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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  Total Performance - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Von - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My Tahoe has 37000 miles is used as family car and pull camper on vacations. Gas milage 19/20 mpg pulling camper 12/13 mpg. Returned to deal for routine maintance only. Third row seat is little cramped.When time comes will replace with another Tahoe or like vehicle.

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  Tahoe 04 - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jackbjr4743 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001, loved it and put 80,000 miles on it in 3 years. Mine LT 2Wd. Absolutely great on the Interstate.

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  Z71 Dream Machine! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By TOMA - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is definitely the best vehicle I have ever owned. It drives like a small car. The turning radius and handling of this car is simlpy unbelieveable. I would highly recommend the Z71 Tahoe to any potential buyer.

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  Perfect family vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Family of 4 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Our family has owned a tahoe since 02. We have an 04 now. It does everything we want it to do, and more.

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  Randys Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Randy Meier - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my dream truck I love it!!

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  Nice SUV - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Roger - May 27 - 11:52 pm

  Drives much nicer than my 1997 Ford Explorer AWD V8 - every bump we hit was rough now its smooth. Great roomy intereior and nice quiet ride.

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  Tow Rig - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Christopher - May 27 - 4:36 pm

  I bought my truck brand new and I absolutely love it. Pulls great and hauls anything that will fit in the bed. I forgot about girls for about a week when I first got this truck its that good.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By dano000 - May 26 - 6:19 pm

  I have been driving Corvettes for the last 15 years off and on. This 2004 Corvette has been the best. The 6 speed tranny is great on gas mileage. I am planning on trading in this car in two years and getting the 2008. I would highly recommend a Corvette to an person that is looking for a high performance car at a reasonable price.

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  Wow! 505hp Super car - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bob Burns - May 26 - 5:12 pm

  I have owned fast cars, but this car is in the super fast class. What a fun car to drive everyday. Driving slow or fast this car will make you very happy. If you can find one.....Buy it!

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  Rons Z06 - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By CorvetteRon - May 26 - 4:35 pm

  My Velocity Yellow 2006 ZO6 is my 14th Corvette and is the best of the group by far. I owned a couple of ZR1s and 3 Z06s and there is no comparison to this beast. Chevy keeps improving the Vette with each generation and each model year. The car is as tame or as wild as you want it to be. It is great around town or on the road.