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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  My HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By laurie turnovsky - March 8 - 11:43 pm

  We test drove the PT Cruiser before buying the HHR. I would say both cars have the same power however, my husband felt the PT on acceleration was bit slower on the pickup than the HHR. The exterior of the HHR in regards to design we felt was exceptional and far more superior in body design than the PT. In addition we feel the HHR has more room than the PT as the body is longer. My husband is 64" and has plenty of head and body room. One of our dogs is very big and has plenty of room in the cargo area. We feel we got far more with our money and a much better buy than the PT. Very happy customers.

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  Great Family Car - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By hot mama - March 8 - 10:18 pm

  This car has been a great car for our family. We put on a lot of miles traveling all over town and it is for the most part very reiliable. There has only been minor problems with some electrical in this car. like a light wont work one day but will the next. It is extremely comfortable. In 2003 there was no other SUV on the market this roomy or comfortable. We have a Z71 package with a TV and that has also been a great delight for our kids

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  I love this car! - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By rayscar - March 8 - 6:52 pm

  Ive had my 2008 Corvette Coup, black/blackMag ride, 3LT, Nav, chrome wheels, 6 paddle auto, trans roof, for about a week now. I love this car. I had many new cars over the years but this car is special. The ride is very good. It is surprisingly comfortable as a daily driver. The coupe has lots of cargo space. The handling is excellent. With 430 hp the power is endless. No trouble hitting holes in traffic. The looks are amazing. I get so many compliments on this car. Ive heard complaints about cheap interior but I think it looks and feels great. The heated leather sport seat are comfortable. I have no regrets just sorry I didnt buy it sooner. It is amazing!

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  REB - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ron Bowlin - March 8 - 6:25 am

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  Mini van replacement - 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
  By brjunc - March 7 - 11:08 pm

  So far so good. Fuel economy with mixed driving 20.6mpg. Hoped for better. Drives and rides great. Look forward to traveling this summer.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By InZane4all - March 7 - 10:19 pm

  I previously had a 2007 Cobalt LT Coupe. The car was ok but was missing power. I also hated the fact that the car came with hubcaps which made loud noises on every bump. I wanted an SS/SC but was unable to get one at a good price. So I decided to get a Cobalt SS and wow! Big difference from an LT. 17 chrome wheels, Pioneer sound system, interior is way better than my old LT. The 2.4L engine is so powerful, it reminds me of my old 94 Camaro V6. I did change the wing to the high rise one that comes standard on an SS/SC only because I think the wing makes my Cobalt SS stand out more.

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  Best Car Ive ever had - 1992 Chevrolet Caprice
  By Scott - March 7 - 8:44 pm

  Bst car that I have ever owned. Geat for towing and long trips on the highway. Petty easy to work on too.

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  Keep up the good work GM - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Impala Lover - March 7 - 8:50 am

  I recently bought a 3LT Impala and am already convinced it is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. GM put a lot of time and effort into refining the exterior and interior with over 1,000 new parts compared to the previous generation. The 3.9 engine has lots of power, makes good mileage, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The car has an air of luxury about it, but without the price.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Bob S - March 6 - 10:19 pm

  I have been very happy with my 2005 Cobalt. The gas mileage exceeds the sticker average by a mile. At 55mph on a two hundred mile trip, we got 40.2 mpg. The car has been a pleasure to drive. City driving it gets 29mpg. Its quick and corners well.

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  Good SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Dave - March 6 - 7:00 pm

  I have 31000 hard driven miles and this truck loves to run wide open. I have taken many long road trips 18 hrs non stop felt great when arrived. Helps to add cold air intake & dual exhaust