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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  2 thumbs up - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
  By paul - October 11 - 4:06 am

  Recently bought the 2005 LT model. The car is excellent, smooth on the road, lots of interior space and is fun to drive. In the short time Ive had it Im getting about 26 mpg city and 31.7 highway. Prior to buying, I had read reviews giving the car high ratings, and reviews saying the car is so-so, and that Honda (Accord) and Toyota (Camry) have nothing to worry about when compared to the Malibu. All I can say that after comparing all three and now owning the Malibu, the Malibu can easily hold its own against the Accord & Camry.

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  Comfort and Versatility - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By JohansenRJ - October 10 - 4:15 pm

  I was looking at 07 Silverado crewcabs. I did some research and realized that the new Silverado does not have 4 wheels disc brakes (the 00 did)a nd a long list of stuff that I wanted (XM, steering wheel mounted controls, 5.3V8, alloys, etc) were standard on the Avalanche, but optional on the regular pickups. Additionally, theres no provision on the regular pickup for securing the cargo bed. I bought the Avalanche LT1 with Bose and locking differential, all the stuff I wanted, without a bunch of stuff I couldnt care about. The styling is great and the ride is super comfy. Gas mileage is about what you would expect for a 5500 lb vehicle...about 14-15 in the city, 20- 21 on the road.

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  Chevy SSR 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By S. NIELEN - October 10 - 2:57 pm

  Vehicle is equiped with 5.3 l /auto trans /seating is kind of tight on outboard sides for a big guy like me (250lbs)and hard to get hand to seat controls with door closed. It could have more acceleration which was addressed in 2005-2006 models with 6.0 400 h.p engine however I have driven all three models 5.3 w/auto and 6.0 w/auto feel near the same but 6.0 w/5- spd is a real rocketship. Braking and handling are excellent reminding me of a Corvette except for the seating position which is more upright. This is a sunny day car and its curb appeal is excellent

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  I love by Electron Blue, white top Vette - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By blueberry - October 10 - 1:49 pm

  This car is freedom. I bought it to use in parades as well as have the time of my life at 66. The car handles like a dream, the top is a no brainer and easy to get down. Lots of trunk room for a sports car. And does it get the comments!

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  2008 C6 - 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Scott - October 10 - 1:28 pm

  Love my new 2008 Coupe. I traded my 04 Z06 Commemorative for it and havenÂ’t looked back. This car is a dream to drive, a computer on wheels.

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  I really love this car. - 2008 Chevrolet HHR
  By Michael - October 10 - 10:13 am

  The styling, accessories, feel, and comfort are great. I do agree that the braking and handling need some improvement. But all in all, Im very happy that I bought this car.

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  1998 Lumina tops all cars Ive owned - 1998 Chevrolet Lumina
  By Ruth Samuels - October 10 - 9:46 am

  After 10 years of driving the 1998 Lumina, I have found it is the most reliable, comfortable, safe car Ive owned. It has features which I have just discoved many 2008 cars still dont have: electronically adjustable drivers seat, daytime running lights, automatic headlights, a great engine without any hesitation which has always run smoothly and quietly. This car has never left me stranded - it seems to be indestructible and has always been exceptionally reliable. Plenty of room. Most important: no engine or transmission problems at all in 10 years, at 132,000 miles. It could go to 200,000 easily. I have owned a Corolla, Camry, Altima, & Buick. The Lumina has been the best by far!

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  DH Jensen - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Don Jensen - October 9 - 9:20 pm

  Enjoy the truck, could have power,feels solid, handles well, leather seats increases comfort, seats are larger, could be more back seat room, would prefere back seat to lay flatter that would give more room.

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  Silver HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Nancy - October 9 - 5:20 pm

  Love to drive this new model which has excellent seating, terrific storage and hauling abilities, and an excellent value package for the money. We like it so much that were paying to add parking assists as we plan to keep it for 5-7 years! We even work for Daimler Chrysler and this Chevy beats the pants off the PT Cruiser!!

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  2005 impala police package - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By d.sampath - October 9 - 2:33 pm

  This car is driven by myself only as a municipal vehicle, it has had a rattle in the front end and been back to the dealer 3 times for this in addition to 3 fan belts. I dont know how in Police Officer could drive one of these uncomfortable, rattle boxes all day long truly a mistake in buying this car.