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 Fun Car Value - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro
  By jachevy28 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Own a 2002 Z28. This is my 3rd Camaro, first Z28. My previous one was basically totaled after being hit in the drivers door by a drunk driver, I walked away. My Camaros have been unbelieveably reliable for the amount of mileage I drive, are extremely fun, and have a lot of features than many high-end cars dont even have, all for a great value.

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  Gins View - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Gin - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Camaro. It is the best handling car I have ever had the pleasure to own. I got an offer to sell it, but I just cant tell them an asking price. I dont think I could sell my favorite driving machine. Even my thirteen year old nephew wants me to keep it for him to have it as his first vehicle. I dont think so! No first time driver needs this sporty a car for his first car, not even my nephew. Hope this review helps more people appreciate workmanship and style of older cars. There are more Camaros in this area than I care to count, but that just means people here have the best cars.

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  Lovemytruck! - 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MacDaddy - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck to upgrade from a Ford Explorer and never looked back. I have had no major problems with this truck. It has been a pleasure to drive as my primary vehicle. I love this truck and would recommend it to anyone. One thing Id recommend is changing the original tires (235/70/16) to (255/70/16) they are wider and taller. It made the best difference in ride and handling. If you can get your hands on a good used Tahoe in good condition, grab and hang on to it!

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  I LOVE MY TAHOE - 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Wyche227 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Im very impressed with the handling and power. The truck is easily driven through tight spaces and on the open road (unlike the bigger Ford Expedition). I suggest installing after-market front brake pads and rotors. Also, I opted for the rear bay doors but I should have purchased one with a barn door with the optional windshield wiper/cleaner.

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  Unbelievable automobile in every way - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By razal - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for almost two years. Not many miles because I dont take it out in bad weather in the north, but this car is just beyond my wildest dreams. A real headturner. Cant wait to drive it. Have zero complaints. Would buy another in a second.

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  Bobby girl - 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
  By allygirly - February 28 - 2:00 am

  they are really fun to drive and cool

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  THE BEST SUV - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By suska - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Chevy got it right.

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  Well I was suprised.. Maybe - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By markyboy@sbcglobal.n - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Well, I was suprised. I owned a chevy truck C10 for 10 yrs in the 70-80s, and was basically happy. No major problems in 10 years. Then I started buying Japanese cars. Enough said. I was looking at the Toyota Sequoia to buy and did not even thaught of buying a Chevy. Then, on the way home to pick up my wife to go to the Toyota dealer, for some un explained reason I stopped at a Chevy dealer and test drove a Tahoe. Well after a few months, of being downright confused (I didnt want to buy the Chevy), I bought the Tahoe and havent looked back. I have the LT w/ Autoride, and have been extemely happy with it. Well, again, I was suprised.. Maybe not.

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  Back to GM, Again! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Dixon - February 28 - 2:00 am

  After getting away from GM (2 p/us and 2 Suburbans) came back in time to get a 2002 T/B 4x4 with an excellent engine. Has not caused me any concern during first 20,000 miles....

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  The clear winner in its class. - 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
  By FINNS - February 27 - 4:40 pm

  My wife and I tested the Altima, Camry, Accord, Mazda 6, Sonata and Ford Fusion before deciding this car was the winner. Each car had its strengths and weaknesses with options and price, but for overall solid feeling ride quality, and value the Malibu beat them all, in our opinion. I had the opportunity to drive a 2008 LS rental for several months for work and thought it was great. Testing the 2009 LTZ with 6 speed transmission seemed like a different and much nicer car altogether! The interior is roomy and the cocoa/cashmere leather with wood accents is very attractive. The interior LED lighting is very soothing at night. Had strangers tell us how beautiful the car is/ask questions.