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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  Hate my TrailBlazer - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By towldy - November 23 - 2:57 pm

  I have always been a Chevy person, but this will be my last one. Bought this SUV new and have had problems with it. At 9,000 miles a rear door started rusting on the inside. I am on my third set of hatch shocks. First time they went bad I almost got my arm caught in hatch. Fan belt squeals every morning and I get 12 miles per gallon. Really dissapointed with this vehicle. It only has 13,000 miles on it. GM quality is a major issue.

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  Alaska test - 2007 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Ron Dill - November 23 - 1:03 pm

  It has snowed every day since we bought our truck. So far no problems to report with preformance. It starts easy, runs smooth, and the 4WD has performed as it should. With gas still near $3.50 per gallon the 4 cylinder mileage is welcomed. Nothing fancy, just a good solid truck for under $20 grand.

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  Always wanted - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Anthony - November 23 - 12:31 pm

  My 6 speed Vette is an experience every time I get into drive it. Compared to my previous 2001 Vette I can not wait to drive when I have the time. Full of power.

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  New vehicle honeymoon - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By gmfaithful - November 23 - 10:55 am

  I know that it is too soon to make any long term judgement but the TrailBlazer we bought exceeds our expectations. When researching vehicles we consistantly read that the suspension of the TB was less than good which kept us from considering the TB. We had a relative who drove an 06 and they said that they were pleased with the ride and handling. We got the LT (loaded) and so far cant drive it enough. Incidently, we also drove the SS. If it had not looked too pretentious for a couple of 50+ it was tempting.

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  Smooth, comfortable, reliable - 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
  By WCS - November 23 - 4:36 am

  The 2002 Z71 Suburban is great for carrying several people and all their stuff. The third seat is reasonable for adults of medium height. Plenty of power for hill climbing, even when fully loaded with people, camping gear and bicycles on the hitch rack. Never runs hot. Good air conditioning, heater, seat heater, stereo, fornt powerseats. Very comfortable backseat for passengers of all ages and heights.

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  New SS - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By nealn - November 23 - 12:22 am

  Overall I think that the SS is a good value for the money. I went from an 04 VW Touareg with almost every option stickering at $52 to the TB SS that stickered for $42 and after rebates and supplier discount picked the truck up for $30K. A lot quicker, believe it or not, better gas mileage and dont have the typical "VW Annoyances" like electrical problems and poor craftsmanship that they charge top dollar for and look at you funny when you complain about it. Seats are fairly comfortable on long trips, maybe adjustable headrests for us taller folk. Fuel economy isnt the greatest, but what "sports car" is? Overall its a tight feeling and riding vehicle, would recommend for an "everyday" car.

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  Good for the price - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By BILL BASS - November 22 - 7:23 pm

  I bought my truck to pull a boat and it does a good job. They are not too expensive if you dont get too many options. The fuel economy is OK for a truck.

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  TrailBlazer 06 - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Daisydog - November 22 - 1:49 pm

  This is the first SUV that I have ever owned or driven. I bought it because it has 4 wheel drive and I travel to Minnesota several times a year. The ride is great. I like the size and being able to see traffic. The one thing I find difficult is looking back to check cars that I have passed, I am only 52" and the head rests seem to impair my vision field. I like the overall size and the ease of getting large items in and out of the back end. To date I only have great things to say. Winter is coming, so I will test my "snow" skills at that time.

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  Malibu is an overall great car - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By baker348 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The malibu drives great. it makes a lot of noise when going over uneven pavement. That is the only flaw and it can be covered up with the radio.

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  colorado z71 - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By kilton - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Interior looks a little on the cheap side lots of plastic. Vinyl trim around seat rails has some ugly gaps. i-5 power ok.