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 love my Equinox! - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Dee - June 9 - 8:04 am

  I needed more room and traded in my Chevy Malibu 2004. I love the versitility and space. It drives great and handles even better in bad weather with traction control.

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  Above average Monte Carlo - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Raze - June 9 - 4:33 am

  The auto industry criticizes the Monte Carlo for being subpar, but it is actually a great vehicle. It has guts, and enough performance potential to put a smile on anybodys face. There are also many parts available for a good price. The car is also very reliable. I know people with Monte Carlos and they say that they never had a problem and neither have I. The interior design may be a little outdated, but it is comfortable and functional, so it works. Fuel economy is pretty good, and if you like the design then I guarantee that you will love the car. The low and wide stance helps give that car good handling and great stability on the highway. this car is actually much better than average.

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  Amazing Car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By LM - June 8 - 10:56 pm

  This car has made amazing mileage. On a trip across SD got 35 miles to the gallon and in normal traffic around 30 miles per gallon. It runs well and the air conditioning is excellent it keeps the entire car cool.

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  My Camaro - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Jennifer Parker - June 8 - 9:44 pm

  I have the teal green Camaro and it has almost three hundred thousand miles on it. My Camaro has taken me from Michigan to Kentucky to Michigan then to Louisiana and now Texas, all without a problem. My Camaro has proven its worth in gold, except for the problem of the anti-theft and the struts.

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  Great car - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By jmbc08 - June 8 - 9:22 pm

  What can I say, its an all around great car. It fits my every need. The motor is great, nice horsepower and torque. You can put a beating on it and it wont die. Has no problem burning out too. Two complaints I always get are the seats are comfortable and it rides smooth. Very smooth and a lot of space inside for leg room. CD player is pretty good, so are the speakers. The trunk is excellent for putting a lot of things in it. Taken it on road trips and has no issues what so ever. Take care of this car and youll put many miles on it. I recommend to anyone who has a family or carries three or more people.

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  13 years and going - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By huntt - June 8 - 2:34 pm

  A few replacement parts here and there. Usual upkeep as with any car. I get 19-21 mpg (still) highway miles. I love that it still looks good at its age. Alloy wheels could be replaced but thats another story. It has truly been a great car. I have owned this car longer than any other car. I plan to drive it till the wheels fall off.

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  Love it! - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Gorgeous Gal08 - June 8 - 1:45 pm

  Good handling car. Has good get up and go power for a 2.2 4 cylinder. Rear end is a little high with spoiler to back up on onto a slight incline. Love the round tail lights and the sleek finish on the front. Good car for the money and gets awesome gas mileage.

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  adaquate - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
  By randy wellens - June 8 - 11:45 am

  just ok

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  Fun Factor = 10 - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Lloyd - June 8 - 11:15 am

  This is my second Corvette. After owning a 1986 Vette that I sold due to 2 teenage boys I just had to have another once they moved out. This Vette will keep a smile on your face. Very fun car to own and drive! Zero problems in the first 6 months and 2k miles of ownership. Paddle-shifting at full throttle with the optional dual-mode exhaust is a blast! Great handling and smooth ride - hard to believe you could have both! I expect well keep this Vette for quite some time and then pass it down to the kids.

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  I like mine - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Endsley - June 8 - 8:48 am

  I was pleasantly surprised at the quiet ride, and the seats provide good support and comfort. I have the rear end lock up on my 2wd. Every so often Ill go off road when fishing, but stick to trails. Glad The OnStar is a great feature and I really like the XM radio