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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  Loved this car - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Aaron - May 4 - 9:37 am

  This car drove great. Was my first car, got about 18 to 20 MPG city/highway. Only problem I ever had was the stupid seat recline handle but GM has a metal one for $15 and that one worked great. I was in a crash in October, I had new tires put on and one wasnt secured right by the mechanic and it broke free, the rear tire then blew, I went throght a wall and 2 trees before stopping on the third, this car saved my life. Drives really well, interior is very durable, 5 16 year olds couldnt destroy it so its very good. I would highly recomend this SUV.

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  Im IMPRESSED enough to buy! - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By CDC - May 4 - 7:30 am

  Having owned a 2001 Cavalier, I expected Cobalt to be merely a re-packaging. Not so, my great looking base coupe is a sports car! Albeit entry level and low priced. We were so taken by it that the kids and I begged Mom to let us get the Coupe. In order to do so we purchased one extra option, a new dining room table.

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  07 Colorado LT 4dr Crew Cab 3.7L 2wd Red - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By ChevyColoradoRider - May 4 - 4:24 am

  The truck has everything needed for a small family. Im satisfied with this truck, and so far so good. Interior is not that bad, it would be nice if the rear seats are adjustable and more comfortable( maybe more cushioning).

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  I love my truck - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Mo - May 3 - 10:03 pm

  Purchased this truck used with 47,000 miles on it in 2001. Have taken several major road trips, now have over 160,000 miles on it. Last summer, in the mountains, fuel pump went, not good. Need to expect some major repairs on a vehicle with this many miles tho. With soaring gas prices I have entertained getting something more economical, however, after reading these reviews, I am encouraged that reliability, power and comfort might be worth the trade off in gas dollars. Theres no beating it for hiway driving, so much more visibility and appreciate the higher profile. Still hauling kids, think Ive convinced myself to keep it til it dies! Been told they can go for 300K

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  Great Truck - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Chris - May 3 - 9:14 pm

  This is my second Avalanche. My 04 Z-66 was fantastic and after looking at the others, I decided to go back to the dealer and purchase a tarted up 07 with sunroof. This is a great truck. Heated leather seats, Bose radio, 22" Wheels, improved steering and brakes. Whats not to like? It looks even better with the factory chrome wheels and running boards. I knew what to expect with the mileage. My family will love going on vacation in this awesome rig.

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  Overachiever - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By John - May 3 - 12:19 pm

  So far at 7000 miles, the car has been flawless. Explosive acceleration, delightful torque at any speed. The car is a red Z51 convertible 6 speed manual. This car has a dual personality. If you want to just commute normally, its relatively quiet, smooth and docile. If you drop the hammer, it turns into an animal, loud and brash. Even frightening if you are not expecting it. Despite stiffer Z51 option, ride is firm, but not harsh, I was impressed also with the stiffness of the structure despite being a convertible. So far no rattles and a door squeak went away as weather warmed up.

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  HHR One nice Crossover - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By MisterB - May 3 - 7:26 am

  Ive had the HHR for about a month now and have no real big complaints. Its somewhat underpowered and as most of the reviews have said the cupholders and power window controls could use better placement. The ride and handling are great and the gas mileage seems to be as good as the sticker states.I love the retro styling and I think GM has a winner in the HHR.

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  Most fun to drive - 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By blueberrywagon - May 2 - 7:49 pm

  I learned to drive in this car and have been driving it since. It is more fun to drive than any other car Ive driven simply because of the joy of driving such a small car. The visiblility in all directions from the drivers seat makes city driving easy. The performance leaves a little to be desired, but it does have enough power to reach the governor. Its cornering capabilities arent sporty by any means. It has been quite reliable for me. The transmission needed rebuilt soon after I bought it. The engine also had a head gasket failure, resulting in a cracked head. A new engine for $300 solved that problem. I did the work myself. It is easy to work on, and overall is a great car.

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  Nice Car - 2008 Chevrolet Impala
  By Many considered - May 2 - 7:33 pm

  Was looking for a car with decent fuel economy, cost, features, and size. Cross-shopped Camry, Accord, Sonata, and many others initially. Some have criticized OnStar but Im not sure why. Its free for a year and then you dont have to pay a penny if you dont like it. It offers great hands free calling, emergency features, diagnostics, and lock out service. Have used all but emergency many times. The ride is quiet and comfortable and I notice little wind noise. Many features from heated seats to dual-zone cc were standard. For the price I paid, I would have ended up with a 4 cylinder import comparably equipped. Domestic quality is way up lately and deserves a look.

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  Red Vette Convertible - 1990 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Gary - May 2 - 2:55 pm

  I purchased this Corvette for fun and it has certainly not disappointed. While a bit tight to get into and out of, you cant drive it without a smile on your face. Power is adequate, not mind boggling. Handling is great. Convertible top, though manual, goes up and down with ease.