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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  This is the truck to get - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By texas truck fan - February 3 - 5:10 am

  I have been on the market for a truck for about a year, and this is by far the best out there. I test drove a Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Nissan and Toyota. I went with the Chevy as it was the best by far. The Dodge and Ford looked cheap on the inside. I honestly dont see how anyone could pick the Ford over the Chevy. Great comfort.

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  Great Car!! - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By B1Mario - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Ive never had a problem, though I only drive it a couple times a week. Car is extremely fast and sport seats are comfortable to boot!! I have every option available and wouldnt trade it for anything. This car has the performance and ride quality second to none. Will definitely buy a new C6 when they arive!

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  S10 review - 1994 Chevrolet S-10
  By Ford man - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for about a year now and have had no major problems with it. It gets after it pretty well with the quick 4.3 litre. I have only had minor problems such as replacing radiator hose and having the exaust pipe crack in two. I since have taken off the muffler and now it has received the title of "the green machine."

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  My 2nd Love - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By CraigE - February 1 - 10:43 pm

  This is my second Vette. My first was a 2001 C5 convertible. Over all this is a spectacular car. I cannot believe the response and the handling. The lines on the car are outrageous. Imagine a Ferrari and a Lamborgini mated to make a new car that resembles a Vette. The creature comforts are many including a built in cell phone for the OnStar option.

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  a great classic - 1992 Chevrolet Caprice
  By fishdude - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I actually had a 93 caprice. this was my fisrt car. i loved it so much. the exterior styling is just so unique and admirable. i bought this car used with the above mileage on it. it ran great, tranny shifted smoother than a babys ass. great acceloration from the 16V 5 liter engine. most comforatable car i ever been in. sadly i got in a bad wreck with this car and totalled it. i really miss this one. great car!!!

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  Best Vette I have owned - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Vettesight - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchaced this car new in October 2000 after waiting 5 months for the order to arrive. I have driven it a total of 17,000 miles which included 2 2,500 mile trips the first year of ownership. I have had no warrantee issues. It has been the most reliable car of any type I have owned. I cant wait until spring when I take it out of winter storage.

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  Happy to the Maxx - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By warygent - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Got the loaded LT Maxx. I feel the car gives much more value for the money than anything alse in the class both in features and performance. The styling wont turn any heads but the interior is top notch and the flexibility great. The car came with no defects and the dealership was great in getting the Onstar and XM radio set up.

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  Great First Car! - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By knight2k3 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in June 03, and I love it! It has an automatic transmission, along with the Sport Appearance Package (aluminum wheels, spoiler and sport susension [think LS Sport]), also has a sunroof. I love how this car is faster than almost all other 4 cylinder cars out there! I love it, great first car for a financially strapped college student.

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  Cool and Quick - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By nursemikern - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I went from a f250 to the colorado. Power was a bit lower but it more than made up for it in performance and gas milage. Only problem I had was something loose above the adjoining doors on the drivers side. Dealership fixed it without a fuss. So far the truck has been awesome. The exterior is fantastic. The interior is great, just wish it had the sunglass holder thing on the inside roof. Im 6 ft 3 and I fit in it just fine which is a big plus. Was concerned about the lower power (compared to the 250) but so far the truck has come through without a problem.

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  Go Buy it. - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Darth - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have over 40,000 miles on my 4WD Avalanch and never had problem. They did this model right. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and rotate the tires every 14000, Still have orginal tires in good shape. I get 17.5 miles per gal on the highway, which is not bad for the size of the truck. The ride is great and it is fun to drive. I also love the conversion to carry extra long lumber. I would by another one if I could afford it.