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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  2005 Monte Carlo owner - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mike loftus - September 30 - 3:26 pm

  We looked at Maximas, Camrys, Accords and went into the Chevy dealers to look at the Impala but one look at this gorgeous blue/silver coupe and we had to take it for a test drive! It compared better than those above mentioned in several areas so we bought it. So far very happy indeed all around, I have had several compliments from strangers and I love how it handles and holds the road.

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  50th Anniversary Vet - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By CherryO - September 30 - 11:24 am

  Fabulous sports car. Seldom a day goes by without someone stopping me to comment on it. However there are days I would like to just get in my car and run to the convenience store without make-up or my hair done. This car draws so much attention that you cant do that.. This is not my weekend car. I drive it to work daily. People I have never met before say "Hows the vet"? Its so fast, roomy and the heads up display is nice. The warning lights for tire pressure, fuel and low washer fluid are a definite plus. We test drove nearly every sports car on the market, including Mercedes. My husband is very "healthy". The 2003 Vet is the only car that my husband could sit in comfortably.

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  HHR - practical cruisemobile - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
  By baudyboy - September 28 - 1:39 pm

  I bought the HHR as a compromise - a fuel efficient commuter, comfortable trip car, roomy hauler and cool looking style-car. Handling with the 17 in wheels is adequate, though pickup is more station wagon than sedan. The arm rests covering the cup holders could be designed better. The window controls down low on the center console are no biggie, but then I owned a CRV for four years. The leather seats are very soft and comfortable for long trips. Chevy was dealing and I got a loaded up LT for under $20K. I have 10k miles on it so far, no defect issues and think it was a good buy for the money. The 100K power train warranty was also a factor here

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  Best Truck Yet - 1992 Chevrolet S-10
  By Minnesotafreebird - September 28 - 1:18 pm

  I just bought this truck back in June with 152,000 miles on it. Its up to 155,608 miles now. Its still running great, the only thing that needs replacing is the radiator, which only has a small leak, when I bought the clutch was just replaced and a new water pump was put in. The 2.8L V6 engine is a great engine, no matter what anyone else says. As long as you take care of it it will last forever. The only other problem with it is the alignment in the front is off, nothing major though.

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  Overall good, some small design issues - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By ValrieAnnie - September 28 - 10:23 am

  The exterior is not pretty but the ride is comfortable. Disappointed with the gas mileage. We are slightly below the low end of the range. Overall a great car. I would buy another, but since I buy a new car every ten years who knows if they will still be made.

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  Avalanche - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By skiman1j - September 28 - 8:06 am

  chevy trucks are great - the dealers suck. I bought two trucks at the same time a Z71 silverado & a Z71 Avalanche. in addition I bought the 100,000 mile warrenty for the avalanch because it is FULLY loaded. My dealer will not cover anything tranny leaks, bad rattle sinse the day I bought it, front light fixture etc. Oh and be prepared to pay 300.00 for a set of brake pads (labor & services not included) Thats more then my Mercedees E320

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  One happy dude - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Doc in Fla. - September 28 - 2:43 am

  Chevy hit a home run on this one! Great fit and finish. 27mpg around town with five speed and the 2.4L 172hp. the extra $20/Mo.for 91oct gas is well worth it. Shell seems best so far!? some engine and exhaust noise for the first five to six hundred miles (break-in) smooth and quiet now. Wish the interior was as retro as the exterior but still nice.I was doing research for another PT cruser on Edmunds and saw the HHR on the comparisons page. Thanks for a great web site! Went for a test drive and put in the order. MY beagle and terrier love it because the rear windows go all the way down! Oh, ya, my wife loves it too. Time to drive the Chevy to the levee

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  Hot SS - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Bob James - September 27 - 10:46 pm

  The Chevrolet Impala SS is a fun car to drive. My wife and I just love the new V-8 engine. It is very responsive to all drivind needs. Before this SS, I drove an Impala and my wife a Z-28. This car gives us both what we want in a car. I like the size and comfort and my wife likes the power. With the 06 SS we get the best of both worlds. Way to go, GM.

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  Irritants - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Peter Charlton (cda) - September 27 - 7:01 pm

  Pick up and ride quality are good. Interior design is adequate, but irritants are a dime a dozen. Wheres the shift selector indicator ? Buzz in the fan at 1? Wind noise at 80 kmh left hand side in mirror ? And on and on. GM engineers missed the boat on the interior ergonomics. Even the Koreans have a much more ergonomic interior. The seats are uncomfortable on long hauls. Steering wheel belongs on an 18 wheeler. No hand grips at 3 passenger doors. No manual control of dash lights. That stupid light sensor should be shot.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Brandon - September 27 - 4:16 pm

  This is my first SUV, and now that I have my first child, I think I made a wise decision. Its a very comfortable ride. I wasnt sure what it would be like with an SUV, but the mileage isnt nearly as bad as I thought, and I have all the gadgets I could want! DVD Navigation, OnStar, Heated Seats, Sunroof....etc.