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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  I really like this car - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By mrge - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car--we looked for 6 months- seriously considered the new Nissan Altima but decided the sticker price was $8ooo more for the look I wanted that this LS was able to supply. Honda Accord was my next pick--the 4 door look was blah and the 2-door, although more jazzy looking, would not serve my family needs. Also, the interior was smaller than what I was comfortable with. The LS met all my needs and desires for a reasonable price in comparison to the competition. I previously drove a Continental and I am just as happy with this vehicle--drives almost as cuhioney as the Continental but with a sportier feel.

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  Big bang for the buck! - 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By beagler54 - July 27 - 7:41 am

  I have owned this just about a month, and cant believe how much money I have already saved! Cant beat it, Great MPG: 38 hiway, 33 city so far, great trunk space than orginally thought, enough pep, seats are more comfortable..and I got the manual which I had not driven in over 20 years, and was very comfortable. I would recommend this as a good value for the money. Looked at Astra, but would have spent extra 4k. Only con, maybe more nooks and crannies, for little things i.e coins, sunglasses, etc. Other than that very, very happy with this purchase. And even enough back seat room in 4dr sedan!

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  2006 Chevy Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Mikey0495 - July 27 - 3:02 am

  Excellent vehicle. I have had it almost 2 years and have only had a couple of problems. The first was an electrical problem when the computer and vehicle would shut down. This occurred when I was around 11,000 miles. The local Chevy dealer couldnt figure the problem out. I took the car to another dealer and they replased the battery. No more electrical problems. I just passed 53,000 miles and all is good. I change the oil every 10,000 miles with Royal Purple oil and a K&N Oil filter. The only other problem is malfunctioning tire pressure sensors. They ave been replaced 3 times thus far. Its no big deal. I drive Chevys at work and they have similar issues. Otherwise, I love it!

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  Sorry I bought - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By FallonHo - July 26 - 11:09 pm

  Purchased my LTZ and have had nothing but problems with brakes and engine lights. Even the rear tail lights fell out the day I bought it. Have dealt with Chevy and dealer for Lemon Law support--of course, got nothing but arguments. Lots of repairs going on, not much fixed after trips. I stopped counting after I couldnt count the trips to service shop on my two hands. What actually happened with brakes: ended up finding out squeak pad was installed on the wrong side of brake pad. Oops! Engine light that was coming on constantly-- intake manifold was not bolted on correctly---after 8 trips to the dealer, they made this amazing find. My truck must have been built on a Friday at 4.

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  Malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Waggs2008 - July 26 - 10:40 pm

  I bought my 99 Malibu for $400. I couldnt pass it up even though I read on here before I got it, and so far mine has had head gasket problems. It runs good and I think the v6 has enough power. The car was wrecked but put back together somewhat when I got it. Still needs paint job and windshield. The CD player plays when it wants too. Same with the sunroof, its power and it doesnt wanna close all the time. Handles pretty good. Rust around the gas cap.

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  I love my Cavalier - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Charlene - July 26 - 10:10 pm

  I absolutley love my Cavalier. Ive had it for over 5 years now and I have not had a problem yet. It was previously a rental car before I bought it so I thought it would have major problems. I was completely wong. I replaced my brakes at 53,000 miles. Other than regular maintenance, it hasnt had any problems. I couldnt have asked for a better car. I get about 35 MPG on the freeway and about 30 in the city. I dont know why I get such good gas mieage (I live in Southern California for goodness sakes, I am always in traffic!). I plan on driving it until it will not run anymore because it of the gas mileage.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By rafreddy - July 25 - 10:25 pm

  This has been a great vehicle. We have 38k miles on it with no problems. The mileage is great: 32MPG Highway and 25city. The fold down seats are very easy to operate allow for ample storage. We have two kids in car seats and there is plenty of room for them in the back. I am 62" and find it a little difficult to see stop lights under the rear view mirror. This car was not designed for taller people! The window buttons are on the center console down in front of the shifter and a total pain to get to, but as with any vehicle you get used to the controls. As for the fit and finish, we have been very pleased. You get what you pay for in this vehicle.

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  Nice big car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By johnny b - July 25 - 8:24 pm

  I bought a base impala with a fake rag top which really sets the car off. I always get 33 mph on long trips and 23 in the city. I have a terrible back problem and this car does not hurt me on long trips. Plenty of room inside and the trunk. I was not even a bit hesitant in the purchase. The light driftwood metalic type paint job shines like day one. Love, love, love this car.

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  no problems - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By 1valentine - July 25 - 5:08 pm

  other than routine maintanance, I havent had a single problem throughout the years. When I purchased the car and brought it home, my son asked me WHY did I purchase this particular model car. He said theyre known to have transmission problems. Seeing this car on the lot I didnt pay attention to the make, or model. I was attracted to the body style and the bright red color. That test drive was amazingly comfortable with a smooth ride. She screamed "take me home and make me yours". Eight years, and 140K miles, signs of tranny problems are appearing in the transmission fluid change. Will run it til it drops as they advised. There will be no trading off this ole girl. Shes great

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  Still too new - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Dave Henry - July 25 - 2:49 pm

  Only have about 2000 miles so far, but that includes a couple of nice road trips. The first trip was all 2- lane roads of wildly varying altitudes, and lots of corners. The car is very confidence inspiring, with excellent grip, and crisp steering response. I was a bit surprised at this, due to the electric power steering, but hey, its just my opinion. Maybe the only handling negative is the amount of corner lean when pressing, but considering the cars mission in life, not at all surprising. Averaged about 24.5 mpg in fairly brisk driving. The second trip was 90% freeway, using cruise control.I averaged 28.5 mpg over two tanks with average speeds of 75 mph.