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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  Room, Comfort, and Economy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Spencer - January 6 - 12:00 pm

  Before buying, I drove a Nissian Versa and a KIA Rondo. I found the HHR to be more comfortable, handle and ride better, be more responsive, and very close on fuel economy. I am very satisfied with my purchase and have gotten 34+ mpg on the highway with A/C operating. I also feel the little wagon handles like a big car.

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  Surprisingly nice - 2014 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Bill - January 6 - 1:22 am

  Replaced a 2013 Ford edge with this 2014 equinox...it handles better and seems easier to drjve a d handles better on curvy mountain roads..nice driveability

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  My new Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Chevrolet Impala LT - January 6 - 1:13 am

  I love all the buttons that you use now that I learned them all. The information you can get is very thorough and tells you all you need to know. The handling of the car is excellent. My favorites are turning on the engine before you get in. This way you can have it at the climate you want when you enter your car. I also like the alarm system where you can turn it on if you notice someone around your car that may look suspicious. The OnStar system was standard and it is great. Also the XM satellite radio is quite pleasurable. All in all it satisfies my needs immensely.

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  Comfortable, economical & reliable. - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Glenn Davis - January 5 - 7:03 pm

  Purchased as a certified vehicle from my local Chevy dealer in July of 2014 with 33K on the odometer. Got new tires as part of the deal. Up to 114K miles and I can say it has been an excellent vehicle for my purposes. I travel to BPCR matches all around the country (3-trips coast-to-coast thus far) and it hauls all my (and often another competitors) gear with zero complaint. New tires every 80K and Mobil-1 every 10K and its keeps on trucking. Think the next one will have the V6 for a bit more umph in the mountains, but the 4cyl averages just under 30mpg at 73mph on the interstates. Especially like its smaller size when in the city. Easy to maneuver/park and handles great (probably has to do with the quality Goodyear tires I keep on it) for an SUV. Have hauled as much as 1500lbs. Zero problems other a warped front rotor that was replaced ($48 part) when I had the pads replaced at 93K miles. Highly recommended.

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  Regret getting this as first car - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
  By jmpettey3 - January 5 - 4:36 pm

  This vehicle was amazing when i first purchased it. But then it went downhill from there. Once one thing broke down. Then another. I had parts quitting on me one right after another. I have practically replaced all major parts. Getting ready to replace the alternator.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By kandb09 - January 5 - 4:00 pm

  I love my TrailBlazer! I upgraded from a 2000 Grand Am which was falling apart. I bought it with 50,000 miles on it and I have no problems with it. We got a really good deal on it because it has some hail damage but I can deal with that because it pretty much paid for itself! As for gas I was only getting 26mpg with my Grand AM out of town and Im getting 24-25 with my TrailerBlazer so I cant complain.

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  1999 Suburban - long term ownership - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Rob - January 5 - 12:05 pm

  I bought my Suburban new from the dealer with long distance driving in mind. The 4x4 option was not a consideration, but ended up with it anyway. Due to the weight of this vehicle it does go through brakes and tires frequently. Tire vibration indicates the tires have reached their limit. Ive replaced all suspension pieces, upgrading as I go, as well as all electrical (starter, alternator) and the water pump/radiator. I strongly suggest upgrading components as they fail and follow the recommended replacement schedule for the fuel filter. My original fuel pump still works fine after 136,000 miles.

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  Good Little Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Jon N. - January 5 - 11:49 am

  I did a lot of homework before buying this truck and test drove most of the competitors. I liked the Colorado and it met my needs at least as well as any of the others, but I was concerned because of the poor reviews the "experts" had given it. I think the experts missed the boat on this one. I had a couple of rough spots with it right out of the box (electrical problems and front end alignment) but these were quickly corrected by my dealer and I have been very pleased with it for the nearly three years I have owned it. Performance, utility and appearance are excellent and it has done all Ive asked of it. Dont be fooled by the poor reviews - this is a nice little truck.

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  Best Choice for our Family - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By The Macs - January 5 - 10:40 am

  We are a family of 3, with a small child, and this vehicle is perfect for us. The price is great for a working family. It has roomy back seats. The cargo area is great for luggage plus a baby stroller, not to mention the extra room with the cargo racks. If you want an SUV with a car like feel, this is the choice for you.

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  Best Buy I Made - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Y Michaud - January 5 - 10:06 am

  I really enjoy driving my Trailblazer and recommend it for everyone. This was my first winter with it and I felt really safe. I do a lot of towing in the winter with my snowmobiles and had no problems.