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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  back to GM - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By whr105 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  After driving the nissan frontier for two years I was glad that chevy introduced a new mid-size truck. this truck is roomy, great handeling, lots of power form the 4 cyl. 5 speed. its a fun little truck to drive

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  Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By mtngetter - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This Vehicle has comfort,performance,and luxury. I found that giving up a little in fuel economy for the above was well worth it. With the 4x4 You can go anywhere and feel confident that you will get there and back.

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  Great First New Vehicle Purchase - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By edodson68 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my Chevy back and forth to Detroit within a month of purchase, I must say, it was a very comfortable ride. It is spacious for the luggage and just a pleasant vechile to be in on a long trip.

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  Love at first sight - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Brandon Abarca - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I tried to find this car for awhile. Finally found it, test drove it and bought it. Love everything about it. It surely is a head turner. Smooth ride, roomy interior, and sleek exterior design. I highly recomend this SUV. Worth every penny.

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  "I Love My Z71 Burban" - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Pink - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My sister asked us to find her a Suburban. Once we realized that this would fit our needs we bought one. Up until we purchased our Z71 I have been a sport coupe advocate. After taking the Z71 on two trips, I will never own another car. It is comfortable, safe and stable with plenty of room for all of our luggage, a 90 pound chocolate lab and will tow the camper we plan to purchase.

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  Love the Tahoe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jayhawk - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Though the Tahoe isnt kind to the wallet at the gas station, It is a joy to drive. Love the comfort and well thought out features.

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  Not my dads Impala - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Cozman - October 13 - 7:56 pm

  This is not my dads Impala! Love the power. Hope to tap into it more with a Flowmaster system. Only complaint is that the seats need to more bucket than bench. Exterior is nice with crisp lines and a tight fit. Makes long trips enjoyable to drive.

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  Excellent - 1993 Chevrolet Astro
  By tuck - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have drove ths van for 10 years and have never had any maintance but normal oil change, tires. Was extremely impressed when I recently was in an accident with the front end and also rear-ended. Strenght of van saved my life in the 50 mph crash. Front end tore off but barely into radiator. Highly recommand this vehicle in every way!

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  GM bulit this one right - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bob64GTO - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive now put on 6k. At 21k the stock Firestone tires were cupping already so the dealer put on Michelin LT M&S to close the deal. Very smooth ride and great traction. The solid command of the road is awesome! Love the steering compared to driving a front wheel drive van. No more pull! Last 2 tanks of gas got 16.4 mpg which Im happy with. With bench seats all around the versatility for our family of 5 is great. Mom even enjoys the 40/20/40 front seat moving over close when we go out, havent done that for 20 yrs! Kids say they like it better than our old conversion van after installing a 10.4 video system.

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  its a great truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By jjjjjj - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend this vehicle to any consumer who wants to buy a safe, reliable,and very stylish truck with lots of power for on road driving and off roading.