The Chevrolet brand has always been recognised as a major automobile brand in the US. Chevrolet vehicles are now retailed in 44 countries and make up 1/16th of the cars on the road. Chevrolet is known for being a brand that is practical and good value but the car models have been considered by some to have been a bit dull looking with mediocre handling. Chevrolet is striving to counter that view.

The History of Chevrolet
Louis Chevrolet moved to the United States aged 22 having spent years gaining experience designing and building bicycles in his native Switzerland. He founded the Chevrolet Motor Company of Michigan in 1911. In 1915, this company was incorporated into the Chevrolet Motor Co. of Delaware. General Motors bought out the operating assets of Chevrolet in 1918. When General Motors expanded their operations to Europe, the first vehicle assembled outside of the US was a Chevrolet utility truck. Chevrolet was a major player in automobile sales in the 20th Century, particularly in the United States where the Corvette remains the most successful Chevrolet of all time, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2003. There is a thriving UK market in Corvettes but do consult with an expert if considering a 'Vette' as these are complex machines with potentially catastrophic running costs. A major event in the history of Chevrolet in Europe took place when, in 2005 General Motors decided to re-brand Daewoo models and dealerships as Chevrolet. Most UK Chevrolet models were, therefore previously Daewoo.

Chevrolet has embraced 21st century issues with a "Recycling-oriented design" approach to developing products, which involves consideration of the materials used in the production of their vehicles. The main feature of such a strategy is to conserve energy and materials by cutting down on waste both during the production process and when a vehicle comes to the end of its life. Using parts that can be easily reused, and using materials that can be recycled can achieve this. Also part of this strategy is to use recycled materials in the initial building process.

Current Chevrolet UK models
The Chevrolet models currently available in the UK are:
  • Matiz: The smallest Chevrolet currently on the market, available with a 800cc or 1.0l engine. It is a good city car as it is narrow so good for parking or getting through small spaces. The headroom is also good compared to other small cars. The low engine capacity means that it is not good for long distance driving. Power steering and a CD player with 4 speakers are standard. Upgrades include alloy wheels and air conditioning.
  • Kalos: 1.2l and 1.4l manual models are available. It is a standard, comfortable car, which is relatively cheap in comparison to other makes. The NCAP safety rating, however, is not the highest and some have criticised steering and handling.
  • Aveo: The Aveo is a mini car, due to go on sale in the UK in spring 2008. Two types will be available, a regular 1.4l engine and a fuel efficient 1.2l.
  • Lacetti: A reasonably priced car with 1.4l or 1.6l engine, results of road tests revealing surprisingly good handling. It is being marketed as the most exciting model of the current Chevrolet range, this is in comparison to the rather bland but reliable Matiz and Kalos. In fact a sporty 1.8 version is also available.
  • Lacetti Station Wagon: A sporty 1.8 l station wagon. Designed to be comfortable and roomy, it was previously known as the Daewoo Nubira.
  • Tacuma: The standard Tacuma is a 1.6l multi purpose vehicle with air conditioning and ABS. A 2.0l version is also available. The handling and space is generally reported to be good, although it is often considered to be a bland looking car. Despite this, the under seat drawers and picnic tables make it a good family car.
  • Captiva SUV: This is a mid-range 4x4, with 5 seat and 7 seat models. 2.0l Diesel and 2.4l petrol models are available. 16.5" alloys, air conditioning and a 7 speaker CD sound system with mp3/mp4 jack are amongst the standard features. Upgrades include full leather seats, a refrigerated glove box, automatic rain sensitive wipers and automatic light sensitive headlights. The Captiva SUV is thought to be a reasonable model with good space for passengers, but testers believe that the handling is surpassed by the Honda CR-V and the Nissan X-trail. Attempts have been made to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the Captiva SUV, which brings it into a lower tax bracket than previously.
Things to consider
An important point to consider when buying a car is what the car will be used for. Does the car need to have a lot of room for a family, or does it need to make a statement in its design? Will the car be used predominantly in the city or for motorway driving?

Buying a Second Hand Chevrolet
If you are looking for a second hand Chevrolet then it is important not to narrow down the options too far. Supply is limited in any case as the re-branding from Daewoo is a relatively recent move by GM. Keeping an open mind as to models will ensure that good potential deals will not be overlooked. Used cars can be purchased privately or from a dealer. In both cases it is essential to check the history of the car. This includes an HPI check to ensure the car isn't on finance, hasn't been previously written off and isn't stolen. Also check for any damage that the car currently has and how much it would cost to put right. Look at the car's service history and check the regularity with which it was serviced. This may also help you determine whether the mileage is likely to be genuine. Unless you are a mechanic, take one with you or have the car RAC or AA imspected.

Once happy with the state of the car it should be taken on a test drive. It is important to make sure that this is insured. Usually (but NOT ALWAYS) a motorist who has comprehensive insurance to drive their own car will have cover to drive another car with the owners permission BUT ONLY THIRD PARTY liability so you will be liable for the entire value of the car if you have an accident that is your fault during the test drive. After a successful test drive a price can be agreed upon. Keep negotiations pleasant and be ready to walk away of you can't achieve a price you feel is fair.
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