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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  Comfortable and Great Gas Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By jimmyp - August 8 - 6:35 am

  To start, I am over 6 tall, weigh >250 pnds, and have personally driven/owned Corvettes, Mercedes, Jeeps, BMWs, VWs, Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas. We rented an 05 Uplander in Miami for vacation for 2 weeks in Aug06. My family was so impressed that we purchased one in Dec06. Being a big guy, I found this van to be very comfortable, even on long direct trips from NJ to GA with over 2000lbs of cargo. With a light foot, I have been able to achieve up to 33mpg hwy/20city. This isnt a sports car or SUV, so do not expect high performance as some reviewers expected. I have driven up to 6 adults at 1 time who all commmented on comfort. My wife took my van and gave me her $40K Jeep. I miss it!

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  My First Car Purchase - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Jr. Acosta - August 7 - 11:02 pm

  I recently purchase my Tahoe and so far, its been OK. The shiny red color really stands out there along with the performance tires. I took it to the dealership to fix the grinding and clunking noise from the brakes and the alignment and shaking. It was covered under warranty. It stinks that I had to stick with the 30 day, 1000 mile warranty. ( Dont stick with these types of warranties car shoppers!)The grinding noise is gone but I still have the clunking sound. Im not sure what this could be.... I also hear a clunking from the axle when I acccelerate or shift gears. It tend to shake a little bit when Im going at speed of 85+MPH. The interior is very comfortable. Happy with my purchase.

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  New Tahoe is the best yet - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Gene - August 7 - 5:06 pm

  This is the smoothest best handing full size SUV I have ever driven. When turning, handling is precise and easy to accomplish. It has a solid but comfortable ride. Gas mileage is not as high as posted on the invoice, but not bad for a full size vehicle. I had averaged around 17 in town, 19 on the road. I have had several friends comment that they would definitely look into the Tahoe to replace their Fords. The only complainant is that I have noticed is that trucks passing or crosswinds cause the truck to feel light.

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  2005 Chevy Colorado, Oh No! - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Kevin - August 7 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased a brand new 2005 Chevy Colorado during the employee pricing. I should have walked across the street to the Toyota dealership. My truck has been in the shop over 20 times for AC, CD player, radio not working, tire balance, cruise control, AC fan only working on speed 4, broken seat handle, leaking rain water in the cab. The truck looks great and that is about it. I cant believe one vehicle can have so many problems. Never again! Sorry Chevy!

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  You gotta buy this car! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Mark Z - August 7 - 7:40 am

  Here it is, one year and 30 thousand miles later. The car has performed flawlessly. I am surprized at the average 35 miles per gallon I get on the highway doing 65 Mph. Comfortable and quiet too. Lots of pep from this adequate engine/weigth set. The negatives: The starter randomly sticks and and the car overcranks. The plastic housing on the passenger side front seat came loose. Thats it. I am looking to buy a new one now.

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  NOX on WOOD - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By ArtfromOtown - August 7 - 7:13 am

  Recent purchase and no regrets. Lots of leg room for tall drivers, center console is low, did not dig into my leg like ravr4 and crv. Leather interior well crafted with tasteful trim stitching and seats are fabulous design. 4cyl has impressive pull for a car this size. Took it on an 800mile ride, all types of roads...flawless! Wish it had GPS but my Garmin does the trick. Panasonic sound with XM is awesome. Got 30mpg even with AWD and still improving with break in. GM did it right this time!

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  Great fun to drive car with comfort. - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By C. J. - August 7 - 12:10 am

  This car is better than the 2000 Monte Carlo. The gas mileage is about the same (34) on trips, but the comfort is much better. XM radio is great along with the OnStar and telephone. Great eye catching vehicle.

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  2008 IMPALA SS - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By ROGER - August 6 - 1:16 pm

  This is my 4th Impala. This car is the best so far. It has less road noise, and better exterior looks. You get a lot of bang for the bucks. I just wish they would hold a little more resale value.

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  Dependable at times - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bigg Poppa P - August 6 - 9:56 am

  Bought used with 78K to tow our 21 foot Outback TT. Tows OK. Replaced battery, altenator, starter and original tires at 80000. Fuel gauge needle vibrates. Changed engine oil to synthetic had minor leaks, went back to regular QS. Installed Magnaflow muffler with dual outs, K&N air filter and throttle body spacer. HP and mileage improved. Front discs warped did complete brake job. Manifold gasket replaced at 111000 and new starter. The DRLs worked when we bought it. Now they come on whenever. Fuel pump very loud since we bought it and is hanging in there. Small leak in A/C system. Water leaks from hard rains cleaned drain no luck. Headlite lenses dull bought new ones. Buy again? Newer maybe!

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  Good Van - 2004 Chevrolet Astro
  By jayvict - August 5 - 8:20 pm

  Our family expanded so we bought this van with 34k miles for a great price. We travel home 3 to 4 times a year (1000mi round trip) and it runs like a charm. No problems. I feel safe when my wife is alone with the kids on trips. Love the rear air and towing capacity