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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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By LTZ - March 3 - 8:00 pm

  LTZ - excellent all the way around. Great looks for a large SUV. Gadgets are great. Excellent layout and space. Kids love it. Gas mileage not bad for a large SUV.

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  The good and bad - 2007 Chevrolet Uplander
  By ecurts - March 3 - 12:16 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle. Drove 2000 miles to FL, and was overall very well satisfied. Fuel econonomy 25- 26, with full load of luggage and 4 adult pass. Ride was very comfortable, better than the Camry I prev. owned. Only complaints were, needed longer armrest for passenger side up front. Arm rest for drivers side OK. Difficulty trying to get in 3rd row seating. Liked the exterior design which was not the typical minivan look. Dont know why this van hasnt been given a better review from the experts, based on my experience so far.

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  Only Americants for me - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By My Country, My Truck - March 3 - 11:17 am

  90,000 miles and still going strong. Blazer has some competion though, my 86 S-10 is still going at 175,000 miles. I wanted a full size truck but will be happy hauling the family, plowing through the snow and pulling the camper with this little powerhouse ... for now. Of course gas mileage isnt as good as my Cavalier. Its a truck. Even if I could get 50 mpg I sure I would want 51. Fuel pump went out, 1 rear speaker and passenger seat lever went out. All three under warranty. Nice to see GM has increased warranty to 5 years/100,000 miles. Must be pretty confidant.

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  Great] - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By chevy - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I love The Monte Ccarlo SS, but I want a V8.

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  ultimate bargin, buying American only - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By sam1zak - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Excelent bargin, This was my fisrt American car and I love. I have always bought imports in the past . But that has changed to American only now since after this car. I feel imports are overpriced and overrated. I cant wait for the colbolt in 2005

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  linzs hot car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By linz - March 3 - 10:00 am

  this is the coolest car ever! I wuz given it 4 my b-day and i just think it iz awsome!

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  Fast Fun, And looks good too. - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By seeds - March 3 - 10:00 am

  My first Vett. and its a Zo6.and it was a good buy.I have driven it up and down the East coast with out any problems.Its just as much fun for my wife as it is for me.I might up grade in 2005 when the new body change comes in.

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  07 colorado - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By geobee - March 3 - 9:13 am

  This is a very nice truck. I got the z71 pkg, and I have to say it is the most capable 4x4 I have ever owned. That is due in part to the new Eaton G80 locker. Smooth and quiet, nice interior etc. Two thumbs up.

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  Best Large SUV out there - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By BikerAl - March 3 - 6:04 am

  Ive had this Suburban for almost 2 years and love it. I pick up me new Suburban next week. This has been reliable (45,000 miles already and only 1 minor problem covered by warranty), comfortable and great ride. Only downside is the gas mileage.

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  Happy with 2009 Silverado - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Kevin - March 2 - 10:23 pm

  Only had the truck for 2 months, but am very pleased at this point. Tows like a dream with the 6 speed tranny. Averaging 18 mpg, but thats a mix of in town and some highway. I expect it to get better once broken in; only 2,000 on the truck at this point. Put a 70 series flowmaster muffler and duals on it. It sounds so good. Took advantage of the zero interest rate back durning Julys promotion. Overall am very pleased.