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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  fun to drive and own - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MGard - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I drive a great deal and love my new malibu. It is great to drive on the highway with very good gas mileage. The stereo is great, i have the 6 disc cd upgrade

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  Way better than you think - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By flbuyer - July 5 - 4:16 pm

  I was skeptical too. GM? Equinox? But shopping for a mini SUV I thought it worth a look. Long story short, I bought. The LTZ I bought is loaded with everything you can imagine - certainly beats features of CRV EXLnavi and RAV4. This thing is really refined. Dont look for power, just quite. BTW this is a BIG vehicle to get 22mpg around town over the last few days. Two tone leather interior is huge - back seat is like a limo. cargo area a bit narrower than competition but plenty big. Ride is hushed and refined - very solid. details will wow you at reasonable pricing. get invoice deal very easily, also currently $1,000 rebates if you own (not trade) a non-gm car.

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  No need to spend big bucks - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By NC Mountains - July 5 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this Venture for almost 6 months now. We feel it is a bargain if you do not opt for all the add-ons that jack the price up so high. It comes equipped with a/c, power windows, locks, automatic, basically everything that is necessary. If you want a new minivan for around $20,000 you just cant go wrong. I cant see paying $10,000 extra for all the options thrown at you. It doesnt do a thing to the performance of the van as the engine, transmission are the same no matter what you pay. The engine is more than adequate and has no problem climbing the steep grades in western NC. The ride is fine and you cant beat the value.

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  Equinox Recommended - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By 4-4VT - July 5 - 12:26 am

  I just got my Equinox this Tuesday. I used it for a 170 mile round trip to watch my Hokies play spring football. The car did great. Gas mileage was about 29 mpg for the total trip (including gameday traffic). The ride and comfort was incredible. I traveled on an interstate and the 4 cyl did fine. I hope the reliability is as good as my first impression of this vehicle. I would strongly recommend folks looking at this choice in the small SUV class. I thoroughly enjoy the Pioneer sound system and the options it affords the listener.

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  04 Intimidator SS Supercharged - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By intimidatorss - July 4 - 8:58 pm

  This is my first car and I couldnt ask for anything better. I only ran into one MAJOR problem since Ive had it. I need a steering rack and an outter tierod. This car is beast I only have 71k on her and she can smoke almost anything around me. I love the gas mileage I get when im doing 65 on I-95 I get about 43mpg on the flats. Chevy you screwed up big time when you stopped making this car. I personally think this is the best car you have ever had.

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  Great Truck All Around - 1998 Chevrolet S-10
  By dss70 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my second S-10 and have been very happy with it, I have had more minor issues with this one all mentioned already. lumbar, seat adjusters, 3rd door handle and ignition wires have all broken at least once most several times dealer support varies depending on the milage. but it gets great millage for a truck always around 23mpg and handles great very comfortable. exterior remains in great shape, even after fairly heavy work use. the 4 cyl. is fine to get around but would be wise to go with 6 if you will be haulling or towing much

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  best in years - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By candace - July 4 - 2:00 am

  this is the best truck i have seent in years i have had a truck my whole life and i have never been more satisfied as i am now!!!!

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  my review - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rotten - July 4 - 2:00 am

  its great, i really like it a lot, it is a really great car and is nice to drive. The body of it is just great, my engine is to the max, and i wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  the Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Vi - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love it, I love it, I love it

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  Great car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By My Chevy - July 3 - 10:00 am

  It can seat 6 comfortably.It handles well.It,s easy to drive.$3,000 incentive makes the price affordable. Large trunk.Seats fold down therefore trunk space is enormous.