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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  Just a flashy entry-level car - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By John - December 12 - 4:16 am

  For the first 3K miles, this car was great. Then the noises began. Car constantly makes both a squeaking/chirping noise and a loud snapping sound around the b-pillars like the car is breaking in half over bumps and during turns. The sunroof also rattles and its switch repeatedly falls out of the headliner. Mechanically, I havent had any problems in terms of the engine, transmission, suspension, etc. But when your car is a rattle trap, its hard to enjoy it. All my cars have been American and theyve been great and lasted for years. However, once my loan is paid off Im going right out and getting something else.

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  Look Out Below - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By rboegh - December 11 - 11:11 pm

  All other SUVs stand way below the 07 Avalanche. I purchased 2 months ago and it now has 6,000 miles of trouble free driving. I traded an 03 Yukon for it and would never go back. This is the best truck/SUV I have ever owned. I would highly recommend, and have to family and friends. The styling is dead on and they fixed the cheap interior and exterior finishes of earlier models. Look for the LT-3 with the 20" wheels option which will save about $3K from the LTZ package with same options.

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  Love it! - 2007 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Sevillano - December 11 - 6:39 pm

  Love our new Suburban! This is our first foray into the SUV market. Absolutely no regrets. Space, safety features, and every possible gadget is what sold us. LT3 with almost everything. Test drove an Eddie Bauer Expedition, but didnt live up to the Suburban as far as we were concerned. The miles per gallon are better than we expected, but dont think that means it has good mpg. It just makes you aware of having a "lead foot".

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  my tahoe - 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By leftygolfer - December 11 - 6:33 pm

  I just bought my Tahoe hybrid 4wd and am very pleased with it. Rides great. Has great acceleration and excellent gas mileage for its size. I had an 08 enclave before and am much happier with the Tahoe. The Tahoe is very solid and well made.

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  Like a rock - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Ross - December 11 - 11:10 am

  The ride is fairly smooth for a truck with the stiffer Z71 package. Gas mileage is much better than expected. With my tonno cover, I get over 20 mpg on the highway. Acceleration is excellent. The V8 is smooth, strong and responsive. It is very different from the V6 I am used to driving (different in a good way).

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  Update to 1/14/06 Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Evan - December 10 - 5:30 pm

  After 29500+ miles, this car has been excellent. PROS: Performance, passing in 3rd gear. The seats have worn nicely, I still get 30mpg on the hwy and avg 24 on my mixed daily commute. When youre really racing it though, expect 8-14mpg. Maintenance is ok, $95 for Schedule I, $130 for Schedule II at the Chevy dealer. CONS: Stock tires wore out at 18k and theres only 5 or 6 tires you can replace them with. Glove box plastic-rub rattle is annoying, same with squeak in int. LR quarter panel. MI/OH roads beat up you (and the car) with the stiff suspension.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Jean Bell - December 10 - 2:39 pm

  Waited a long time to get it, two months. It has a sporty exterior, spoiler, et al. Luxurious interior and very comfortable. Lots of extras included. A pleasure to drive, pep, good brakes, ease of parking, and a real buy for the money. Just what I needed for around the town and brief trips. Recommend it for anyone who needs a runabout, with style.

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  Not a bad car - 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
  By kate - December 9 - 6:19 pm

  I think that my car is very reliable. It has had its problems like replacing the tranny. After I bought the vehicle the check engine light came on and has been on ever since. I have had a misfire in the engine and after replacing the spark plug wires and the distributer cap it has run smoothly. The light is still on. I like the drivers seat options. I am a massage therapist and the option for posture is great. I think that it has helped me to be more aware of how I drive. The seats fold down enabling me to move a lot of my junk from place to place. I had to move from Mason City, IA. to Forest City, Ia. and I did it in 3 trips. So the space inside is roomy. I love my car!

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  Poor excuse for a truck - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By tjwinps - December 9 - 3:41 pm

  I now have 6,600 miles on this truck. It has been in the shop 21 times in those few miles. The brakes are soft and when pressed down in a medium braking situation, the brakes go down below the gas pedal. It has made for some pretty hairy stops. As far as the gas mileage is concerned, it is really bad. I would not reccomend this truck to anyone. It looks like Chevy copied Nissan and then threw it together. The center arm rest is so cheap that I am afraid that it is going to fall off if I put my arm on it.

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  Awesome wheels - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Daisy - December 9 - 5:27 am

  After having one Blazer, I had to buy another and this new 07 is awesome! I love the sunroof, stereo, handling, and everything about it! Test drive one today, You will be happy you did! Lots of pick up and easy access to all.