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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  The Great Z - 1997 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Leomar Cruz - April 22 - 10:07 pm

  Bought my Z-28 with 80,000 miles on it and it still runs strong at 131,059 miles. Hands down one of the most realiable cars out there if you can take care of it. The most bang for your buck sports car out there. Beatiful styling, amazing torque, and good handling. Camaro will always have a spotlight in a world where performance it now a demand.

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  2000 Red Chevy Blazer - 2000 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kmax89 - April 22 - 4:52 pm

  The car has been a great one so far. The only compaints I have are the excessive engine noise and how ruff is shifts at first. The gas mileage hasnt been too bad but could be a little better for just a midsize SUV.

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  Oatmeal is good for you - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By GW in Maine - April 22 - 3:26 pm

  I am a 50 year old divorced white male. I require safety, reliability, versatility and economy (low cost of ownership) from a vehicle. I have grown to appreciate substance over style. My 06 Malibu Maxx did service as a rental car. There is an "every man" quality about it. Bland, in this case is a virtue. It is eminently competent without drawing too much attention to itself. I like the fact that ABS and traction control are standard. I like the radio controls and cruise control on the steering wheel. I like the hatch configuration and extra long wheel base. Chevy may not offer cutting edge technology, but this package works. Im OK with an appliance.

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  Great Value - 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Big Mike - April 22 - 2:24 pm

  40 MPG on the highway, great acceleration when needed. This dependable car is a great value. I have 64,000 miles on it and my only problem was hitting a low flying turkey. I replaced the grille piece that was broken and I have not spent a cent on any other parts other than oil filters. I have the base model coupe, 5 speed manual and would recommend this car to any one looking for dependable transportation.

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Jan - April 22 - 12:30 pm

  Handles great, get almost 400 miles to a tank of gas! I love it! Comfortable, but would have like a little more room in the back seat. Although I have 2 teens and they dont complain. Trunk space is amazing!

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  Top Pick For Me - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Charles - April 22 - 11:00 am

  I have a 2000 silverado and its amazing!! When i saw it, there was no way i was going to let this one slip buy! Now that i have it, i look forward to driving around town and going on trips cause its so fun to drive and its very comfortable and relaxing! Built for reliability and designed for fun and relaxability! You can do just about anything with this truck and as long as you arent stuppid, it will stay with you for a long long time! I would rather have this truck than a car cause you can work with it and then just turn around and take a vacation!! my opinion, this style truck is were chevrolet got its dependability and its overall good name! Im acking you, go drive one!!! I love it!!!!!

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  Love my SS - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By silverstoneSS - April 22 - 9:08 am

  I just purchased a 2007 TBSS 3SS LT package. I said I would never buy an American made car or truck. I just couldnt take my eyes off the truck. So far Im impressed by its performance and handling. The ride is solid and firm at the same time smooth. With a few things modded, this SUV will really wake up. I love the Bose sound system with XM radio. If youre in the market for an SUV with Camaro SS performance and handling, and plenty of room for the kids, look in to a Trailblazer SS, you cant go wrong with this truck.

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  Fun but still a Chevy - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By GP - April 22 - 7:43 am

  Bought this car new in December. The car has 200 miles on it and devloped a power steering fluid leak. Been back to the dealer twice. Dealer replaced power steering rack/gear unit and the resivior - still leaking.

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  base model Silverado - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By bwhitney - April 21 - 10:56 pm

  Great vehicle for teenagers. Limited passenger space on the regular cab, great visability and large enough to feel safer than a compact vehicle. Plus, a pickup always comes in handy.

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  The Usual Suspects, Dont Buy - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By fladad - April 21 - 8:58 pm

  I have owned this since new and despite babying it, its been a huge disappointment in reliability. Replaced brake rotors 4 times, alternator, AC wwitch panel, new radiator and just now a blown head gasket. I will sell it as soon as its fixed. GM quality is still horrible.