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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  Good to Go - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By adam - December 18 - 6:36 am

  I have had this vehicle for a short time but have driven it everywhere. I like the shifting on the 5 speed and the power.

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  Colorado 2.9L - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By junior08 - December 17 - 8:08 pm

  Ive owned my 07 Colorado ext. cab 2wd, LT1, 2.9L auto, for two months, so far, so good. I like the interior, dash, controls, and the perferred power accessory option.The 60-40 split front bench is comfortable, but should have a better grade of cloth covering (its suppose to be the deluxe seat?). The 2.9L I4 has pretty good response and torque mpg is "okay". The auto trans is very good, smooth (but firm) shifts. The build quality, and style is quite good. Overall, a solid American small truck that should service my needs well for a long time.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Phil Moore - December 17 - 6:11 pm

  Great overall vehicle, very comfortable and fun to drive. Has lots of features and is very well built. It has a great ride and is very stable on the road.

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  The best Corvette I have owned - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By jerry tang - December 17 - 3:23 pm

  I have owned 8 Vettes over the years and this is the hottest yet. It is improved compared with my 04. I was not sure if I would like the headlight treatment but now think it was an improvement. The car is quick, nimble and a joy to drive.

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  ZR2 in Colorado - 2001 Chevrolet S-10
  By xeriminox - December 17 - 2:24 pm

  I have not experienced any problems with my 2001 ZR2 in its 57K miles. I love the way it looks and how well it handles in the snow. It is agile enough for city driving yet well prepared for off-road activities. The push button four-wheel drive is a great feature. Originally, I had my mind set on the Tacoma but was not pleased with the antiquated interior and bouncy ride. After considering the Tacoma, Frontier and Dakota I was most impressed with the comfort and convenience of the Chevy. This is my first domestic vehicle but certainly will not be the last!

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  Fun to run, but... - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By c holden - December 17 - 1:43 pm

  Like most who own this beast, it mostly comes fully loaded and as such is very nice, blah blah blah. But after the initial romance wears off you kind of notice a couple of this and wonder why. First the cheap visors dont go out to the door frame and leave an annoying gap that if youre driving into the sun. No trunk key access, hope to God you never have your remote do dead. The batteries are supposed to be good for 4 years, losing range at 1 year mark. The OEM tires are great and all, but what a sticker shock when the time comes to replace, how about $250+ each! You could get cheaper Goodrich and some others for much less, but if you really like those Goodyears, start saving now.

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  Nice Little Rocket - 1991 Chevrolet Beretta
  By mikail - December 17 - 10:46 am

  When I bought It I had no clue what a Quad 4 was, but as soon as I drove It, I got impressed. 7000RPM (now 7400) and 180Hp from a stock 2.3liter I4. Oldsmobile really got it good! The car as a nice look and when I drive it I still get lots of comments about it. I go often to the drags strip and most people ask is that a V6? they are suprised that a Chevy built in the 90 could push so much horsepower! Oh and The engine is from Oldsmobile, its sad that GM closed it!

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By PAUL DITCHOFF - December 17 - 10:07 am

  I am a longtime Suburban fan and agree with all the good stuff said in other reviews. However my Suburbans have always been business multi- use. Suburban cargo handling has always been great until now. With the 3rd row removed and the 2nd row upright, there are almost no flat surfaces, just bumps and dips. Floor distance only 7ft 6in. Door will not close on occassional plywood runs. Also not happy that I had to special order 2wd. No 2wd delivered north of Kentucky. Go to any lot in MI. All 4wd with sunroofs. Adds $3000. Ordered Suburban Sept 28. Built in Mexico(argh) Nov 15. Delivered Dec 12. Thats 75 days. Thats ridiculous.

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  Best bang per buck - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mikedubreuil - December 17 - 1:50 am

  This car has to be the best bang per buck for performance and styling. I get nothing but compliments about it and the same people are very surprised its a Chevy

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  SUV that is worth a million - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Maryjo - December 16 - 5:33 pm

  The comfort of my TrailbBlazer is one in a million. The sunroof is large and the heated leather seats are so welcome on a cold morning. The TrailBlazer rides beautifully and handles going into parking spaces easier then a smaller car. The memory seats have been great for me, as I let my spouse drive it on weekends. After driving this vehicle, I would not go back to driving a car again. I love my Trailblazer LT!