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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  Love it - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rollie - April 24 - 10:43 am

  Having owned a few Vette converts 58,61,66,67,71,75,87, 95,98 .. I loved everyone. When I turned 65 I wanted one for keeps. The 02 Flame Red convert I now have is the best. Not one problem since I bought it. Keeps me feeling young and the gals love it.

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  Fun and Sporty Car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Brian - April 24 - 3:23 am

  Every morning I go out to my car to begin the days journey to work, a situation that will put a frown on most peoples faces. But as I walk up I hit the remote starter and hear the deep throaty roar of the V8, and I cant help but think, this is what Chevy meant by "The Heartbeat of America!" Needless to say, Every morning I drive to work with a smile on my face. This car has amazing power and very crisp handling living up very well to the Super-Sport lineage. The exterior and interior are both clean and sporty, and look distinctive from anything else on the market. In short, on paper this car was exactly what I wanted, in practice, this car is exactly what I wanted!

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  My first one - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
  By The Singer - April 23 - 10:09 pm

  Recently bought first Vette after many years of wanting one. Car is an absolute pleasure to drive. Only regret is I didnt buy one sooner. Handles nicely.

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  Good, reliable sedan - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By jonny p - April 23 - 9:07 pm

  Good sedan, bought it used in 2003 put on maybe 70,000 miles since. No mechanical problems, good interior ergonomics, very happy with the purchase.

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  Great car - 1994 Chevrolet Caprice
  By Kempen - April 23 - 7:08 pm

  What can I say? Its a Caprice! Ive had mine for 3 years now and put 45k mils on her. Its been very reliable so far minus a few little electrical issues. This car has never broken down on me and left me stranded. The L99 (4.3L)which is identical to the LT1 (5.7L) but with smaller stroke and bore is very adequate for city driving especially with some power programming. Gas mileage is very good for a 2 ton vehicle.

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  Monte Power - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By blucas2 - April 23 - 7:01 pm

  Love this car. I think Chevy realized they made this one too good so they stopped production. What a mistake. The Monte Carlo is an attractive one that screams power. My 3.4 is loaded with power. No real problems as long as you do your maintenance.

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  Better than the competition - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By docsteve - April 23 - 4:36 am

  I recently traded my 2006 Impala SS for the 2008 Malibu LT with the 4 cylinder. I was getting 13.5 mpg with my V8 powered Impala spending 500.00/month on gas! I had it forget the SS! I test drove the camry, Honda, Mazda6, Altima. As far as I am concerned it had the best ride of them all, great value for the money. The 4 cylinder is suprisinly peppy. Fit and finish are excellent. The car turns heads where ever I go. People ask what are you driving? The cabin is quiet with no wind noise on the highway. So far 26.5 local mpg and 31 highway! Unreal! cut my monthly gas bill in half!

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  Super Car by Anyones Definition - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Chip Cochran - April 22 - 5:24 pm

  This car is unbelievable! One stomp on the gas at 3,500rpm or higher is the thrill of a lifetime - under 3,500 - fun and tame! Great gas mileage and the power is extreme if you demand it. Fabulous build quality and design. I have never had a car I enjoyed more. I will keep this the rest of my life as a weekend fun machine. Cant believe I actually got one - 2nd one my dealer got. Only waited 7 months.

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  04 Malibu LT - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jim cunningham - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Overall satisfaction is high. LT model is loaded with enjoyable extras. Comfort is high for mid-size car. Dealer follow up far above expectations.

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  Gotta luv it! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By danlwil - April 21 - 2:00 am

  If you drive one... everything else seems impractical. The versitility. styling and comfort are the best part of this truck. Did I meantion mods? This truck was built to modify.... do what you will. It will only make cool cooler!!