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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  Poor Choice for family vehicle - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By ms.sills - September 13 - 8:15 pm

  Anything that could go wrong with this vehicle did go wrong. Although I was religious about regular maintance, there were always problems. Major Transmission problems, Major Brake problems and constant AC problems. I spent a good $3000 a year fixing and refixing the constant problems. Im not buying another one of these vehicles ever again

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  Would buy another one - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Far North - September 13 - 9:27 am

  Purchased this car in 2005 with about 100,000. Have 133,000 on it now. Havent any major problems. Gets great gas mileage for a large sedan and the motor runs smooth. Lots of room for a tall guy. Only complaints are some funky electrical problems. The turn signals work intermittently and the power window switches had to be replaced.

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  A long standing dream comes true. - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bloody - September 13 - 2:00 am

  A blast to drive. Love the feel on tight turns.

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  After 20 years, I think Im done with GM - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Sigh - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Having only had this vehicle 2 months, I finally had the "last straw" American car experience. The TrailBlazer wont let go of my key....stuck in the ignition, I will now get abused at the dealership and loaned a musty old Cavalier or Malibu while the switch is replaced and I have to take a morning off work. This is my last GM car... and I get a family discount that has kept me in the guilt of buying a GM all my life. Id rather buy a smaller Honda that is $3,000 cheaper to keep my payments the same than have to deal with the morons at a GM dealership 4-5 times a year like I have been. Bye GM. Hello Honda, Toyota, hell, I think Ill try a Hyundai.

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  Last car on my mind - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By toyoda1 - September 12 - 10:55 pm

  I was looking for a Matrix when I stumbled on this car. The price was great for a 2006 with all the goods.The ride has a larger feel and peppy enough. Interior is comfortable with many creature comforts and options. The radio is great XM is a blast and even OnStar although not much more then a glorified cell phone is nice to have,

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  A dream come true - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Green Rdstr - September 12 - 8:36 pm

  Bought the green roadster in Austin, Tx. Got on I35 north bound and knew why I live in MT. Great trip North. Set the auto pilot on 80, put Jimmy Buffet CDs in the player and enjoy. What a great ride. A few weeks ago I was driving in the mountains of MT, a yellow C5 came up behind, I let it pass and then stayed about 75 behind, we were coming down a mountain pass, 4 lanes so we could stay toghether. Kids in the cars we passed were glued to the windows. Future Vette owners.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Your Mom - September 12 - 6:06 pm

  Fast and efficient. The D.O.D is the best feature. It gives you power when you need it and fuel efficiency when you reach desired speed. It corners like a dream and looks sexy.

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  05 SS - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By ikeman - September 12 - 4:30 pm

  Very good value for the money. I was impressed with the preformance, even though it does not have a V-8. Very spacious cabin and trunk area. The car handles very well and the steering is far from sluggish. Its very smooth even at highway speeds.

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  Good truck - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Chris G - September 12 - 1:23 pm

  Upgraded from an 08 2LT Silverado into this 09 LTZ and love it! My truck currently has 9,000 miles and have had no problems whatsoever. The only thing i am a little mad about is this truck rattles alot when going over bumps which my 08 didnt. Maybe it was built on a friday?

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  Absolutely love it when it works! - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By C.J. - September 12 - 11:04 am

  If I had reviewed my Tahoe 3 months after buying it, I would have rated all 10s! Drives like a dream, is super comfortable, and looks great (especially new interior). However, constant problems within the last 4 months. All relatively minor, but still annoying. Problems include starting issues, electrical/battery issues, and trim issues/moulding issues. Many of the problems cant be fixed cause dealer "cant duplicate the problem." Its my 3rd Tahoe and unfortunately, might be my last. Tired of of my monthly trips to the dealership.