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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  Happy with 2nd TrailBlazer purchase - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chris Cook - June 21 - 11:51 am

  I had bought a 2004 TrailBlazer LT fully loaded. After Separating from my wife I gave her back the 2004 and purchased a new 2006 LS base model. I returned to Chevy after being disappointed by Chrysler twice before. The fuel mileage is 18 mpg plus in the city. Highway mileage varies depending on your lead foot or not. I am seriously considering trading my 2006 LS TrailBlazer for a 2007 SS TrailBlazer.

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  Execlent ZR2 - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By deibadboys815 - June 20 - 8:58 pm

  I bought this truck used, I have had it for a year. Put normal wear and tear on it and have yet to have a problem.

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  Fun to Drive @ 20.1 MPG - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By David R - June 20 - 8:37 pm

  Owned a Ford F-150 for 10 years, still have it, still use it, still a great truck. I’ve owned the 05 Avalanche LT for one year now. I bought the truck because I liked the style and every Avalanche owner I spoke to was passionate about how much fun it was to drive. This vehicle is easy to handle with great control, power, and smooth ride. Every truck owners dream, including great gas mileage city 19 hwy 24, I average 20.1mpg. Best investment I’ve made in a long time. Now all I need is to find an E85 fuel station.

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  Malibu SS Nicest buy out there - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Kerry - June 20 - 11:48 am

  Since purchasing this wonderful automobile I now know for sure that American cars deliver a lot of value for the buck. The car rides and handles extremly well and has a lot of eye appeal. Test drive the SS and youll be buying one. I did for my wife and she loves it. A complete package of comfort style and conveince all built into one great automobile. With 240 HP the SS will deliver all the power youll need.

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  love it - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jayball - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Stock it has plenty of power and on top of that it has a huge aftermarket. The 3800 v6 has been proven time and time again over the years in the w-body platform.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By BRIAN HEYDORN - June 20 - 10:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS GREAT FOR THE FAMILY

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By joevette - June 19 - 7:43 pm

  I currently have over 140,000 miles on my 2002 Impala sedan. I love it. 32mpg or better on highway w/ac on. Original tires, tiger paws, changed at 78,000. On second set. Original frontt disc brakes went to 102,000 miles, rear brakes at 127,000. Did have manifold leak taken care of. Really been a great car

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  Top Performer even as a 4 Cylinder! - 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
  By CatInMyLap - June 19 - 6:51 pm

  Car was bought used for $1450 [base price] with 65,000 miles. Now have over 91,000 on her. Shes been a real jewel. Formerly a rental car for 2 years then a private owner had her until myself. Only first problem 2 yrs. ago, was that one plug was stuck when I went for a tuneup. Mechanics couldnt get loose. Used "Deep Creep" sprayed on it while it was off but hot. Got plug out carefully not stripping threads in engine head. Today, long overdue, changed plugs again stuck but got loose....purrs like a kitten...35- 40 miles to the gallon still....absolutely love her as much as I loved my first car 68 Plymouth Barricuda. Chipping paint obviously manufacturers flaw.

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  Fun car - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jerry - June 19 - 5:20 pm

  I love pretty much everything about the car, handling, speed, style, the look of course, and for the price, it clearly is the best sports car in value. Enough said. Speed

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  2008 Impala Interior Comfort LS FlexFuel - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By GRDamoth - June 19 - 4:00 pm

  Ive owned over 30 vehicles, mostly GM some Ford, but compared to Cadillac this Impala is every bit as comfortable, quiet, quick, and nimble to boot. Cushy rides are important on long trips, especially if the highway isnt smooth and comfortable. This car handles predictably, and has good view all around. I had a 1984 Cadillac for 13 years and this cars ride and finish is every bit as good. The new radio is very intuitive and has excellent reception. XM AM and FM dont have to be preset separately, you can mix and match up to 36 (yes three dozen) radio combinations. Especially useful if you have favorites or favorite areas of the nation, and if you drive a lot.