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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  Lots of miles, still rocking - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By ryanlong013 - August 10 - 3:23 pm

  I bought this car in December of 2008 with 40,000 miles on it. It was previously a leased vehicle. Everything has been great so far. I had to put a new alternator on it at 80,000 miles. I also had to put new shocks/struts on it at 100,000 miles. Just got the brakes re-done at 103,500 miles (they were still the original brakes). Overall, I have been really lucky with this car. It is great for my close to 50,000 miles of driving annually.

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  The Best I have Experienced in Years - 2007 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Terry - August 10 - 6:16 am

  I purchased my Equinox with only 8 miles on it and as of right now there is 82,000+ and every mile has been ridden in comfort and, and I feel style. I keep my Equinox car room shiny, which isnt hard with the beautiful blue metallic paint job. I have traveled from daily back and forth to work (about 30 miles) to 4200 miles without a break and have never (emphasized) had a serious problem. Gas mileage has averaged 18.7 MPG, not the greatest, but other features allows me to overlook it. I set the cruise at the going speed, the surround sound with the MP3 connection, I use for movies for the kids, and off we go. The inside room is great. Full grown me can sit relaxed in the back with front back.

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  Built like a tank! - 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Kara - August 9 - 7:36 pm

  On 7-31-2010, we were rear ended by a tour bus that was doing AT least 60 on the interstate, we werent up to speed yet, the bus pushed us several feet, that truck and the good grace of God saved our lives! there were 5 of us in that truck including my son, Im so thankful we were in it instead of my car! We loved that truck and will miss it. We are looking for another in as good of shape as it was, Im thinking of trading my car for one!

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  Great Car For The Price - 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
  By ZCT - August 8 - 3:55 pm

  I was a die hard BMW fan, so winning me over to an American muscle car was not easy. But what we have here is an exceptional car that looks amazing, handles well, is settled and quiet for long drives, but is fun when you get on the back roads and put your foot down. If you want a $30K coupe, then you owe it to yourself to test drive this one. Ive had the car less than a week and already strangers have approached me to ask questions and admire the car. The reactions are astonishing, as if I were driving a $100K super car. Of course I did get mine in Inferno Orange Metallic, that is not exactly subtle!

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  Great Truck - 2010 Chevrolet Colorado
  By BestShopper - August 8 - 7:53 am

  This is my second Colorado Z71 Crew Cab. Loved my 2004, so bought another one. Based on my research, it has the best mileage in its class. Ride is great for a truck. People often comment on the nice ride. Back seat is very roomy.

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  I dont understand - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By overrevv - August 7 - 7:05 pm

  When I read the reviews, most talk about the small interior. If you are under 62", there is nothing wrong with the front seating. And contrary to the reviews, the front seats are VERY comfortable. This car is not designed for adults in the back seat. It is an ENTRY level vehicle. That means a young couple starting a family will have plenty of room in the back for precious cargo. Personally, I like the exterior styling. I have a sedan with a rear spoiler and it looks great. Overall, I am very impressed with the overall quality and performance in all areas.

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  Great car, fun to drive - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By roger - August 7 - 12:12 pm

  We have had our 04 Coupe for over a year. It runs great, looks new, and has never had a mechanical flaw since we owned it It is a show winner, having won "best in class" at a recent car show. We belong to Myrtle Beach Car Club and enjoy the events, shows, and cruises. It has plenty of power and gets about 23 to 23 mpg on trips. Great car overall.

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  Love that Chevy - 1995 Chevrolet Astro
  By MATT - August 6 - 5:48 pm

  For a van it has major power, with a rwd transmission (700r4) and a 4.3 L 262 Chevrolet v6 you have to respect this van. And only Chevrolet can deliver a vehicle with great performance and ride comfort. Horse rating at 190 mine has a little more due to some engine work and torque at 262, this van out performs tons of v6s, some v8s, and a 4 cylinder wont come close to this vans power, great van built by the best motor company ever. Love that Chevy!

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  The Best Impala since 1996 - 2009 Chevrolet Impala
  By BigJon85 - August 6 - 2:05 pm

  I got a Impala SS it was that or a Dodge Charger R/T for their fuel management systems. I love the car the gas mileage is awesome for a V8. I want a car that got the same gas mileage or better than my old car (3.0 L V6) with more power this car is it. The only regret I have is buying it where I did. The ride is great my and when you get into the gas it is so smooth it doesnt throw you back in seat but you can tell the power is there. I can get on the highway with a rough on ramp and never wake up my kids in the back. If you like power and mileage this car is it. The wheels are nice but I wouldnt prefer them. I love it so much I want a Monte Carlo SS same style and give the Impala to my wife.

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  Dont ya wish you had a hot car like me - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By MISS DIVA IN BLACK - August 5 - 8:23 pm

  Ok, my husband finally bought me my car of my dreams. Trust me it lives up to my dreams. My Camaro is Black, RS model and it has plenty of pep as a 6 speed should. I get compliments from hot car, to sleek and sexy. It will perform, no problem with paint, or comfort-the seats mold to you, you just gotta get them set. Blind spots? My Malibu and Impala had more. Anyone thinking about this choice-hands down its a great car!!