets good mileage and this car does that well. If you want a big car with comfort and economy this is your ride!

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Andrew - September 22 - 7:27 pm

  Like everyone else I have had issues. Just under 2 years the tires needed to be replaced. Wheel bearings were replaced under warranty and now that warranty is done need to be replaced again. There is a knock in the gas tank because something is loose. While driving on highway front console shuts off. No speedometer, tach etc. Problems with transmission. Seems to shift into neutral while driving. Cheap windshield wipers, all replaced after 2 years. Windshield chips and cracks very easily... poor design.. Headlight needed to be replaced after 3 years. Blind spots are very big and you need to be careful... Use your mirrors Key constantly sticks in ignition.

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  300k Miles! - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Bill - September 22 - 6:11 pm

  Bought vehicle as a lease return in 1997. With regular maintenance have had very few problems. Original engine and transmission! Driven all over the US. Repairs include oil coolant lines (3), starter (2), freeze plugs (2). front brakes (many). Only issue are coolant lines and having to put new rotors on with almost every brake change. 19mpg combined. Starting to get expensive to repair. Last 3 months-Shocks, ball joints, alternator. Overall very happy with the vehicle.

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  Love My Suburban - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jcam - September 22 - 6:02 pm

  I love my Suburban. With 80,000 miles on it, it has cost me less in maintenance than my Honda scooter with 4k. Be prepared for the gas bill, but be pleasantly surprised by the lack of maintenance cost. I do regular oil changes, have changed tires twice, and just got my first brake job. I love my burban. Its about to haul me, my wife and our two dogs on a three week camping trip across the country, and I have no worries about its performance. Buy American! You wont be disappointed!!!

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  Great offroad & snow, lacking elsewhere - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Brian - September 22 - 3:33 pm

  This truck has served our family well from the standpoint of pure utility. Living in Wisconsin for several years, not once have I had trouble in deep snow or any inclement weather. We have taken this offroad and its been great for that purpose. However, I have had to replace the transmission, the fuel pump (twice), wheel bearings (twice), ball joints, and my driver side window stopped working. There have been some electrical issues with the ABS, and my check engine light has been on for sometime. I really have enjoyed this truck, but mechanical issues have really plagued it. It has 154000 miles on it currently. The 4.3L Vortec engine has kept running strong though.