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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  Great gas mileage - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kshont - January 23 - 2:44 pm

  I sold my 2004 Malibu and got a 2003 one becasue the other one had too many problems. I dont know what people are talking about with gas mileage but when I drove to Florida, I got 32 m.p.g. at 85-90 mph with 4 people and trunk full of stuff. Try using fuel injector cleaner a few times, itll help. Mixed driving I, usually get 25 mpg. Drove 30,000 miles in 8 months and the only problem was the horn went bad. Turned out I needed a new fuse but it still doesnt sound the same. Gets the job done though. Cant complain paid $7200 with 38000 miles when it was still less than 2 years old.

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  Best Chevy I ever had!!! - 1991 Chevrolet S-10
  By S10s FOREVER!! - January 23 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this S10 new in 91. It sat on the lot almost a year, since it has no AC. It is mint green & white 2 tone (Have only seen 1 other like it). I LOVE this truck. Have only spent about $300 on it other than routine maint. It has 197,000+ miles on it with a 2.8 V6 and 5 spd tranny. Daily driver, still gets hwy mileage around 28 mpg, uses 1 qt of oil between 3,000 mile changes (its been like that since it was new). I would strongly advise if you can find a good older S10, BUY IT!! Im on the lookout for another one.

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  Love this truck but - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Matt - January 23 - 9:10 am

  At first I was in love with the new GMCs but now Im glad I bought the Chevy. I love the looks of mine with the factory 20s, body colored door handles, and the sunroof. Everyone tells me how awesome my truck is.

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  Best ride in a truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By bestarcher - January 23 - 2:56 am

  I must say I love this truck. It rides like a big American sedan not a truck. But it is all truck and will carry anything. Only problem I had was the front driverÂ’s window got stuck down from ice build up. GM replaced window regulator. Power steering box was replaced, not a common problem.

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  Malibu Delivers on Fuel Economy - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Ed - January 22 - 11:55 pm

  Weve had our Malibu for two months now and were very pleased with the fuel economy. We looked at hybrids but decided that wed rather pay less upfront and get better long term durability (who knows how long a hybrid battery will last). Weve gone on a few long trips too and its very comfy. XM satellite radio was the only thing we didnt want, but were finding that its one of the best options too. This car isnt killing our pocket book and were very pleased with its performance. The V6 is much peppier than the V6 Honda we got rid of.

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  Honest Truck - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By SmoothDrRod - January 21 - 10:14 am

  This truck is the honest to goodness daily driver. I have an 06 z71 4x4 automatic with factory locker rear diff. Replaced stock tires with 30x9.5x15 Wrangler silent armor tires. Off road trail fun is unbelievable. Truck in first gear engine idle will climb any hill muddy, rocky, or treachous breakover angle scenarios. Idle gives you enough power to do virtually anything reasonably so just keep on the brakes :) On street this truck is nimble and comfortable. Very svelte ride on or off road. No problems with hauling 1 ton trailer, its unnoticeable until 3 or 4 gear.

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  Very Nice Ride... - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Alex Borbely - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchused the new Dale Jr edition monte carlo SS supercharged. I love this vehical looks great in all weather. Although this will never see rain or snow. It is number 212 of 2883 being made. I love the design and rides like a car should for 28000. I recommed this car to anyone who wants a great car... Thank you chevy for making a great car...

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  Chevrolet Z71 - 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Stormchaser - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This truck is without a doubt the best truck I have ever owned. It does have its faults, mainly in the interior build quality, I do like the design. The truck has never let me down even with 111,650 miles!! Its a beutiful truck and provides a decent ride for a pick-up truck.

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  better than my Benz - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By newport mom - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Is the best car I ever had, great for moms on the go.

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  I love my Tahoe! - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Nyckeee - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck! Bumper to Bumper warantee is amazing!