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2012 Chevrolet Avalanche

Imagine cutting off the back portion of the Suburban, which is the basic idea of the Avalanche. The Avalanche features a small exposed truck bed separated from the passenger compartment by a type of a door called a midgate. The 2nd row seats can be folded and the midgate lowered to extend the cargo area from behind the driver's seat through to the back of the bed. Aside from its sibling the Cadillac Escalade EXT, there is nothing else like it on the market. All three trim levels equip a 5.3L V-8. The Avalanche is available in 2WD and 4WD models, and offers a dedicated Z71 off-road package. A properly equipped Avalanche can tow up to 8100 lbs. The biggest drawback to the Avalanche is price. Avalanche models typically run thousands of dollars higher than similarly equipped Silverado Crew Cab models.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

Through five generations, the Chevrolet Camaro has been General Motor's answer to the successful Ford Mustang. The latest Camaro is a thoroughly modern vehicle with fresh new styling and strong performance credentials. Four trim levels are offered: LS, LT, SS and ZL1. The LS and LT models equip a powerful but fuel-efficient 323-bhp, 3.6L V6 engine, but it is the 6.2L V8-powered SS that will have people reliving the muscle car era. For ultimate bragging rights, the Camaro ZL1 equips a supercharged V8 engine producing 580-bhp which makes it the most powerful factory Camaro ever. The ZL1 is for a select few given its sticker price of $55,000 before the federal gas guzzler tax is added. With prices ranging from the mid-twenties to the high thirties, the rest of the Camaro range offers outstanding performance value.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Through five generations, the Chevrolet Camaro has been General Motor's answer to the successful Ford Mustang. The Camaro convertible is a four-passenger soft-top convertible that can retract in about 20 seconds. Convertible models are offered in LT and SS trim levels. The base LT model equips a 323-bhp, 3.6L V6 engine, but it is the 6.2L V8-powered SS that will have people reliving the muscle car era. With prices ranging from the high twenties, the Camaro convertible offers outstanding performance value.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab

The Chevrolet Colorado (and GMC Canyon) is a midsize truck available in regular, extended, and crew cab models. A standard 2.9L I-4 is complemented by optional 3.7L inline-5 cylinder and 5.3L V8 engines. The engine choices leave the Colorado in an interesting position given the widespread availability of V6 engines in the class. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The Colorado can tow up to 6000 lbs. when equipped with the 5.3l V8.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab

The Chevrolet Colorado (and GMC Canyon) is a midsize truck available in regular, extended, and crew cab models. A standard 2.9L I-4 is complemented by optional 3.7L inline-5 cylinder and 5.3L V8 engines. The engine choices leave the Colorado in an interesting position given the widespread availability of V6 engines in the class. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The Colorado can tow up to 6000 lbs. when equipped with the 5.3l V8.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab

The Chevrolet Colorado (and GMC Canyon) is a midsize truck available in regular, extended, and crew cab models. A standard 2.9L I-4 is complemented by an optional 3.7L inline-5 cylinder engine. The engine choices leave the Colorado in an interesting position given the widespread availability of V6 engines in the class. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Regular cab models can tow up to 4000 lbs. when properly equipped.

2012 Chevrolet Corvette

As the classic American sports car, the Corvette is power and style personified. The Corvette model range is vast offering a number of performance, appearance and equipment options. Most Corvette models are powered by a 6.2l V8 engine rated at over 430-bhp. Grand Sport models are differentiated by unique styling elements, a reworked suspension with a wider track. The range also includes the highly-specialized Z06 performance model with a unique 505-bhp 7.0l (427 cubic inch) V8 engine. The ultimate Corvette is the ZR1 coupe. The supercharged 6.2l V8 in the ZR1 is also rated at 505-bhp and helps propel it to a top speed of 205 MPH. With pricing ranging from $50,000 to over $123,000, the Corvette is a strong performance value.

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

As the classic American sports car, the Corvette is power and style personified. The Corvette model range is vast offering a number of performance, appearance and equipment options. Most Corvette models are powered by a 6.2l V8 engine rated at over 430-bhp. Grand Sport models are differentiated by unique styling elements, a reworked suspension with a wider track. Convertible models have a manually operated soft top, but power actuation is available as an option. With pricing ranging from $50,000 to over $123,000, the Corvette is a strong performance value.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet has made steady but slow progress on improving its small cars over the last decade. On paper, the Cruze looks like the most competitive small car GM has produced to date. The Cruze is larger than the Cobalt sedan with a more stylish exterior and interior. Powertrain choices center around smaller displacement 1.4l and 1.8l four cylinder engines and include six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The Cruze ECO model equipped with a manual transmission is rated at 42MPG on the highway by the EPA. All other models are rated in the mid-thirties. Like other entry-level models, the Cruze cuts corners by including drum brakes in the rear and using steel rims in place of alloy wheels. As you climb the trim levels and options, the Cruze is priced competitively with its Japanese rivals. At $21,000, the 2LT is the best value with leather seats, disc brakes and common power equipment.

2012 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is a midsized five passenger SUV/Crossover. Although it appears larger on the outside, the Equinox has roughly the same or less interior volume than the popular Honda CR-V. With a passenger volume of around 100 cubic feet, the Equinox is roughly equivalent to a mid-sized sedan like the Chevrolet Malibu. Offered in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, buyer can choose between a 182-bhp 2.4l four-cylinder and a 255-bhp 3.0l V6 engine. The base FWD LS model includes common power equipment and alloy wheels for around $24,000. The luxurious LTZ model priced from $30,000 includes heated leather seats and a power rear tailgate.

2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger Van

Full-sized cargo vans offer many of the capabilities of a pickup truck with enclosed storage. Passenger van models offer the unmatched capability of hauling lots of passengers while also being able to tow. Unfortunately, full-size vans are some of the largest vehicles on the road. The Express is available in a myriad of configurations ranging from passenger vans and work vans to a bare chassis that serve as the starting point for conversion vans.

2012 Chevrolet Impala

The Chevrolet Impala is a large sedan with a generous interior and large trunk. With its ample size and moderate price, the Impala sits in a sweet spot within the sedan market. Last reworked in 2006, the Impala wears smooth, inoffensive styling. LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels are offered. All models are front-wheel-drive and equip a 300-bhp, 3.6l V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The Impala is one of the few vehicles available with a front bench seat. The 2012 model year is the last for this body style.

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet offers a range of sedans from the small Sonic to the large Impala. The Malibu offers a little more legroom and power than the Cruze. The front-wheel-drive Malibu is offered with either a 2.4L 4-cylinder or 3.6L V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic. Three trim levels are offered: LS, LT, and LTZ. The interior of the Malibu is offered with a wide variety of unique color combinations. The Malibu is due to be replaced in 2012 with an all-new model.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet offers a range of sedans from the small Sonic to the large Impala. The Malibu offers a little more legroom and power than the Cruze. The Malibu LS, LT and LTZ include a 2.5l four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic. The Malibu Eco features a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.4l four-cylinder engine with a 15kW electric motor. General Motors is staggering the release of the Malibu selling the Eco model alongside the prior-generation 2012 models. The LS, LT and LTZ models will be available later in the model year.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

The Silverado is Chevrolet's full-sized truck, which aside from styling and package differences is nearly identical to the GMC Sierra. The Silverado 1500 series encompasses a broad range of cab styles, bed lengths, powertrains, and towing capabilities. Trim levels range from the bare bones Work Truck models with vinyl seats and floors to the well-appointed LTZ. The midrange LT and LTZ models offer most of features truck buyers are looking for. The LT equips cloth seats and the LTZ has leather bucket seats. Powertrain choices are broad ranging from the V6 engine in the base model to a brawny 6.2l V8 for increased towing or bragging rights. One capability that is unique to GM trucks is the 6.0l gas/electric hybrid model (crew cab only). The hybrid system increases city/highway fuel economy and adds additional utility. Pricing is competitive with other trucks, but bigger engines and options add up quickly. Any truck shopper looking to tow should pay careful attention to the option list to make sure their truck is properly equipped for the job.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab

The Silverado is Chevrolet's full-sized truck, which aside from styling and package differences is nearly identical to the GMC Sierra. The Silverado 1500 series encompasses a broad range of cab styles, bed lengths, powertrains, and towing capabilities. . Trim levels range from the bare bones Work Truck models with vinyl seats and floors to the well-appointed LTZ. The midrange LT and LTZ models offer most of features truck buyers are looking for. The LT equips cloth seats and the LTZ has leather bucket seats. Powertrain choices are broad ranging from the V6 engine in the base model to a brawny 6.2l V8 for increased towing or bragging rights. Pricing is competitive with other trucks, but bigger engines and options add up quickly. Any truck shopper looking to tow should pay careful attention to the option list to make sure their truck is properly equipped for the job.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab

The Silverado is Chevrolet's full-sized truck, which aside from styling and package differences is nearly identical to the GMC Sierra. The Silverado 1500 series encompasses a broad range of cab styles, bed lengths, powertrains, and towing capabilities. Trim levels range from the bare bones Work Truck models with vinyl seats and floors to the well-appointed LTZ. The midrange LT and LTZ models offer most of features truck buyers are looking for. The LT equips cloth seats and the LTZ has leather bucket seats. Powertrain choices are broad ranging from the V6 engine in the base model to a brawny 6.2l V8 for increased towing or bragging rights. Pricing is competitive with other trucks, but bigger engines and options add up quickly. Any truck shopper looking to tow should pay careful attention to the option list to make sure their truck is properly equipped for the job.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic 5d

The Chevrolet Sonic replaces the Korean-built Aveo in the lineup. Like many automakers, Chevrolet offers two vehicles in the compact segment. Chevrolet positions the significantly larger and more expensive Cruze as a premium compact leaving room for the Sonic as a value-oriented alternative. In terms of competitive vehicles, the Sonic sedan is larger than the Toyota Yaris, and Ford Fiesta, but smaller than the Nissan Versa. The Sonic shares its powertrains with its larger sibling the Cruze. Buyers can opt for either a 1.8l four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.4l with similar output. Even though the Sonic touts a low starting price, it does so by omitting common equipment like power windows, power mirrors, and cruise control and rear disc brakes. There are competitive vehicles in the class that offer this equipment in similarly priced vehicles.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic sedan

The Chevrolet Sonic replaces the Korean-built Aveo in the lineup. Like many automakers, Chevrolet offers two vehicles in the compact segment. Chevrolet positions the significantly larger and more expensive Cruze as a premium compact leaving room for the Sonic as a value-oriented alternative. In terms of competitive vehicles, the Sonic sedan is larger than the Toyota Yaris, and Ford Fiesta, but smaller than the Nissan Versa. The Sonic shares its powertrains with its larger sibling the Cruze. Buyers can opt for either a 1.8l four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.4l with similar output. Even though the Sonic touts a low starting price, it does so by omitting common equipment like power windows, power mirrors, and cruise control and rear disc brakes. There are competitive vehicles in the class that offer this equipment in similarly priced vehicles.

2012 Chevrolet Suburban

The latest Suburban is the most refined vehicle to ever wear the name. The Suburban is Chevrolet's long wheelbase full-sized SUV. Other divisions of GM sell variations as the Escalade and Yukon. Inside, there are three rows of seats for up to 9 passengers depending on the equipped seating. Compared to the shorter-wheelbase variant Tahoe, the Suburban is some 20 inches longer in overall length. Most of the length is behind the second row seats nearly doubling the cargo capacity behind the third row. The standard 5.3L and 6.0L V-8 (3/4 ton models) engines have cylinder deactivation technology to allow the engine to run on 4-cylinders under light load conditions. Although full-size SUVs have become popular as family haulers, their only real advantage is tow ratings of over 7500 lbs. Full-size SUVs with truck underpinnings are robbed of interior space with the body mounted over the frame. Most families would be better served with a crossover SUV such as the Chevrolet Traverse. Many offer similar legroom with improved maneuverability, cargo capacity and fuel efficiency for less money.

2012 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a shorter wheelbase variant of the Suburban. Other divisions of GM sell variations as the Escalade and Yukon. Inside, there are three rows of seats for up to 9 passengers depending on the equipped seating. The standard 5.3L V8 engine can tow 5000 lbs. (8000 with towing package). One advantage the full-sized GM SUVs (Escalade/Tahoe/Yukon) have is the availability of a hybrid powertrain. Fuel Economy in the Tahoe Hybrid jumps to 20/23 (city/highway) while still maintaining a 5000+ lb. tow rating. Unfortunately the hybrid powertrain is a pricey upgrade costing over $10,000. Although full-size SUVs have become popular as family haulers, their only real advantage is higher tow ratings. Full-size SUVs with truck underpinnings are robbed of interior space with the body mounted over the frame. Most families would be better served with a crossover SUV such as the Chevrolet Traverse. Many offer similar legroom with improved maneuverability, cargo capacity and fuel efficiency for less money.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is one of several closely related crossover vehicles for General Motors. Along with the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, the Traverse is a good alternative one those customers shopping full-sized SUVs. Available in FWD or AWD drivelines, the Traverse offers one powertrain choice: a 3.6L V-6 coupled to a 6-speed automatic. Chevrolet positions the Traverse as an alternative to the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and the Ford Explorer. Offered in LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels, well-equipped models of the Traverse run from $36,000 on up. The Traverse can tow up to 5,200 lbs. Customers who need roomy 3-row seating, but don't need the high towing capability of the Suburban / Tahoe will find the superior fuel economy and road manners of the Traverse a good alternative.

2012 Chevrolet Volt

General Motors introduced its Chevrolet Volt concept to rave reviews in 2007, but the transition from concept car to production has required many tradeoffs. Gone is the edgy styling that captivated show goers. In its place, an aerodynamic body designed for efficiency. While the powertrain is novel, it is closer in function to today's parallel hybrids than many had expected. With the Volt, you get a 4-passenger car that can operate solely on electricity for 25-50 miles. When the battery is depleted, a small 1.4l gasoline engine is used to maintain the battery and provide power to drive the vehicle. The lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable in 4 hours on 240V, or 10-12 hours on 120V.