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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  The wonders of a 1st car - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Gloveperson - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the Z/28, and it is my first car!!!!!! And what a first car!! Explosive performence, great looks, and the wonderfull rumble of an American V- 8. What more could a 17 year old male want??!? I bought it with 89,000 miles on it, but the previous owner took wonderfull care of it, so I have to do zero matinence. All around gorgeous. Chevy, listen. BRING BACK THE CAMARO!

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  Used 00 - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Malibizoo - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Malibu in January 03 as a replacement for my 93 Corsica, and this car is soooo much better. I love the look of my black LS with the gold emblems and the rear spoiler. This car is fun and comfortable to drive, even though the drivers seat becomes alittle uncomfortable on the back at times.

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  97 Tahoe - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By REDUFO - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been a joy to drive, but when it does need repair it is always expensive. The electrical system is starting to be a problem.

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  1997 Tahoe, Excellent Choice - 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Steve Price - May 7 - 2:00 am

  After 200,000 miles (253,000 total miles), Im still very pleased with this vehicle. Reasonable operating cost, very reliable. I had to overhaul the transmission at 224,000 miles. Its had 2 alternators, 2 fuel pumps, and the A/C evaporator had to be replaced. Assuming NO residual value, this vehicle has cost me less than 26 cents per mile, including EVERYTHING (interest, insurance, licensing, gas, & maintenance). At current estimated value, operating cost is about 22 cents per mile. I average 18.5 MPG.

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Becky5687 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Impala after reading so many glowing reviews on Edmunds and have NOT been dissapointed. We own the LS Sport package and love it.

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  Glad I did it - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By imasaxman - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I owned 3 blazers previously and was ready to switch. Im glad I didnt the test drive wowd me and it rides great not even like a truck. Dont believe everything you read.

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  Loved my truck - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By junkyardmama - May 7 - 1:16 am

  This was the first new vehicle I ever purchased. I loved it. Rides like a car. Havent had too many problems with it. Front pinion seal on rearend was replaced at 20000 miles. Ive gone through 2 sets of rear brake pads and still on the original front ones. Have 55,000 miles on it. ABS light is starting to come on. Worst thing is gas mileage. I only get 11 mpg city.

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  A member of the family - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By BRUCE - May 6 - 3:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 8000 miles on it, a dealer demo model. It has been an awesome truck: strong, durable, versatile, dependable. Been a lot of things that I cannot count on in my life but this is definitely a machine you can count on. I tow an 11k fifth wheel with it with no problem and even with this load it handles great. Even with a five speed this vehicle exceeds my expectations of performance. Never put gasoline in them by accident though. I did, but even then, a quick trip to the dealer and she still runs like new. Also, I had a friend with a Ford 250. We both got caught in a hailstorm. His hood had dents all over it. Mine had none! Stronger sheet metal too! Yep.

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  I love my Maxx! - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Christiekersch - May 6 - 3:50 am

  I have driven my car for 2.5 years now, and I absolutely love it. I drive quite a bit for work, and put on about 25,000 miles a year. I was fairly skeptical about buying a Chevy, but I decided to buy one since my Uncle works for GM. The extras in this car are unbeatable. The moon roof in the back and adjustable back seats give passengers a boost in comfort. I have had the dashboard vent "flutter" and the sun visor rattling issues. However, I took the car to the dealership and they fixed both under warranty. I have also had difficulties with the braking system. I had major rotor warpage at about 20,000 miles, and they fixed the problem under warranty. No problems since.

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  Dissapointing - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By fjvwj - May 6 - 2:00 am

  My first brand spankin new car/truck. Treated it like a baby. After only 21000 miles, the car feels slugish, until you smash the gas pedal. Clicking noise from underneath the car. Seats are squeaking. Outside air comes into the cabin, whether you like it or not. Anti-lock brakes engage too easily. Because of that, I almost got into so many accidents. More of a liability than an asset. Chevy will have to do better than this to get me to buy another one of their cars.