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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  Pretty Good Car - 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By shedsnomotearz - June 19 - 10:15 pm

  I bought this car almost a year ago and the only problem I had was the front window motors burning out. Other than that, this is a great car to have. Pretty peppy 2.2L ECOTEC.

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  ZO6 ZL2 $77,565.00 - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By corjett - June 19 - 8:17 pm

  Miles of smiles. Each and every one is so much fun to drive after my C-5 its hard to believe. Its much improved comfort and style looks say it all.

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  Tahoe - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Wanda - June 19 - 4:13 pm

  The Tahoe is by far more comfortable than any other SUV that I have driven. I am sure that my next vehicle will be a Tahoe as well. I had test driven quite a few before I settled on this one. I can seat eight people very comfortably.

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  Chevy Tahoe is a great family ride! - 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By maureen lemaster - June 19 - 10:08 am

  I purchased my Tahoe used and have had a wonderful experience driving it. It is completely trustworthy and comfortable for a family with kids and dogs. Even with high mileage, I never worry about taking my 2 year old out in the elements. I just know this truck will get us to our destination. This is my second Tahoe and I plan to keep buying them because of the high quality and good looks. I just love it!

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  First Lemon in 8 Chevys - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dan - June 19 - 6:10 am

  Bought 10/09. On 10/30 had it in for brakes and belts squealing, 1/12/2010 had it in for the lights dimming while driving (was told the alternator was charging), 2/8 Chevy bow tie decal was replaced because paint peeled off, 4/7 had bow tie replaced again due to peeling, 4/20 right rear shock blew out and had it replaced, 4/26 the fuel tank pressure sensor went out and had to be replaced, 4/27 took to body shop at 8am to get body rubbed out due to the "orange peel" finish all over the truck, 5/5 had to take back again for "orange peel" they missed several spots on the first attempt and left the tailgate covered in swirl marks from the buffer. Had it in twice for On Star misreading.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jon - June 18 - 10:40 am

  We loved are Aveo. Such a nice little car for the price. We drove it from Florida to Michigan and had no problems. Mileage was awesome too.

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  My Cobalt Coupe - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Dave - June 17 - 8:40 pm

  The Chevy Cobalt LS coupe is an awesome car! I bought mine in late 05 and it came with everything except a sunroof and the supercharger but even the basic models of the Cobalt are fun cars to own. It has great acceleration for a 4cyl. and the Ecotec engine is very dependable. So far the most mileage I have gotten out of a tank of gas is 359 miles but the average is 280. It also has several after market parts for those who enjoy modifing. I highly recommend the upgraded 7 speaker Pioneer audio system, it packs an awesome punch. Overall this car is a great car and I highly recommend it.

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  Expensive Looking but Reasonably Priced - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Mike-Redwood Falls - June 17 - 8:07 pm

  We looked at many SUVs and always came back to the Equinox. We purchased an AWD with 3LT pkg. With the chrome clad wheels and leather, everyone thinks we paid thousands more. It is my wifes car and just the right size to get around in. She feels very safe and secure in it. The AWD worked well in our Minnesota winter and the stability control took over when I tried to spin out. We also have a great local dealer.

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  World Class Sport Car - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By T Phantom - June 17 - 6:17 pm

  The C5 was good, the C6 is superb, confident! Aston Martins extreme luck in France notwithstanding, Corvette competes on a world stage: the street cars benefit directly from the race program. When its all said and done, its a Chevrolet: affordable it is a practical two-seater that realizes nearly 30 miles to the gallon on the road.

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  Great little truck - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Mike - June 17 - 5:38 pm

  Got truck for my daughter last year. She need transportation to work. It still looks new. Only had to replace the battery the other day. That was normal and good for 4 years. I put a top on it and it work well for shopping. No leaks.