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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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By Don - July 27 - 6:20 pm

  This is a decent car for the money. It has its quirks as most cars do, but its a good value. It rides and handles smoothly. I only gave the car a seven for build quality as after only six months the car began dripping transmission fluid. A trip to the dealer let us know the transmission casing needed to be replaced. The car was at the dealer for a week although they did provide a loaner. Other then that its holding up well.

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  Frank - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By Frank - July 27 - 9:39 am

  Ive always loved this car since I was a kid, Now I own two and Im planning on owning another one. This car is great for people who want to keep it stock and got enough aftermarket parts to make and all out weekend warrior. Love the looks.I get compliments from all ages of people .

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  Fits the bill - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Nick - July 27 - 9:27 am

  ZR2 spec Blazer. After 125,000 miles, the powertrain (original) is great--reliable and tough. I tow a boat and occasionally off road, and the Blazer does it well. The 5-speed manual shifts crisply, and on country roads especially I enjoy the drive. I average over 18mpg in general, which is really good for a truck-based SUV. City stop n go driving stinks. Build quality is rough, and I have had some problems, but nothing major or expensive. I really like the vehicles design and think it has worn well. I wish Chevy still built a "real truck" SUV smaller than the Tahoe. Used resale value is low, so they are a great used vehicle value.

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  Luv my Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Trailblazer - July 27 - 6:40 am

  I just bought my first SUV and I always wanted a Trailblazer, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to buy one. I was not disappointed at all. It drives like its floating on air. When going up the hills, it has some kick to it (not like my little 4 cylinder) and shifts very smooth. My kids even love it.

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  Awesome - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By chrisj - July 27 - 6:23 am

  Initially I wanted a PT cruiser, those drive ok but the size, price, and comfort is not comparable to that of the HHR. The HHR is a better value, has better handling, has larger storage capacity, and handles in the Buffalo snow like a full size suv with 4WD. I think its the benchmark for all up and coming crossovers. I love it!

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  Reliable Car! - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By jig226 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This Impala is my first brand new car. It works great. But I have to mention several problems of it. First, in the winter time when temperature is very low, there is squeaking noise when braking slowly. Second, one of the door windows is a little shaking when it is not closed entirely. Third, the display on the screen will be faint out automatically. Anyway, its great and reliable car.

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  Red SS - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By labelmon - July 27 - 2:00 am

  We werent really that serious to trade,....but we spent five years in our Honda CR-V EX, and had our belly full of our little under powered "sport cute". This good looking Yankee made it a MUST GET. What a car / What a deal! The U.S. auto mfgs. are eager to put you behind the wheel. THERE IS ABSOLUTLY NO COMPARISON TO OUR 03 RED MONTE SS.........WOW WHAT A CAR! Ours is loaded ( heated leather seats, "OnStar", moon roof, & power everything ) and that 3.8L 200 hp V six........Knarley dude! Some words to the wise, "SEE THE USA IN A CHEVROLET !"

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  Anniversary Edition - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By mrseymour - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Corvette for 2003 has surpassed my expectations, The car handles extremeley well and with the Magnetic Ride Control, it gives you the option of a smooth ride or "Sports Car" handling. Fuel economy is excellent, getting 25+ MPG on the highway.

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  cool looks and gr8 performance - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By skx - July 27 - 2:00 am

  this car is gr8 the best suv of tis size performance wise it s comfy and just fun 2 drive by the way gr8 acceleration and kick down

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  Silverado did it again! - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By scar - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned all of the big three and drove all of them before I purchased my new 03 Silverado LT Z71 ExtCab. Nothing comes close to the performance, style, economy, safety for the dollar! I like a truck that is built like a truck and rides like a luxury car. Way to go Chevrolet!