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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  Surprising - 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
  By dellapina - February 7 - 3:43 pm

  I figure this would be a weak little starter vehicle, but it turned out to be a comfortable, very spacious, spunky little SUV. Not much luxury but all the necessities, and very, very reliable.

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  Colorado - 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Scott H - February 7 - 8:35 am

  Good truck, had rattles when first owned, dealer took care of with two visits. 17.5mpg city with A/C on, 18+ with A/C off, 22+ highway. Good little work truck. Rides like a truck.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By habfam - February 6 - 2:28 pm

  I had an 06 CC Colorado that was a rattle box and traded it in. The build quality seems to have improved and the truck now has a more solid feel. There still is a little too much plastic on the inside, but overall this is a fun truck to drive. I cant speak to the reliability until Ive had it awhile. Steering is crisp and responsive. Braking could be a little better. The interior cosmetic changes are nice too.

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  Chevys are built for work and play - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jerry Sullivan - February 6 - 12:56 pm

  I use my truck on my job. I work as an inspector on new pipeline construction. Many times I have to use the 4 wheel drive and it performs excellent. I also pull a 30 travel trailer and it handles it with no problem. I especially like the "Auto 4 wheel drive" feature. When I drive up to some mud and stream crossings...I think "4WD or not?" I just press the "Auto 4WD" and it takes care of the guess work. So far I am very, very happy with it!

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  Excellent Little SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
  By BlackKnight - February 6 - 12:53 pm

  I love this little SUV. I purchased 2 years ago and have had zero issues accept for daily wear and tear. The 4WD works well although the turning radius leaves something to be desired. Ive driven in several snow storms with no issues. Parking is excellent especially in city driving where the Tracker with its higher profile and compact size makes parallel parking a breeze. This is an excellent little work horse for a mother with one or two children and perfect for a college student in a snowy climate. It is dependable, fun to drive, and save to drive due to the higher profile driving on a highway and for its 4WD capability.

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  2005 Avalanche - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By unhappy chevy owner - February 6 - 11:12 am

  Transmission problems at 34,000 miles and less than 1 year of service. 2wd to 4wd selection buttons and servo motor went out at 45,000 and had to be replaced. Repaired transmission failed at 53,000 miles and is being replaced with a used transmission underneath an extended warranty purchased at a cost of $2,800 as insurace for the transmission repair. I think I should learn how to spell Toyota?

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  Nice car, right price - 2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  By dan - February 6 - 8:58 am

  Nice car for the price value. Surprised at standard options in a low priced car for its category. The seats are very comfortable. As Im 5-4" with the standard feature driver seating adjustments a taller person would be just as comfortable. Rear seating is roomy and comfortable. I am dissappointed however with my overall city driving mpg. I currently am getting 21.5 mpg and I dont drive over 35 mph. Does this car require a "breaking in period" to realize the advertised 24mpg, or better?

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By fp1899 - February 6 - 8:52 am

  If Chevy keeps building cars like this, I will never not own one. It is a great car, very reliable. My Impala has 85,000 miles and still runs like new. Mine isnt garage kept and it has no trouble starting in cold weather. The 3.4 Liter V6 has plenty of power and great fuel economy. It is a well designed and well built car.

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  Malibou has worst breaking system - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By barr0104 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  The brakes on this car were awful, the inside breakpad was wore down to the steel and the outside pad was at 85%, I have heard nothing but bad things about these aluminum break pads.

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  DRIVE IT - 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By CON2202 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  ALL I HAVE DONE IS CHANGE OIL AND DRIVE- TRIPS TO FLA ARE EASY AND THE TRUCK RIDES LIKE A CADDILAC.