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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  Most Bang for the Buck! - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Marksme - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The Malibu Maxx LT is proof that America can compete with a world class car with many engineering and well thought out features and lastest in technology. Based on the GM owed Saab, its a joy to drive long or short trips!

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  Its got it all - 2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By cwb - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Have only owned this car for a few weeks and I love it so far. Has all the options - XM, DVD, Heated seats, remote start etc... and I cannot believe the amount of leg room in the front and back seats. I am 60 and have to actually move the seat up to get it right. The DVD player hypnotizes my kids and bloes my friends away with the wireless headsets and remote. Im still getting used to the exterior - the salesman pretty much put me IN the car before I had a chance to really look at it from the outside - good thing he did, or I may not have bit.

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  Supercharged is nice but not perfect... - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Chad Green - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I was the first one in the area to get a hold of one of these sweet cars! Black with the silver ground effects. 240 supercharged is really nice. Its really the wifes car and let me tell you it gets the looks. Nice on trips, been on a few in it. Even got caught speeding...opps!

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  great suv - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By miss mimi - December 13 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is roomy and has very comfortable seating capacity, engine produces powerful results. fun to drive with awd.lots of room for cargo . nice ride. accurat gas milege.

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  2005 Chevrolet Equinox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Happold - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Doors open wide and are easy to get in and out of. Great for the "Gray Panthers" or someone with minor disabilities. Rides like a car. Traction is great.

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  ONE BAD ASS SS - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Wayne P - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle ever made. It is definately the best vehicle I have ever owned. I look forward to the next opportunity to drive it. I have added dual exhaust with two flow masters on it. It sounds even better and of course the duals coming out the back look even better.

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  Best Truck Out - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Michael - December 13 - 7:13 am

  My first Chevy was a 3/4 ton Scottsdale bought new in 1979 and sold in 1995 so I keep a good truck. This is a keeper. I tow a 8000lb travel trailer and this think tows it like a tank and I love it.

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  Surprised Even a Chevy Sales Person! - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Aaron Tirrell - December 12 - 6:33 am

  Since its introduction, I have been intrigued. I recently got out of my 2006 Trail Blazer (which my wife & I loved!) and leased the 2LT 4CYL. I wanted the 6CYL, but was too impatient to wait for an incomming vehicle! We are pleasantly surprised with the smoth operation of the 4CYL. The ride is just amazing. The car looks and feels like a luxury vehicle! As a sales person who loves the Chevrolet Brand - It is embarassing how surprised I am! I am not surprised, however, that I have seen many luxury brand owners interested in the Malibu! The car is just that nice. Std ALL Malibus: ABS,Dynamic Brake Proportioning,Traction Control,Tire Air Pressure Monitors,Auto Lights with DRL,Side Air Bags

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  A world-class small car from GM - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Ed - December 11 - 11:06 am

  My Cobalt is light years better than the Saturn ION it replaced. Interior material quality and fit and finish is up there with the best from Japan, and performance is like that of a European car. Its the best of all worlds.

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  This Is My First Car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Knicole - December 11 - 7:43 am

  This car was my first purchase. I absolutely love how much room you have in the back and front seats, when compared to other similar sized cars. Also has great trunk room for storage or traveling. My Cobalt also has excellent gas mileage. It only takes $30 to fill up my tank, and lasts me for two weeks of going to school and work. Ive noticed that it also has great quick acceleration that comes in handy when on the interstate. Im definitely satisfied with my Cobalt.