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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  2000 SILVERADO - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jefftheawyer - June 8 - 10:00 am

  WITH THE RIGHT TIRES IT IS SMOOTH AND ECONOMICAL ON THE HIGHWAY OR SUREFOOTED AND AGILE DEEP OFF ROAD

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  Its a SUV - get over it! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By shoebox - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Poor gas mileage - wanders all over road at expressway speed - leans in turns badly - if you roll down just the back windows while moving it creates a bad low decibel rumble enough to drive you crazy in 5 minutes - accessing the 3rd seat is rediculous - towing capacity is 5400 lbs but with my 3800 lb boat Im scared I cant do a controlled stop - overall not worth the money but what else is out there that is any better that can tow more than 3500 lbs? - looks good though sitting still

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  European feel - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By tony - June 7 - 9:50 pm

  I love it. I came out of a gas hog truck that got 13 mpg and now Im getting about 40 mpg. So far so good, and I have not been back to the dealer except for an oil change. I bought an extended warranty so Im not worried. Not a quick car, but safe.

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  My Vette - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Brian Fries - June 7 - 6:21 pm

  I have only had my car for a few weeks and I find myself wanting to lay on the gas more and more. It seems very manageable at lower rpms and really gets up to go when you want it to.

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  07 2500 LT Update - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Dave - June 6 - 4:13 pm

  I have had the 07 Burb for 7 months now. It is my 3rd Suburban. If you need to tow forget the 2500. The hitch height is 23" vs the previous 15" and is a pain to set up. It is clear that the new Burb was designed for the ladies and the 2500 should have been dropped. The factory NAV system is so limited that I use my Garmin portable and shut it off. GM was obsessed with form and style rather than function on the 07 2500. The 6.0 engine is whimpy for a serious tow vehicle. Id sell today if I wouldnt lose my behind on the deal. I only have 6K on the odometer rather than the 12K to 14K I put on my previous Burbs in the same time.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Very Satisfied - June 5 - 7:16 pm

  Looked at Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, and Volkswagen Passat. For the money, this was the best car. More than adequate power for a 4 cyl., extremely quiet at highway speeds, and a very smooth, comfortable ride. Suspension not too hard or soft, just right. Plenty of technology and luxury like comforts in the car (Bluetooth, OnStar, heated seats). First road trip was over 600 miles, averaged about 30-32 mpg, but I tend to drive a little fast. Car was at 80 mph, tachometer wasnt even at 2500. Putting a 6 speed trans in this car was the smartest thing GM ever did. Oh, did I mention, car is just beautiful to look at. This is my first American purchase, and I am extremely impressed.

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  So Good I Purchased one for my wife! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By John Horton - June 5 - 1:09 pm

  Very pleased with the ride looks and durability of the car. The only problems I have had have been the tail lights which GM did fix and I never had a problem again with either vechicle. I purchsed a second one for my wife and we both have been pleased with the performance of the car.

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  Hellava Ride from GM - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Bruce - June 5 - 3:40 am

  GM is finally starting to wake-up. Lots of planning went into this vehicle. Never had a car with remote start, heated seats before. Now dont think I would want to be without. Enjoy sitting in the back and watching a movie with her on a long trip.

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  Must Have Car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By bongo - June 4 - 7:40 pm

  The car is great, handling is awsome. Stock tires dont last long but they seem to grip the road very well. Very responsive throttle and the supercharger is the best ever. I would recommend the car to anyone who ask me what I think of it.

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  Lookin Good and not Broke! - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Goldiespeople - June 4 - 10:00 am

  In the two years weve owned this vehicle it has taken us on countless trips with no problems. In our opinion great vacation vehicle for a couple.