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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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By PAUL DITCHOFF - December 17 - 10:07 am

  I am a longtime Suburban fan and agree with all the good stuff said in other reviews. However my Suburbans have always been business multi- use. Suburban cargo handling has always been great until now. With the 3rd row removed and the 2nd row upright, there are almost no flat surfaces, just bumps and dips. Floor distance only 7ft 6in. Door will not close on occassional plywood runs. Also not happy that I had to special order 2wd. No 2wd delivered north of Kentucky. Go to any lot in MI. All 4wd with sunroofs. Adds $3000. Ordered Suburban Sept 28. Built in Mexico(argh) Nov 15. Delivered Dec 12. Thats 75 days. Thats ridiculous.

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  SUV that is worth a million - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Maryjo - December 16 - 5:33 pm

  The comfort of my TrailbBlazer is one in a million. The sunroof is large and the heated leather seats are so welcome on a cold morning. The TrailBlazer rides beautifully and handles going into parking spaces easier then a smaller car. The memory seats have been great for me, as I let my spouse drive it on weekends. After driving this vehicle, I would not go back to driving a car again. I love my Trailblazer LT!

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  Great Initial Ownership Experience - 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Shrike - December 16 - 1:00 pm

  Great handling, comfortable seating, good fit-and-finish. Fuel economy is average, but engine/transmission performance is excellent, ride comfort is very good (even with no load). Positioning of controls is perfect. Got this vehicle to replace my 2005 Lacrosse CXL (used for clients - an excellent car) and my Ford F-150 work truck. Excellent compromise between the two vehicles.

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  My dream truck! - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dave - December 16 - 8:20 am

  Ive wanted an SS ever since they unveiled the concept truck way back in 2000! I finally "took the plunge" back in July and man was it worth it!! This truck is awesome. Great performance, head-turning good looks and best of all its a genuine Chevy (the ONLY true American car/truck company in my opinion!!). I would highly recommend springing for the optional tonneau cover for improved mpg! I also invested in a Line-X spray in bedliner right off the bat!

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  Could Not Be Happier - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By stevcaro - December 15 - 9:10 pm

  Was looking a PT but when these came out I was sold. Reminded me of my 1951 pickup I regret selling. HRR is not a sports car but who cares. She handles good enough for me and I have owned 3 Vettes! Bought it with 6000 miles on her and she was loaded and got a deal so there is no negative here. I see more and more of these on the road and could not be happier with my purchase.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Andy North - December 15 - 4:43 pm

  Reliable. Comfortable to ride and drive. Handles exceptionally well, a real surpise and pleasure. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys driving and likes to get out of town.

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  PeppyChevy - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Jackd911 - December 15 - 6:06 am

  With VVT it is very peppy. Not as economical as our 2004. Very roomy. Many good features like traction control and ABS. Has all air bags. Very quiet. So far no defects. I like the styling and new color, Amber Bronze. New position of nets in luggage compartment is very useful. Good build quality.

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  Chevy Colorado - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Z. Smith - December 14 - 7:48 pm

  I like my Colorado because of a few features. Number one the rubber floors, number two standard A/C. Another reason is the amount I paid for it. I was very surprised when I got a notice that my pickup had been recalled.

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  Best For Price - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By bob - December 13 - 9:03 pm

  We rented this car on vacation! 3 days, 800 miles, we fell in love with all the options ,heated seats, XM radio, OnStar, dual air, great ride, smooth and quiet, great seats, I think Chevy. is on the way back with this car! I want to thank edmunds for all the information i found on this car and pricing to have an idea on what to expect, dealing with car salemen! We got a great price and good trade in value plus the rebate! Thank you, for helping make buying a new car feel good.

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  Been good to me - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steve - December 13 - 1:29 pm

  Have enjoyed this vehicle so much Im going to put new tires on it and go for another 50K miles at least. Wish the mileage was better but it gets me where I want to be on and off road. Put my son in the 96, wife drives a 2002. Would like to get a new vehicle, but cant decide which one to go for. Lots of room and comfortable.