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 Large SUV out there - 2005 Chevrolet Suburban
  By BikerAl - March 3 - 6:04 am

  Ive had this Suburban for almost 2 years and love it. I pick up me new Suburban next week. This has been reliable (45,000 miles already and only 1 minor problem covered by warranty), comfortable and great ride. Only downside is the gas mileage.

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  Happy with 2009 Silverado - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Kevin - March 2 - 10:23 pm

  Only had the truck for 2 months, but am very pleased at this point. Tows like a dream with the 6 speed tranny. Averaging 18 mpg, but thats a mix of in town and some highway. I expect it to get better once broken in; only 2,000 on the truck at this point. Put a 70 series flowmaster muffler and duals on it. It sounds so good. Took advantage of the zero interest rate back durning Julys promotion. Overall am very pleased.

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  Fun at Any Speed - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By JG - March 2 - 2:45 am

  The vehicle is absolutely perfect for the price. Got lucky and financed $2K below dealer invoice (family plan)! I always look forward to driving the car. Have the LeMans Blue with Comp Grey wheels and it looks "tuff." My only regret is not having the ability to find a dealership willing to participate with the ZO6 but rest assured, Ill be trying very soon. This car rocks and I know we C6 owners are aware that we are driving one of the best sports cars on the road. A real intimidator if necessary.

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  Not bad - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By divo006 - March 1 - 9:55 pm

  I bought my 2004 ZQ8 a couple months ago. I was rather iffy about it since it was only 2wd and winter coming. I like the fact that Im one of few with the 3.5L I5. Its a quick little truck and the gas mileage aint too bad either considering I drive 60 miles or so a day. If you want something to use as utility I wouldnt recommend this truck, but as for small jobs its perfect. I haul my quads and what not no problem. Interior could use a little work. Exteriors not bad..flashy. Rides a little rough.

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  Its no Tacoma! - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By llamawalker - March 1 - 6:31 pm

  I bought this truck to replace a 2002 Toyota extended cab 4x4,v6. After almost 3 years of ownership that decision is haunting me. The Chevy does tow better and is more stable on the road, and I think it looks 100% better than the Tacoma, but thats where it ends. From the start the A/C wasnt cold. 2 trips to the dealer fixed the problem...leaking valve. Next it was the trailering wire harness,fried up. The dealer harvested a part out of a 2005 on the lot. Between those problems it ate the front tires up. Misaligned from the factory....not covered by warranty. All this with 23000 miles. At 42000 the entire throttle body and throttle position actuator were replaced. Boo,GM....BOO!!

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  Made in America! - 1994 Chevrolet Corvette
  By burkey - March 1 - 2:53 pm

  What a great car. I owned a 79 Stingray and that was a tin can on wheels compared to the features in this one! Its like sitting in a cockpit. The seat hugs your body and everything is in arms reach. You sit inches above the ground and hug every corner. I have the covertible with the hardtop and the Greenwood ground effects kit. Turns heads everywhere you go. Very dependable and great performance. Just a great American car !

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  2006 Colorado Crew Cab LT 2wd Review - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By tm4 - March 1 - 2:51 pm

  So far I have enjoyed this truck. Ive got the I-5 and it is quite powerful, it handles well at high speeds and is comfortable to sit in. The interior is utilitarian which makes it a little bland but very functional with controls easy to use and find. I had a problem, with the engine eary on, but the dealer fixed it under warantee and its been fine ever since. Overall, I am glad I bought the truck and I havent experienced all of the problems and flaws that others seem to talk about.

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  Glad I Got It! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Meggie022 - March 1 - 1:15 pm

  I bought this car because it was cheap, but I feel like I got a lot of car for the money. I rented a 2006 Malibu over the summer, and I think this is comparable in styling and driving (except for being only 4cyl). Its sharp and comfortable! Great visibility, and you feel like youre sitting high up. Love that it has an interior trunk and gas release. Good car for the money! I hope I find it reliable for years to come.

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  Love The Ride......Hate the Gas Mileage - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By yesman85 - March 1 - 12:46 pm

  Have had the Impala SS since November and love the performance and ride of the vehicle. However, Im really disappointed in the gas mileage as Im only averaging 19.2 mpg. Also, the torque steering does take some getting used to. Was also suprised that the owners manual suggests using premium grade gasoline.

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  Wow Factor - 2004 Chevrolet SSR
  By Peter Nielsen - March 1 - 12:15 pm

  I have never owned a more fun vehicle to drive, the ride is great, handling is impressive, fuel economy is around 19 combined, and the WOW factor is incredible. I think I will keep this one for ever.