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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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  By happy owner - April 12 - 3:10 am

  I have never owned a better vehicle. It has 300,000 miles now and runs like a champ. The only thing done to this vehicle was change the brake pads at 225,000 for the first time, water pump at 285,000 shocks at 250,000 and spark plugs every 100,000 I have never even aligned this vehicle!

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  The Little Car that Can - 1998 Chevrolet Metro
  By MetroMan - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second new Metro. First one was total by a semi (and I walked away!). Love the comfort. Love the milage even better! Low maint. costs! Would buy my third new metro if only Chevy would wise up and start making these little gems again!

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  Awesome - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By CobraEatr - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome! How many cars that are sold today come with 275hp and 325ft-lbs of torque STOCK. The ones that do are generally well over $35,000. This car is without a doubt, the best "bang for the buck" out there today. Not only is it fun to drive, but on the interestate its a monster. The 6-speed transmisson makes for excellent MPG while cruising around on the open road.

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  Very impressive - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By chevyguy - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I drove a Blazer for a few years but dont let the name fool you, this is a much different SUV. The interior is very roomy (I am 64 and very comfortable in it). It has great features and has a nice feel to it, although the plasticky feel to the dashboared takes some getting used to. A friend of mine at college flipped his Trailblazer on a mountain and, after landing on his wheels, managed to drive it four miles back to civilization: there were three people inside and not a single injury, now that is safe!

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  Awsome car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By Craig Euritt - April 11 - 8:40 pm

  Very nice design, unreal gas mileage on the 3.9 32+ on the highway, Nice sturdy seats that are the most comfortable I have ever set in. This car is a winner. highly recomend

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  2000 Venture extended LS - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By iamtefkam55 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has always provided safe and reliable transportation. The ride is very solid, the acceleration is more than adequate. The van has plenty of useful space for a family of four.

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  excellent truck - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By w adams - April 11 - 2:00 am

  bEST TRUCk WEVE EVER HAd

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  Great car - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Melissa - April 10 - 10:00 pm

  You will not find a better car for the money that actually looks good. This is my first American made car. Before I bought the Cobalt, I shopped around for 3 months and decided this was the one for me strictly on specs. Then GM announced the employee discount for everyone it was a no brainer. I find it very good on gas. Its a perfect "city car" should you need to park it in the street and has decent horsepower. I also had Lo-Jack installed, because I live in NYC, and GM added the cost of the installation to my financing for a lower rate. The Chevy sales people really work with you and not pushy at all. My overall experience with GM was great. I love my car!

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  Great so far - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Cathy - April 10 - 2:46 pm

  It drives and handles great. So far no problems. I have an automatic and I was driving a 5 speed so that part is better. It is good on gas.

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  Great Car - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Maria Carmen Schmidt - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I was givven this car for my 40th. b- day, in 94 it was bran-new. I love my car it still looks bran-new people still ask me if i just got a new car and i tell them its not new its a 94. Extremely powerful!! Has a vette engine and handles like a dream. I would not trade it for anything.Ive only put about $300 into it in the 9 years I have owned it, not including regular service. Love the sound of the exaust. LOVE THE POWER!!!! It gets great mileage for being a V8 about 25mpg. and it is very reliable, I have driven it to Mexico several times. I want to thank my husband for that birthday present it was the best present ever!