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 in class - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Eneal - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle compares very favorably to other mid-sized domestic cars. The 3.8L V-6 is worth the extra money. I drive 40K miles per year, so its comfort and quiet ride are also welcome features. It is big enough to take a foursome golfing, with its ample legroom in back and cavernous trunk. It is slightly smaller than the Intrepid, but of better overall quality. It is hands down better than Taurus and Grand Prix.

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  A perfect Dads weekend truck! - 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Freightbob - April 2 - 10:00 am

  90% of the time I dont need an 8 bed. But those times that I do its great. The only problem Ive had was about every 20th start I would get smoke out of the exhaust. Dealer found a SB that addressed the problem, replaced the PCV valve and BAAM, no more problem. In spite of what some reviews say about the "pain" of changing from SUV to 8 bed, it really is easy and doesnt take much time at all.

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  excelent suv - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By manny345 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  i´s the most powerfull suv in the worl.Its even most powerfull than the toyota land cruiser.Its very confortable!!!.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By kat trahan - April 2 - 9:07 am

  Purchased this car for my wife in 2003. She drives it as a daily commuter to work. Also, we use it for short family trips. Able to fit two large car seat in the back with plenty of leg room for the kids. Large trunk provides plenty of room for almost anything. Just a great all around car.

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  Stripper Vette - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Bill - April 1 - 9:00 pm

  Decided to buy the base model because it is more comfortable and actually faster with six speed. Luxury or high performance at the blip of a throttle. C6 is much better than C5 and the build quality is fantastic. First trip 25mph and now 19 in city...wow. I like the fact that base wheels are easier to clean and look great at all angles. This is the most surprising vehicle I have ever owned and I have had them all (Porsche, MB, etc). 400 horsepower sure makes smiles happen quickly..

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  2005 2500HD Duramax - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Duramaxpower - April 1 - 6:10 pm

  I have to say this truck is awsome! I own several semi trucks and Chevrolet has spent alot of time designing this Duramax. I have the LLY and I pull a 10,000lb trailer and dont even know its back there! The best thing they could do for this truck is ride height increase! Its no taller than a Colorado! But overall, its one tough truck! The Duramax is the quietest diesel on the market! I put a K&N air filter in with no increase in fuel mileage but, I am averaging 17mpg. city driving mostly.

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  Dont Buy one of these! - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By wigditty - April 1 - 5:59 pm

  This truck may look like a good vehicle, but dont let it decieve you. These trucks dont get any better gas mileage than a full sized Silverado. The engine knocks, the suspension squeaks, and the ride is wobbly at best! Youve been warned!

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  Wonderful/beautiful/exquisite sports car - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By The Maverick - April 1 - 9:50 am

  It is absolutly the greatest experience in the world for me to be able to own and drive the only hand built American sports car left. Its style, comfort, and yes even economy is just out of this world. Thanks Chevrolet for building a sports car that is above the rest.

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  Tracker Opinion - 2004 Chevrolet Tracker
  By Paul - April 1 - 7:52 am

  Not a bad vehicle. It has plenty of power to pull my 3000lb sail boat. Its pretty light so mileage is good but, it also means that it get blown around when its windy. Leg room for the back seats is lacking for normal sized humans. The seats fold down well so there is a lot of cargo capacity. The major negative for this vehicle is the interior. The interior is cheap plastic, and the seats are uncomfortable for any duration. The lack of sound insulation is another big issue. The interior road noise for this car is very loud. On the positive, the engine is over-sized. And handling is very stable, with little body roll. It actually handles better than my previous car, a Pontiac Grand Am.

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  Best SUV of the Decade - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By socalfinancier - April 1 - 6:06 am

  I have owned the 2007 Tahoe for a couple of weeks now and am amazed at the performance this vehicle has. I drive long distances and this has the features and design that let you actually enjoy driving again. Dont buy this SUV, I want to be the only one driving this beautiful machine!