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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  High Performance SUV - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Alan - October 22 - 6:15 am

  This is the most fun SUV Ive ever driven. The power is super & the handling is more like a sports car. If the bad mileage doesnt bother you this SUV is hands down the best performace SUV out there. Only had a minor problem so far & it was fixed promply. Where else can you get a Corvette engine & handling package in a SUV.

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  Vrooooom. . .Vroooom...Vroooom - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Rob - October 22 - 1:03 am

  I purchased this at the end of 2005 after having ordered it. I bought every option but the block heater and spoiler. Price was very reasonable, the car is great. Lots of room, stylish and very comfortable. Back seat could use a smidgen more room as it gets tight with three adults. But three kids fit great.

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  Rock Solid - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Rock Solid - October 21 - 8:55 pm

  One of the best values in the industry! Not one visit back to dealership for warranty repairs (after 6 months). Tons of room for family of 4. Last two vehicles have been imports, wont go back.As good or better quality with GM, and for thousands less. Friends own a 2005 and 2006 Equinox, neither have had a warranty repair to date. Like this vehicle more now than when I bought it.

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  My last Chevy - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By mikek - October 21 - 5:26 pm

  There are just too many small trucks around today to have to settle for a Colorado. The actual mpg is far less than rated, the fit & finish trim work very poor, (loose and flimsy) and still priced around the better quality made trucks.

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  I bought another one! - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Malibu4Life - October 21 - 9:29 am

  My first car was a 68 Malibu. Yeah I know its a Chevelle, but to me it is and always will be a Malibu! I just traded in my 02 for the 07 Malibu SS. Wow! I love the pick up. I love the four wheel brake system! A lot roomier than the 02. The only thing I dont like is the boxy look. But after test driving it....it was mine! And I only went to the car lot to see if they had the new 08 models on the lot yet!

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  Colorado Crewcab 2 WD - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Joe Borrero - October 21 - 8:35 am

  For the price, so far it seems to be a great deal. It is easy to drive, park and to put in the garage. The fuel economy on the 5 cyl is debatable but you get more power than in the 4 cyl. I would like to see at least 30 mpg not epa but real gas mileage.

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  2006 Chevy Colorado - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Jeff - October 21 - 8:35 am

  I owned the truck since May of 07, it has 9000 miles on it and its been in the shop 3 times all fuel related. Had to run premium in it so it wouldnt spark knock under load. I also had valve clatter on cold start up lasted 10 sec. The first time I took the truck in when the engine light came on they said I wasnt running the right fuel. It seems the truck has to run on top tier fuel from kwicktrip so I started running top tier in the engine. Had trouble again took it back to the dealer they said the have to replace the cylinder head because the valves were bad. The idle also sticks around 2800 rpm once and a while. Im getting rid of the truck in 2008 wouldnt buy one again.

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  Nice SUV - 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Bruce - October 21 - 7:16 am

  This is a fun SUV. Not to be mistaken for a real off road SUV. The fuel mileage is better than the manufacturer says, Im getting 16.57 mpg. I am looking forward to increasing the horsepower. If you are looking forward to a fun SUV with horsepower this is the SUV for you.

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  The Best Car Ive Owned - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Jason Cox - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car feeling a little nervous about getting another two door due to the fact that I had a 10 month old at the time. This car has proved to me its reliability, safety, comfort, roominess, and everything else. I am very happy with my decision and I know who ever gets it after me will be just as excited as I was.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Flyguide - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a go anywhere, do anything pickup. 4WD with locking differential and capabale of towing 15,600 lbs. A fantastic truck. I pull a 5th wheel RV with this truck all the time with no problems.