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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  good affordable vehicle - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By cavhappy - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very, very good to me. I bought the car 3 years ago and have only had to replace the tcc selanoid and the alternator. The car now has 86,000 miles and runs great. If you want a car thats reliable, gets good gas mileage and is inexpensive the Cavelier is not a bad choice.

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  Comfortable Gas Sipper - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By vc999 - October 11 - 1:00 pm

  Ive put 3000 mostly highway miles on this car in just over a month. I purchased side curtain airbags, the enhanced MP3 CD player, and Pioneer speakers as options to the automatic LS Sport package. The seats are comfortable for long distance driving, and the car does "feel" like a larger car. Im getting 29 - 31 MPG according to the digital readout. The steering column tilt lever should be redesigned to be smaller as it can be a knee stabber in the unlocked position. I also miss having a power seat control option. Thumbs up to Chevy for producing a competitive, fun to drive domestic small car.

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  Forgot all about the Matrix - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Plasticman - October 11 - 10:10 am

  Its so quiet and smooth, I sometimes forget how fast Im going. After driving it and the 2005 Matrix, there was no comparing the ride. Its also much more comfortable and stylish. It has more room in the front, and a nicely flexible cargo space. I was afraid it would be a lot larger in length, but its only longer by 5 inches. The HHR is the car for me

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  Dream Car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By KR - October 11 - 7:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car. I factory ordered the LTZ model black on black with cloth seating (as I dont like leather) and the metallic trim on the inside instead of the base woodgrain trim. This car is my dream! 18" Wheels that stand out and look like I went out and custom bought them. Two large exhaust tubes sporting stainless steel tips. I tried to create a great sports car with this vehicle and I succeded by putting two thick stripes running from to back as well as chroming out the front and rear chevrolet logo (over the default gold. A sound system is my only future plan for this vehicle as it turns heads no matter where it goes. I just want to drive it!

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  The best vehicle of all - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By lees - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Im on my 3rd 4WD Suburban. I love the security of its size and weight (can withstand quite an impact with little or no injury to passengers), its high seating (so I can see traffic ahead) its reliability, its adaptability, and all the creature comforts. I have absolutely no trouble maneuvering it into parking spaces or in traffic (it just takes a little practice at the outset). I have driven smaller cars (compact to luxury) and never felt as safe or secure as in my Suburban.

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  Good Buy - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ryan - October 10 - 9:20 am

  Wanted a dependable work or play truck and got exactly what I was looking for. Purchased a 2008 (4.3 / Auto) with LS package (chrome bumpers and wheels), locking rear, keyless, carpet, cruise and A/C for around $13,500 (Original sticker $20,850). I couldnt find a used truck with those features for that kind of price. Getting mileage as promised (17-18 combined) Everything in the engine compartment is easy to access. Very pleased with the truck.

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  Avalanche - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By DNGorham - October 10 - 6:33 am

  Most comfortable and easiest to handle. Steering wheel has to be easiest Ive ever been behind as far as handling. Ride is like a dream and Id recomened this Avalanche to anyone that wants to keep their truck and be happy.

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  excellent - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By tadea akin - October 10 - 2:00 am

  It is a great Mini-van, I like it.

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  big fat date mobile - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By sharon lee - October 10 - 2:00 am

  this car is a blast to drive and turns heads everywhere I go! Only wish I had more time to drive it.

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  Fits All Needs - 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Smod - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great truck/SUV fills both perfectly. Holds 5 comfortably, and converts to fit 4"X 8" sheets in under a minute, and only take the #3 panel off to carry home your lawnmower Side storage great for stuff and as a cooler. Great ride. Almost bought a F-150 crew cab but this out shines it all the way.