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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  Equinox is a fun little SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Equinox - April 13 - 12:10 pm

  I have found the Equinox to be a great transition vehicle from car to truck. It rides smoothly and there is a lot of room.

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  Love My SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Sharon Chevrolet - April 13 - 11:03 am

  Im a first time owner of an SUV and really enjoy the new Equinox. I find it fun to drive and comfortable. My previous car was a Cadillac and my husband still owns one. I enjoy the size and roominess of it and the fact that I dont need a step stool or other aids to get in and out of it is a plus. I can easily transport my grandchildren it it. I enjoy the acceleration that I need in entering a freeway and great braking during city driving. I recommend this vehicle for all first time SUV owners like myself.

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  Long term Venture - 2000 Chevrolet Venture
  By Rich Little - April 13 - 10:26 am

  Van now has 92k on it. Just replaced the intake manifold gasket and the water pump and thermostat. The gasket has been leaking slowly since it was new but I started getting a little coolant in the oil so I changed it. Heat/ac diverter does not work anymore, blows half defrost and half panel all the time. No big deal I guess. Other than tires brakes and filters and lube the van has run great since day one. Paint still shines and interior is holding up fine. The 3.4 motor is adequate but a little noise if you push it hard. Van handles better than any other van Ive ever driven. Id plan to buy another in 3 yrs or so.

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  08 Work Truck, Love It - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Dennis Adams - April 13 - 8:53 am

  I purchased this truck for its great looks and big bed. I have had many Chevy trucks in the past but this is the best by far. Drives like a big car and rides like one. Pulls a car trailer with a car on it like nothing is behind it, and it is the 4.3 v6. Love the rack steering. Wish it had a grab handle on the drivers side so I wouldnt have to grab the steering wheel to enter the cab. Dont care much for the black cloth on the seats. Shows my cats hair.

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  A great car - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By john b - April 13 - 7:06 am

  Im very happy with my new Impala. I took the car on a round trip Boston- Indianapolis (2100 miles total) and averaged 27 mpg. Plenty of room and power, and the seats were extremely comfortable. I was looking for a large car with good gas mileage, a big trunk and good looks - and you cannot find a better value than the Impala. With employee pricing, the car was just about $ 18K.

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  Big Surprise - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Rick - April 12 - 6:17 pm

  I have owned many makes of cars, from a 260-Z to a Cadillac, including a couple of Mercedes. This is the best riding car I have owned. It gets very good gas mileage, especially for a 400 hp gorilla. I love driving it, riding in it, looking at it and touching it. I have turned the seat heater on and driven a few minutes to relieve back pain. It also relieves depression except when one writes the check to pay for it.

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  Smooth rider - 2005 Chevrolet Impala
  By Drew - April 12 - 4:26 pm

  This car is very smooth and quiet. There is no center console so you have room to spread out although the backseats arent as spacious as you might think. My first tank fillups have given me mileages of 21, 22, 19, 29, and 30 with the last two being all highway and the first 3 mixed. Overall Im very pleased with my purchase but would not buy one brand new because they lose their value very quickly compared to Honda or Toyota. Handling is not very good and the car tends to drift but that is the trade off for a super soft ride.

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  This SUV stinks - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Cameron Green - April 12 - 1:03 pm

  My wife and I bought this new and within three months it was in the shop for a loud noise in the engine compartment. After four tries the body shop guy drove it and found the problem. Part of the inside body kit was not put on right at facotry. Not long after that problem was fixed this piece of junk started stalling out on my wife at 60mph. Six times to the dealership, couldnt find problem, I suggested throttle body and sensors. Finally problem fixed when the throttle body and mass air flow sensor got replaced. Will not buy another Chevy.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Bob - April 12 - 11:28 am

  I replaced an 06 Cadillac CTS with this car, mainly because the lease was up and I need an automatic transmission. The SS looked better than a base and I figured it would be fun to drive. So far it has met my expectations. It is quick around town and comfortable on long trips. MPG around 16 city in sprited driving. No problems except for warped brake rotors, replaced under warranty. I bought this car to keep for several years and believe it will suit my needs.

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  GM Got It Right - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Bob - April 12 - 11:10 am

  I have a 3LT with a few extras. Much quieter and better riding than the 02, no problems to report. Rear park assist is great. Braking and handling much improved, feels safer at high speeds. Stock Goodyear tires lousy, replaced with Firestone Destination L/E. Where did the rear cargo net go? Gas mileage 11 city 16 highway- still breaking in.