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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  Now I know why we always bought Toyotas - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By mwermuth - December 3 - 4:39 am

  A complete lemon. We purchased the car in 2005 and have had more problems than we ever had with any other car. Year 1, trips to dealer for repairs 4 Cause, after market DVD player falling off the ceiling and no volume in stereo. Water leaking through window seal. Year 2, trips to dealer 3 Cause, broken belts in two tires, that they denied were a problem. Resulted in complete replacement of tires and wheel hub and bearing assemblies. Year 3, Replaced breaks and rotors Year 4, Replaced tires and exhaust system which had completely rusted out. Year 5, New breaks and idle pulley and serpentine belt. Also new water pump. Cont...

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  Truck Shakes over 70 mph - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By bruno32975 - December 3 - 4:15 am

  I bought a new 2014 Silverado Lt 2 wheel drive crew cab. It is a nice truck but on the highway it shakes terribly between 70-78 mph. I have had the tires rotated and road force balanced twice and it has not helped. The truck has been in the shop twice for this problem. I received a loaner truck which is also a 2014 Silverado and it does the same. I would reconsider buying this truck again.

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  Pace Car Excellence - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Ritomcsspc - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2000 mc pace car edition new and absolutely love it. The pace car package added to this vehicle was an excellent idea making a car that is one of a kind. There were only about 2222 of this type made for that year. I love the quality of this vehicle and have had no problems with the car. Even after owning it for over 3 years it still brings a thrill to drive it and still turns heads. Ive been very pleased with the power and handling of this car and have taken it through the curves on the road at 80 or 90+ mph without flinching. I love the power but am glad to here Chevy is now offering a supercharged edition of the 3.8 liter engine.

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  best for the buck - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By aj-chevy - December 3 - 2:00 am

  its the best for the buck, fun to drive, clean lines.

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  Cavalier - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By User555 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Concur with the editor review in so far as the interiors. The inside fabric is very cheap! I have seen better fabric being sold as seat covers. However, we get what we pay for. With the average price of a car $26K, the Cavalier delivers a punch for its price.

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  the best car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By allhailadam55 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  the car is great except a little laggy on the automatic trans. but besides that everything is average or above in my book i dont know what the editors problem is!!!!!

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  2004 Malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Thomas Smeader - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a number of features which make it very desirable. Malibu has comfortable seats, excellent head and leg room for tall drivers, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, height- adjustable brake and gas pedals. Malibu is built on a Saab frame and provides a tight ride with no under- or over-steer. The ride is quiet and smoothe and the vehicle accelerates well in the 50 mph to 75+ mph range. Good visibility for the driver. Dash board instruments are well designed and easily readable. Heating, cooling, and ventilating knobs are within easy reach. Good trunk room. 16" wheels. Understated lines - fun to drive.

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  NICE!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Poopy - December 3 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST MUSCLE CAR ON THE MARKET 2DAY.

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  My Midlife Crisis Come True - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By doxcr - December 3 - 2:00 am

  As the result of an accident, I have been confined to a wheelchair (w/c) for the past 26 years. I started out driving a van converted to accomodate my chair; however, it is hard to find reliable businesses to repair w/c lifts and seating. I have been in love with the Monte Carlo SS for the past 30 years and when I saw the design of the Monte Carlo last year, I decided it was time to get myself strong enough to go to a car. There were a few issues in the beginning but now I am very pleased with my decision.

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  Monte Carlo Rating - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By JHTruman - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The car is an excellent collecting car and car to drive. Its very fast and powerful. It is great for comfort and it gets great milage. Its also a great looking car and very dependable.