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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  Excellent - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Brian - July 14 - 11:53 pm

  I would have to say this truck is a great all around vehicle, whether on or off road it out performs all other half- ton trucks. The interior design is simple and functional and every mile of the 24000 I have driven so far has been a blast. Thanks for a great truck!

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  Great for the money - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By bob - July 14 - 7:40 am

  Impala ls under $20k. You cant beat this car import or domestic 4dr sedan this is it. The interior is basic and that is what I wanted. Trunk is huge good gas mileage

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  I LOVE my Truck! - 1999 Chevrolet S-10
  By malinche - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought it based on the 3rd door and the color (indigo blue)--yeah, it is a "girl" thing, but I am from a true Chevy family (5 Chevy cars, truck, SUVs from the same dealer) and my getting it was no-brainer. I live in the Bay Area and the V6 has served me well go up and down hills. I drive A LOT to SoCal and it is a comfortable drive. Ive have had no maintenance problems other then normal wear and tear. I will buy another truck.

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  Excellent Truck - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By smithpk - July 12 - 6:30 pm

  Incredible features on the "base" model. We just bought within the past month and have been happier than expected with the 4800 engine. The 3rd row is the best available - interms of leg room and 50/50 split for storage. Have used the AWD some in snow and this works great as well.

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  One incredible truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By David R - July 12 - 9:40 am

  Ive driven Chevy trucks all my life, and this one has got to be by far the best. Nice power and exceptional ride comfort from a truck are my top requirements, and this truck fills the bill nicely. After punishing this truck on the Million Dollar Highway, I rode away with a huge smile on my face. The tires stick like glue on wet/dry pavement and can easily climb any mountain with gobs of power to spare. Can tow 8,000 pounds with ease. While it may not be the absolute fastest truck, it is fast, it rides extremely well, is versatile, and will leave you with a great feeling.

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  Amazing Car for the Money - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By jr2003 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had experience driving the new m3, corvette zo6 porsche boxster s, and subaru wrx. This camaro is awesome. It has tons of performance, good ride and great handling!

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  Fun Buggy - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By mmjsucocks - July 11 - 9:06 pm

  I just bought my HHR and I love it. I cant keep out of it! It is a LT with a 2.2 5 speed manual. It has lots of get up and go. I bought the car from a dealer about 200 miles away from my house and drove it home and it got a average of 35 mpg! The best thing is that I got it for around $16,500. Why buy Japanese when you can buy American and feel good about it.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By honestabe48 - July 11 - 7:15 pm

  Ive had this car going on 15 years now, bought it when it was brand new in 1996. It has 119,000+ miles on it now and still runs like a champ. Ive done minor maintanance on it that I think one should do on every car at 7-10years old. It has a new Alternator, starter, fuel pump, radiator hoses, thermostat and tires (factory tires lasted 10 years). The air conditioner did go out at about the 10 year mark so that is the only real MAJOR repair I have to do. Of course the usual thing with power windows happened and I had to replace the motor in the drivers side TWICE! I think general maintanance is key to survival of every car. I keep the oild changed twice a year.

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  I Love my Equinox! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mike - July 11 - 12:16 pm

  I have driven a pick-up truck for 30 yrs. While working on the paperwork for my new 05 truck I saw the Equinox on the showroom floor. It looked good so I decided to check it out. I took it for a test drive and loved it. I bought it instead. I love it and havent got one complaint!

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  Love my HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By Lucy - July 11 - 9:40 am

  I have owned my HHR for 4 weeks now. It is a lot of fun to drive. I have had many complements on it. I like the retro styling. I traded in my 2001 PT Cruiser for this car. My HHR is more comfortable to ride in especially on long trips. My husband didnt like to drive the Cruiser but boy does he like to drive my HHR.