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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  Best Year Ever - 1998 Chevrolet Camaro
  By KamaroKid - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is deffinetly a highway car. Rides superb and has ample horse power for a nice sunday drive.

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  Chevrolet Venture - 2004 Chevrolet Venture
  By Erron Woodard - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this 2003 that was a rental vehicle. Van is very smooth riding and has plenty of power. The only thing they should have thought of was more power outlets in the front. There is only one. My previous GMC Jimmy had 3 power outlets. Enjoy having the sliding passenger door, makes a big difference with our little baby getting her in and out. Rear air is a life saver!

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  GREAT CAR ABOUT TIME - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By KENT - September 13 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THIS CAR BEEN IN HONDAS FOR YEARS WAY TO GO CHEVY

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  Love my Chevrolet - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MtnMan - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Its the by far the Best Truck for the $$$$> Congrats to Chevrolet for making a comfortable to drive, smooth riding, Plenty of power for EVERYTHING! Not to mention the amazing sound system! Keep building!!

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  100% Satisfaction Guarenteed - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Joe paul - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased my 2003 Chevy Impala and I couldnt be more happier. The quality in terms of driving and design are second to none. I most appreciate the potential to add on in terms of upgrades to the vehicle. I purchased the super-sport edition and am satisfied.

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  Bowtie Power! - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By RiZ - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The Truck rides like a dream, Great in the snow and the interior is nice

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  Z71 built to drive - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Spliced - September 12 - 2:00 am

  The Chevrolet Suburban Z71 is not only a joy to drive but its great to look at as well. Large tires, bulky fender flares and side steps and a larger, may I even say "sporty", roof rack all add up to its mean and tough demeanor. The tremendous interior is fabulous looking and comfortable to boot. You can seat your family "and" friends, bring all their goodies and tow half a house if you wanted to. Great engine, nice quiet ride and a feeling of command on the road. How much better can it get?

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  I love this car - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By gina - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great Style Great reliaibility

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  Farewell to a classic. - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bill Balluff - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Too bad chevy has choosen to discontinue the Camaro. A real value for the money.A real hoot to drive and it still turns heads. Chevy should make one less SUV and bring back the Camaro!!

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  Bad to the Bone - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By fisclf - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Impala SS new and it has been my daily driver. Now has 83K miles and I have never had any significant problem with it. The 5.7 liter engine makes lots of torque. It has huge 255/50R17 tires, but you can gently goose it and shred those 200 dollar g-force tires anytime you are in the mood. Or, touch the accelerator gently and let the low rumble from your exhaust shake up the Toyota in the next lane. Handles and stops well for a 4200 pound car. An excellent highway cruiser, stable yet responsive. Very practical, with lots of interior room, a large trunk and normal insurance rates. I consistently get 20 MPG with regular gas.