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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  Enjoying my time with my 09 - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By greg graham - June 21 - 2:43 am

  Ive had my LTZ for 13 months and have been generally pleased. Mine is loaded with every option but the NAV. I have been pleased with the overall quality thus far with no issues to note. Im averaging 15.5 mpg which is great for this vehicle. I love the dash lay out with wood inserts. I do wish the Bose system was a center point system but as it is Im enjoying it. The 5.3 has good power. Ive added so much aftermarket to the truck to enhance my ride. 6 in running boards, mud guards,bug deflector, lift kit for the front (I hated the lower front end) now it looks level across the entire truck,rear wheel well liners, recon light bar for under tailgate, db exhaust system(cool)under seat storage etc.

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  Pleasure to drive - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Harlie - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This car glides over the highway and the pick up on it is quick from a stand still, you can really feel the power under the hood. The design is sleek with out over doing it, you will get many compliments on it every where you go.

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  like a rock - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By bullyblazer - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned right after I bought it couple of my friend liked it so much they went out looking for one and one did he bought a 2000 zr2 blazer and now my dad wants one two its just a great all around car I wouldn,t trade it for the world.

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  Love this car - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By heather stevens - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I always love to drive this car. It is cost effective and very reliable. It is a great car for first getting out of college.

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  Chevrolet Malibu 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By BarbaraTaylor - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Although, I am disappointed with the gas efficiency and the recent recall, I have experienced no problems with my Malibu. I have received numerous compliments from strangers regarding the styling and have found that it is a fun car to drive. The little features in the car are wonderful. Would highly recommend this automobile to a prospective buyer!

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  feeling special - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By mike s. - June 20 - 8:03 pm

  feel like a king in it, cant believe its as big as it is when you drive it, anybody not satisfied with the comfort, should not to get out of bed. may buy another (have two, his & hers) in a few years.

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  A car that is more than adequate - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Malibu Raptor - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have now put over 1300 miles on this car and for the most part am satified with it. I previously own a 99 and a 02 Malibu and felt they were excellent cars. I was disappointed that the base model of the new line of Malibus only has a 2.2l 4 cylinder engine, although it has more than enough power to get the job done and gets excellent mileage. A recent 360 mile road trip got 37.8 mpg according to the onboard trip computer. It is very unfortunate that they have dropped the ABS and child door locks from the standard equipment list for the base model.

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  I Love My Car - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By hot mama - June 19 - 12:46 pm

  This was the first car I purchased on my own at 19 years old I am now 25 I have 165,000 mi on it I have had a few issues but nothing my dad couldnt fix. I just had the transmission rebuilt because it was slipping but hey I bought the car with on 45,000 mi on it and I have put over 100,000 on it myself. I plan to keep this car until it dies. Overall I love this car.

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  best car - 1990 Chevrolet Camaro
  By woot - June 19 - 2:00 am

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  no substitute for horsepower - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rdwb5 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This car simply rocks. Performance, ride, handling, and looks cant be beat. Breathtaking acceleration and mind numbing ability to stop on a dime.