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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  Chevy work truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Rtom45 - August 25 - 5:56 pm

  I had a problem with an coolant leak shortly after I got the truck. Dealership found a cut hose and replaced it. Had a condensation/fogging problem because a "gate" wasnt opening. That took longer, but we found the problem and fixed it. Truck is straight forward and functional. I would have loved standard transmission. Chose this over Nissan, Toyota, Ford, and Dodge.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Paul - August 25 - 10:20 am

  Because of previous build quality problems, American cars like these have fallen from grace. One drive in an Impala should hopefully redeem car buyers from the ongoing Japanese brainwashing and wallet draining. This car is extremely well built, very comfortable and fun to drive. It will rival any Camry or Accord at a much more reasonable price.

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  My little work truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By driftin2 - August 25 - 8:46 am

  I have owned a number of Chevy shortboxes over the years & they only seem to get better with each year. Would like to see more options on the two doors though. Like bigger engines & leather buckets. I plow snow with my truck & it works like a 3/4 ton.

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  Wife is happy - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Monte Doan - August 25 - 2:00 am

  When my wife first saw one of these she said it was the ugliest things she ever saw. I liked them, brought one home for her to drive. After taking it to the store once,and on errands the next day, she came home and said it was the best driving vehicle of its size she had ever seen. She said she could see better, and felt very secure. I bought her one and now she has told me repeatedly she will drive nothing else.

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  Great Multi-function Vehicle - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By dondeema - August 25 - 2:00 am

  About the time GM was talking about a Multi-Function vehicle, I told my wife what I would want to see. The Avalanche is close to my concept. I upgraded from my 95 extended cab 2WD Silverado to the Avalance Z71 Red and have not been disappointed one bit. Mileage is slightly better than my 95 which I am pleased with. I have used it in all the different configurations you can have and this vehicle has exceeded all my expectations. My wife and MOther-in-law both love the ride it gives, that says a lot as to the ride quality.

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  last of the C5s - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Cancerman - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Traded my WS6 Trans Am for a Millenium Yellow Vette convertible..difficult to part with my T/A but worth it! What a comfortable car that is a blast to drive!!! So far, has great mileage and the manual convertible is a snap to raise and lower. Great value for the money spent. I would highly recommend this vehicle for the luxury sports car enthusiast. It has no compromises. No complaints so far! Even my wife loves it and she is not a car nut.

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  Chevy Impala Rocks! - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cristina - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is so above and beyond what I expected. I test drove SUVs and Sedans at different price levels. This was a clear winner. It drives like a dream. The suspension is like driving a Caddy. It accelerates without jerking. It looks great, great gas mileage. This is a great deal for the price. THIS IS A TEST DRIVE MUST!

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  Terrific Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Monte Doan - August 25 - 2:00 am

  Fit and finish are far above anything Chevrolet had just a few years ago. Power is excellent,ride and handling are far above what you would expect in an SUV of this wheelbase.

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  Happy Repeat Tahoe Owner - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Ronie - August 25 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Tahoe. Our first was a 2002 4wd that we sold rather than drive it to our new location when we moved. Got a great resale price for it. Tahoe is big and bad enough to haul my trailer and handle off-road duties while still being user-friendly to my wife when she hauls the kids or groceries around town. Easy to drive/park.

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  Z51 - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Draven - August 24 - 12:12 pm

  My Torch Red Corvette Z51 Stingray is a beast. He rides like a space shuttle/jet but very smooth. Modern like a 1st class space ship. I love it.