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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  Love it!!!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By byerda - December 1 - 1:29 pm

  I bought the Z66 package and it rides great! smooth acceleration plenty of power and looks cool without the body hardware. Took it to the dealer to fix a suspension noise, they found it, fixed it, same day. Best riding vechicle I have ever owned.

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  A love/hate relationship - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By nhblmb - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car a little over a month ago and it was the biggest mistake I made. The seats are so-o-o uncomfortable! The unadjustable lumbar is a killer. Im out of work now with a sprained back!

• 

  GREAT OVERALL CAR - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By DCB2122 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car you can find for the price. The new ecotec engine is great, I love the power and fuel economy. The interior does need to be a little more comfortable. Softer seats. Move ac/heater controls highter, and stop the floor mats from sliding.

• 

  could have done better - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By norberto perez - December 1 - 10:00 am

  lost market value to fast. drinks to much gas want to trade it.

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  04 Chevrolet - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By Robert - December 1 - 3:56 am

  Plenty of power from the 6.0L engine. Fuel mileage has been 14.5 mph in town and up to 17 mpg on the highway with the 3.73 ratio. It also makes light work out of a trailer. Its a comfortable way to travel with up to 4 adults.

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  Happy when it works - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By just dont break - November 30 - 9:57 pm

  I really enjoy driving it when it is not having problems. It is a company car that gets every dealership recommended service and oil changes at 3K miles however, there have been several recalls, transmission failure at 38K miles, 4wd went out, electrical issues that impacted tail light, air conditioning and rear wiper, horrible noise when turning sharply in 4wd that had to be fixed, parking break stopped working. Though I enjoy driving it, I am reluctant to buy another one for fear of spending several times a year at the dealership.

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  SUV - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By TARAH - November 30 - 9:52 pm

  I use my Trailblazer primarily for my business. Its great driving and easy to get around. I went smaller with the Trailblazer from a Dodge Ram. Its gas intake is easier on the pocketbook.

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  Stay out of the wind - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By rhendryx - November 30 - 5:31 pm

  I bought the 2004 Cavalier strictly as an economical "drive to work" car. I liked the low price with the rebates and the looks arent bad. However, when on the highway if there is any cross wind you cant keep it on the road. It will change lanes by itself if you dont pay close attention. Also, what 1950s design engineer came up with the bright idea of using a cartridge oil filter instead of the spin on type? I can see why the 2005 model is the last year for Cavalier.

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  Too bad they dont make em anymore - 2000 Chevrolet Prizm
  By cover - November 30 - 4:08 pm

  This is a great small car. It features good design, fine build quality, spunky performance w/ 5 speed, great mileage and reliability, plus decent space and comfort. Handling is good and improves remarkably when you get rid of the OEM tires and put on a set of good ones.

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  great Car for first car - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By GEMINIXX02 - November 30 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this car after looking for a couple of weeks at competing dealerships. The price was right and the value has proven well worth it.. If very rarely takes me more than $20 to fill it up and it last for a little over a week including the 40 miles i drive back and forth to work.