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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  Good city car, some disappointments - 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
  By MTodd - May 5 - 5:40 pm

  I have a 97 Prizm that I really like, so I bought an 01 Prizm for my wife. Personally, I think they started to cheap out the newer models. My 97 with 112,000 miles on it feels, looks and drives better than my wifes 01 (with 62,000 miles), not to mention being more reliable. Since I got the 01, Ive had to put in new MAF and O2 sensors and had vibration issues with the tires. Now the charcoal canister has gone out for another $385. Ive been very disappointed after my great experience with the 97. In all fairness to GM/Toyota, it seems like the previous owner really beat up on the car, which may explain some of the repair issues.

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  Awesome! - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By KBECK - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 2000 Vette. The 05 Vette is a quantum leap from the C5 - performance, interior/exterior fit & finish. Navigation system and overall use of technology is impressive.

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  I like it but ... - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By DCT - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a good reliable utility vehicle. Dumb question for GM ... Why use light primer for a black painted truck? It shows every scratch ! Also, what were you thinking with the dip stick? It is a long cable that does not reliably show oil level.

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  Best car i ever had - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Sam Ventura - May 5 - 10:00 am

  this is a comfort, quiet and powerfull car

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  SSSWEET - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By rocko - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a gm buyer for quite a while,everything from a 70 chevelle ss to corvettes to a denali. I am very happy with my new "SS" I have added a cold air intake reprogramed the computer added headers and exhaust. with these mods it dynos at 405hp and 440torque. Im thinking of adding a throttle body next and then working on the suspension a little.

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  GM NEVER AGAIN! - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By NEVER AGAIN! - May 5 - 9:10 am

  I have had a GM car or truck since 1975. My friends point out to me that when you go back you cant complain. But, this car is a new low. After 300 (yes 300) miles the car basically is inoperable. The gauges dont work (except check engine light), no A/C, the message display says "engine hot" yet no heat. Also, there is a vibration in front end. So much for the good new car feeling. After having my car 1 day, the dealer says the problems with "my" car are very interesting. They were unable to diagnose in 1 day. My feelings are that "GMs" problems are very interesting. Maybe I just got "that" car. But, this american will turn to more reliable imports for future purchases

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  Best car that I ever owned - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By MV - May 5 - 2:29 am

  I have covered 105,000 miles in the last 4 and a half years. Never had a single problem except for a plastic handrest breaking during warranty. Changed brakes once and spent $120 for the 100,000 mile service and changed all tires at 95,000 miles. My wife loves Japanese cars but after seeing my Chevy, she switched to GM as well. I am waiting for the 2008 Malibu to upgrade.

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  Wow, Chevy really did make improvements! - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By VA - May 5 - 12:03 am

  Traded in my 2004 Z71 Ext cab for the 2007 model. Loved the 2004, the 2007 is even better! This truck is really fun to drive. It handles like a much smaller vehicle but with all the expected power. Very quiet ride for a truck. Just returned from long highway trip, averaged 16.5 at 70 mph with the air on and windy conditions. Did notice an increase in mileage with the air off. Was hoping for better since my 2004 averaged 18. Leather seating is very comfortable, I felt great after 5 hours of non-stop driving. Love the premium Bose sound package.

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  just thought the Maxx would be more... - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By oct 2005 - May 4 - 5:30 pm

  Great acceleration w/the v-6 engine. Left with doubts about brakes and steering and the sub-standard braking. Had to replace rear brake pads @ 58000 miles. What A Pity!!! Then you have the interest with the intermediate steering arm assemblies that have given so much crap to those who have purchased the electric power steering groups.

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  I like my car - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By LAURIEAF - May 4 - 10:56 am

  Although I have had the Cobalt for a short period of time, I would recommend it. My Cobalt is a five speed and is the third 5 speed that I have owned. It shifts gears smoothly. My sister was riding with me yesterday and she didnt even notice that I was shifting. With the gas prices so high, I appreciate the mileage I get from it. Also, I just found out my best friend purchased a Cobalt last month.