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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  honest review - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By bandyman - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Trailblazer. The exterior styling is really what won me over. And also the 0% financing. I have not been very happy since the purchase. The dealership has been very helpful, but I am making to many trips in for repairs. Problems: --AC worked intermittenly. --Fuel economy avg. 16 mpg. --seatbelts lock up constantly. --Front storage is useless, the gearshift takes away from interior functionality. (you may not notice it on a test drive, but you will in real life) --lots of interior squeaks --loud road noise over 50 plenty of horsepower, but that only goes so far. I would not recommend the Trailblazer

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  After 3000 Miles - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Likeemallcars - December 2 - 2:00 am

  After putting 36,000 miles on it I traded my 2000 Impala(3.4 L engine)in on a 2003 Impala (3.8 L engine). I bought the 2003 without getting the LS package because I liked the bench seat. The newer car has several improvements such as dual A/C controls, steering wheel mounted radio/CD controls, more powerful stereo, fold-down rear seat, and traction control. It also has better stock tires.

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  5.3 liter z71 - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By new_chevy_owner - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving this truck. My only complaints so far would be the seats. Comfortable as they may be, I wish I would have opted for the adjustable seats. I feel like Im riding low in the seat even though I think Im average height (59"). Shifting is smooth with the automatic transmission, although the lever can get in the way of radio and temperature controls.

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  Disappointed after 6 months - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By 3rd Platoon - December 2 - 12:54 am

  I had a review posted on 6/15/07. I had the truck for 2 weeks or so at that point with no issues. Ive been to the dealer twice since then to have them tighten up stupid and random squeaks, rattles and other noises. I understand that a vehicle will eventually loosen up, but Ive had this car for less than 9,000 miles and its been doing this since about 2,000. Im very disappointed in the build quality, and Ive received several comments from friends to notice the weird noises. It does not speak well for Chevy. Other than that, the vehicle has been very versatile. My wife and I have taken it on several trips, and the mileage has been better than expected (21 on the road, 16 in town).

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  COBALT LS1A - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By TJB - December 1 - 11:16 pm

  Very smooth ride and smooth acceleration. Excellent fuel economy.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bob - December 1 - 10:11 pm

  Just purchased my HHR LT2 4dr wagon. Nice vehicle to drive, good gas milage. 23 in town 30 highway. Love all the goodies, I have the Spring addition package.

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  Great truck - 2008 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Frank Evan - December 1 - 4:36 pm

  This is an excellent basic truck! Very roomy & good pep from engine. 3 trips approximately 400 miles ea and I get 25-26 mpg (automatic transmission). These trips have multiple small towns to pass through, hwy speed is mostly 60-65mph. I do not know where the Feds get their mpg information. I have always got the advertised or higher mpg on every vehicle I have owned. Zero quality problems with this truck but only 6&1/2 months ownership.

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  3 Years and Still Lovin It - 2014 Chevrolet Impala
  By Charlie F - December 1 - 12:05 pm

  Thought it was a good value when we bought it and turns out to still be the case 3 years later. Nice power, quiet comfortable ride, and good fuel economy. Still cant believe its a Chevy. Had a few electronic glitches as Chevy worked through first year of new model but all fixed. Someone earlier complained about chrome trim on passenger side mirror coming off. Mine came off in car wash a couple of years ago but I recovered and glued it on.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By capt - December 1 - 11:30 am

  I traded my 04 TrailBlazer EXT for a 2008 Z71. It has much better gas mileage. Every feature you could ask for, comfortable ride. Looks great. Added some accesories, wind visors and bug guard. Plenty of leg room in front and back.

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  Chevy is the way to go - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jb3010 - November 30 - 5:36 pm

  So far I use my truck for pleasure and work. I have owned a couple of Fords driven Dodge and this is my 3rd Chevy. The new design is awesome. The only thing Im a little dissapointed it the strength of the tie downs built in the bed. After strapping down my load they pulled out some. Other than that it handles very good, get good gas mileage for my engine size and is comfortable with all the bells and whistles I need.