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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  Fun at Any Speed - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By JG - March 2 - 2:45 am

  The vehicle is absolutely perfect for the price. Got lucky and financed $2K below dealer invoice (family plan)! I always look forward to driving the car. Have the LeMans Blue with Comp Grey wheels and it looks "tuff." My only regret is not having the ability to find a dealership willing to participate with the ZO6 but rest assured, Ill be trying very soon. This car rocks and I know we C6 owners are aware that we are driving one of the best sports cars on the road. A real intimidator if necessary.

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  Made in America! - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By burkey - March 1 - 2:53 pm

  What a great car. I owned a 79 Stingray and that was a tin can on wheels compared to the features in this one! Its like sitting in a cockpit. The seat hugs your body and everything is in arms reach. You sit inches above the ground and hug every corner. I have the covertible with the hardtop and the Greenwood ground effects kit. Turns heads everywhere you go. Very dependable and great performance. Just a great American car !

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  Wow Factor - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Peter Nielsen - March 1 - 12:15 pm

  I have never owned a more fun vehicle to drive, the ride is great, handling is impressive, fuel economy is around 19 combined, and the WOW factor is incredible. I think I will keep this one for ever.

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  Best Ive ever had - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Chevy Sheila - March 1 - 10:30 am

  I began looking on the internet at the HHR. One afternoon I thought maybe test driving one sounded pretty good. When I saw the HHR in person I instantly fell in love with her. Driving was a whole new experience. The HHR is a very smooth running vehicle with lots of comfort. Sure does turn a lot of heads. My HHR is actually fun to drive around. The dark metallic gray is an awesome color. Chevy did a super job with this one. Best move I made even though it put me in debt for a few years. Thank you Chevy, Im a very happy HHR owner!

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  Love my Equinox! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Chrissy732 - February 28 - 10:00 pm

  This is my first new vehicle purchase that was not a car. At first the around town gas mileage was suprisingly low compared to my 01 Olds considering they have the same size motor, but after some highway trips I found the mileage comparative. It is stylish and comfortable, easy access for all. I love this vehicle and would highly recomend!

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  Great buy for a low-end model - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By 1philco - February 28 - 12:36 pm

  LS model has everything I wanted, including power seats. great heavy-feel ride in a lightweight car. Qualfity excellent, standary radio very good. Gas mileage as posted (21, 32). One long trip in my 3000 miles. First GM car in 30 years, having bought mostly Japanese. Test drove Camry, Accord, Saturn. This had the best ride.

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  Supercar for Camry price - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By MJG - February 28 - 9:40 am

  Waited 27 years to replace my 1964 roadster and found the perfect 2001 targa. 3rd owner, less than 14K miles and nearly totally stock. The car cost almost exactly what a new loaded Camry would have but can top 170 MPH and hit 60 in about 4.5 seconds. In addition its rated an LEV and gets 32 MPG on the highway. The build quality is wonderful, the Bose sound system spectacular and the power is almost unlimited anywhere in the power band. Aftermarket cat-back exhaust has torque nearing 400 lbs. ft. and the car goes from quiet commuter to F22 Raptor in a heartbeat. No supercar for less than $100K could come close to matching "Gracie" - 6 years old and just getting broken in. What a deal!

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  Its my Metro upgrade - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By PAUL STEINMAN - February 28 - 7:20 am

  People who ride in my backseat always comment on the roominess of the car. I would still be buying Geo Metros if they were available, as I got accustomed to 50 mpg. For a trade off, I am very happy with the Aveo.

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  MAXXimum Satisfaction - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By NMeiring - February 28 - 5:10 am

  After test driving this car, I couldnt look at anything else. I had been looking for something that would get good MPG (26.5 in town), have the extras that my Jeep GCL had, but still look sporty. I looked at so many vehicles, my husband called it my new hobby. The MAXX has comfortable heated seats, adjustable pedals, tons of cargo room, a smooth ride, wireless headphones in the back and is FUN to drive. This car deserves a second look and a test drive. Lots of pick up, feel secure with a super safe drive. With a sunroof and the rear skylights, the interior feels even larger than it is. Looking forward to using the remote starter this winter

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  Love my car - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By JAYME - February 27 - 8:16 pm

  I own this 06 SS and I am glad every single day its mine. At the time of purchase I was going to buy a Toyota Corrola until I heard the V8 fire up inside the showroom. I was sold. Why anyone would buy any other model but the SS I cant understand, but to each their own. I have since added the Magnaflow Performance exhaust system and it really rumbles now. Power? Plenty of power, giddyup whenever I need it. Looks are great, mine is silver in color, I keep it waxed, nice wheel package at 18in., beautiful car. Dodge Charger has absolutely nothing on this Chevy, and I plan on owning it for a very long time. No major problems at all.