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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  I Love It - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By SRAF - May 12 - 4:54 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 months and have had zero problems. This is my 4th Vette and I thought I loved my 25th anniversary C5 - but this one is superior in every way. Interior styling is a vast improvement. They finally included a decent stereo and power top. Im a big guy so getting out is a little difficult - but Ill live with it. Plenty of head/leg room.

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  A Good SUV - 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Eric Green - May 12 - 2:27 pm

  The ZR2 suspension is the best I have used from a stock SUV. The vehicle has a slight tendency to oversteer on gravel or snow, but the base width lets you carry the slide an recover easily. The mileage for an SUV is average and the interior has some cheaply made plastic moldings, but just look at the exterior style. It is a great looking SUV. The 190 horses from the 4.3l V6 is not the greatest derived power from a modern internal comb. engine, but the gear ratio provides some awsome torque. For a 4850 lb vehicle it can pull just 150 lbs under its gross weight.

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  Some Problems - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Don - May 11 - 6:26 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. We have had some problems with the engine/SS/fuel injectors. The car is still under warranty. The car begins to sputter driving over 40 mph when you hit the gas peddle. Also, the power steering seems to be going out. Something loose in the column and getting harder to turn when driving slower. Chevy dealers cant seem to find the problem.

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  Best ride in town - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By josephous - May 11 - 12:34 pm

  Ive never ridden in a truck more comfortable than this. its apleasure to drive, forgiving. I drove on road trip to Austin from Mississippi, not tiring, and the dvd to boot. Thanks Chevy. A real winner

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  I love my Suburban - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Jett1 - May 11 - 10:38 am

  Gas mileage is what you would expect for size and capacity. In short, extremely reliable, 5.7 4wd it has taken care of my wife and 3 kids very well. Been in 2 accidents. The truck has over 170k on it now Im getting concerned about the transmission but it hasnt given me a reason yet. I plan on keeping it till they ban gas or it rusts out.

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  Work Car, and More - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jeff Fitzgerald - May 11 - 10:23 am

  We bought this car ostensibly just to go to and from work, using our Subaru Forester for all the "heavy lifting." But I have to say that I enjoy driving this car. Comfortable, handles well, and has a lot of zip. It looks nice, and has been very solid and glitch-free. I had given up on American cars long ago, but I have to say, Chevrolet has earned another chance with this car.

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  mil yellow - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By guysair11 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my third vette and my first new one Ive previosly owned a 96 black and a 00 in sebring silver this one is millenium yellow and I love it I cant wait to drive it between the performance and the drivability this car is great the fun factor is a 10 I got a great deal and saved over $9000 off invoice the dealership was also excellent. overall a great car thats a blast to own and drive. G.P.

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  great vehicle - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By ronald schell - May 11 - 10:00 am

  this is the best vehicle in existance

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  Bang for your buck - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Ben SaintOnge - May 10 - 9:22 am

  Sporty looking, good car for a cheap price. Cheap and easy to maintain. Sound system is nice with Mp3 and XM. Slave cylinder went at 45,000k, but pretty good overall. Tops out at 107, so its pretty fast

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  A great little car for the money! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By ClockMan - May 9 - 4:37 pm

  Had no intention of purchasing a new vehicle but the warranty and price pushed me over the edge. After spending thousands on used vehicles over the past 3 years, I wised up and purchased this little hatchback. I am 62" and a little over 250 pounds and I have no trouble getting in or out of the car. I am amazed at the amount of room. My only suggestion would be change the cup holders, but for the price how can I complain. The car has great fit and finish and the room inside is amazing. I even get people telling me how much they like my car when I am in town.