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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  Best Little Car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Deb - February 3 - 2:53 am

  This is the best little car. I had a Geo Metro, and this somewhat reminds me of it in terms of its size and looks, but this is a much better quality. The inside reminds me of a minivan, and is very roomy for its size. I have received many compliments on the car and the color (teal/aqua) from total strangers, including the McDonalds drive thru window lady! A great little car for commuting to the city or for interstate travel (I do both every week). The suspension is perfect; it turns on a dime and gives you change back. I highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Best truck out there - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Brian Jermyn - February 3 - 2:10 am

  This truck is an excellent vehicle. I enjoy it more every day I drive it. It is like no other truck as far as versitility goes. And it is as comfortable, and smooth as any truck can get. It rides like a car--very smooth. I have used it for numerous things- mostly comfortable trips back and forth to work, but also have picked up plenty of supplies, and it is soo easy to change from suv to p/up truck. The top panels come off, and go back on so easy it is great. anyone interested in this vehicle, do not pass it up it is an excellent vehicle. buy it and enjoy it, as much as i do.

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  Awesome truck - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Bobbi - February 3 - 1:03 am

  Ive had it a year and it is a joy to drive. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting more versatility than an ordinary truck would offer. Very comfortable ride on long trips and a joy to drive to work daily. Good power and fun to look at and own.

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  Good ride - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By steveh1354 - February 2 - 11:04 pm

  I love the way this vehicle looks and drives. Its a perfect car for the kids and long trips. Feel safe and confident. Wife fought me on buying it and now she drives it all the time. Gas mileage is pretty bad. I havnt had any problems with drive or performance. Wind noise is bad at highway speeds. Basic stereo and speakers are poor, I upgraded the speakers and that really helped. I have used this truck in some heavy snow this winter, and both the AWD and 4WD worked great. I went after market on a DVD system. Dealership wanted 1800, i got a nice one for under a 1000. Overall I love this vehicle and it looks awsome in maroon.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By gator - February 2 - 10:04 pm

  Best riding vehicle I have owned and this is my first truck. I will buy another one.

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  Avalanche Rules - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Scott Foster - February 2 - 9:39 pm

  I drove every truck before I bought my Avalanche ... I havent had such a solid sweet ride since I had my 1998 Suburban ... since then, I have had two Tahoes ... but the Avalanche is the best!

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  My Experience - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Howard - February 2 - 7:23 pm

  I have found that this SUV is very comfortable (I am 64"). Plenty of head and leg room, even I can fit in the backseat without sitting sideways. Very smooth ride, the car drives itself. Radio is confusing but the sound is great. Rear view is a negative. Its like a looking through a tunnel. For safety I put in a "Lane Changer" Mirror (cost 8 bucks). I have to get use to a smaller gas tank. (Use to 22 gal vs the 16 gal). Engine responds very smoothly but you have to watch your speed when you going 60 it feels like 30. Gas pedal is very touchy. The low end model does not come with a cargo net (cost $104) bought a generic one for $6 and does just as well. Limited cargo space.

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  My Experience - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Howard - February 2 - 7:06 pm

  I have found that this SUV is very comfortable (I am 64"). Plenty of head and leg room, even I can fit in the backseat without sitting sideways. Very smooth ride, the car drives itself. Radio is confusing but the sound is great. Rear view is a negative. Its like a looking through a tunnel. For safety I put in a "Lane Changer" Mirror (cost 8 bucks). I have to get use to a smaller gas tank. (Use to 22 gal vs the 16 gal). Engine responds very smoothly but you have to watch your speed when you going 60 it feels like 30. Gas pedal is very touchy. The low end model does not come with a cargo net (cost $104) bought a generic one for $6 and does just as well. Limited cargo space.

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  LT: Great Value - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ejcamc - February 2 - 12:34 pm

  Had LT since Oct 04. My main concern in choosing the LT over Camry and Accord was quality. So far, my concerns were unwarranted. You get a lot more for less money than you do with Camry or Accord. Especially like ABS brakes included. Like the ability to fold front and back seats. Gas mileage is 30+ on highway. I like the styling of the car and the brushed leather seats add a nice touch of elegance.

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  Impala SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By ems - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. My wife has driven to Boston a few times and she loves the way it handles and the power. She said she feels very safe an secure in it. Gas mileage is a little questionable.