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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  It took 20years, but I finally got mine - 1995 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Mike C. - June 21 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this car used from the original owner with 28,000 miles on it. The car runs great (that LT1 is turbine smooth) and is very comfortable for long trips (even with the base suspension). Ive put 17,000 miles on it in the 3 years Ive owned it. I havent had any problems. I do get the odd WRX on my tail, but hey, I paid half of what that thing costs. Plus, its a Vette! For those who complain about getting in/out of the Vette, remember, its a sports car, not a Miata. With a little investment, this baby could run with Enzos, F40s and Lambos at a fraction of the cost.

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  Walkers review - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By eric walker - June 21 - 2:20 pm

  This is an excellent car, the best Ive ever driven. Fuel economy is great for the size of the vehicle. Its comfortable, roomy, and good looking. I havent had a single problem with the car.

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  So far Im pleased - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Carl R. Sandstedt - June 20 - 11:03 am

  There should be more medium/large hatchbacks out there besides the Mazda6 and the Maxx. I picked the Maxx because it had a low maintainence OHV engine, a wide variety of local dealers most (in my experience) who have given higher quality service than their import selling cohorts, and because it was unique in concept but every day Chevy in execution. So far its delivered as advertised, delivering very good gas mileage near the EPA averages of 22/30. Some reviews have knocked the electric steering, but other than a slight bit of twitchiness on uneven roads, Ive noticed no problems. Maybe Chevy has improved things since the 04 model. Simple 4-speed auto nicely matched to engine.

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  Best Car for the Buck - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By mntaxman - June 20 - 10:43 am

  The best car I have ever owned. The power is outstanding and with all the add ons available from SLP it can only increase. It is too bad they do not make these any more, the styling is excellent as well. Mine is the upgraded SS model with a six speed. Never any trouble passing.

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  Aveo great so far - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By smokedummy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of its economy and relatively large interior. The ride is quiet and smooth, and has adequate power to carry four adults around. With all the bells and whistles of this LS, there was no reason for me to look at a more expensive car - I think the Aveo is a really great deal.

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  Batmobile II - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mayormike - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Monte SS in 2002 and dubbed it the Batmobile. After seeing and driving the 2004 supercharged SS, I couldnt resist purchasing it. To top it off, I got a great deal on a great car! The ride is comfortable and exhilarating, the power exceptional and the subtle changes that were made between 2002 and now make my new Monte Carlo a pleasure to drive.

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  Wow! - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By dirtypool - June 20 - 2:00 am

  One test drive and your hooked. I purchased the model without body armor and I think they look even better than before.

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  My Z34 - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Steve-o - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had good luck with my Monte. Its fun to drive and looks sharp. I highly recommend the Z34 model over the plane jane LS. I have a noisy steering box, but under warranty they changed everything steering related and never were able to make the noise completely go away. That was 40,000 miles ago and it hasnt gotten any worse so I figure it must just be the way the cars are built.

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  I like my 99 malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By gm_lover - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My Malibu was one-year off-lease when I bought it in 2000. Its running very well without problems. Now the mileage is 40000Miles.

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  Malibu - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By asnakhleh - June 19 - 9:40 am

  This car is well equiped and price is reasonable