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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  Great Little Crossover - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Thompson - July 28 - 11:52 am

  We have had the 2010 Equinox LTZ since 7/20/2010 and my prior vehicle was a Silverado 2500HD. Great looks, engine has adequate power. Fun to drive. Im short and what Ive noticed is the drivers seat is deeper than my previous so its not comfortable for a short person. Also the console arm rest is back too far for us short people to comfortably use it. The headrest tilts slightly forward so if you have a ponytail it hits you in the back of the head. What was Chevy thinking when they put the door locks in the middle with the radio controls? Bad move there.

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  Great! So far! - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By 2NDNOXOWNER - July 28 - 12:32 am

  This is our second Equinox. So far so good. Exterior and interior are great. Modern features and sleek look over the previous model. Although, model seems much narrower and smaller toward the rear. Its a real eye catcher. Not sure why expert reviews have rated the 2010 model as average and plain. When it comes to performance and driving impressions. Please, this is a small/SUV not a high performance vehicle with HP and a sport-tuned suspension. Dont think any SUV can provide such a comfortable ride along with the features for this class or in this price range.

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  Been a Great SUV - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Bammer - July 27 - 9:21 pm

  Have 73,000 miles and still runs and operates great. A minor emission hose is only problem so far - and that was under warranty. Otherwise keep up with maintenance and no problems. Drive it everywhere and haul people and goods. Would be nice to have folding third seats, but I keep them out mostly anyway. Engine is good performer and mileage is decent. Interior layout is nice but some plastic is cheap (power outlet covers broke off). Light color carpet shows dirt too easily and cant get fully clean. All around been very happy with this vehicle. Drive it right and follow maintenance schedule!

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  Love my K1500 Suburban - 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
  By kostura - July 27 - 3:19 pm

  i love my suburban i have had no serious problems with it at all. i picked it out when i was about 5 years old when my parents where looking to buy a new vehicle and needless to say it has lasted threw everything my parents used it for and was passed to me when i turned 16. i have used it for long distance trips and as an everyday driver since i got it a few years back and it is unmatched in driver and passenger comfort. i personally prefer it over driving my mothers 2003 Tahoe. If anyone is looking into buying a 94 that looks to be in good shape i say go for it its an awesome vehicle and you wont be disappointed.

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  Love my Malibu except for ... - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mary Koch - July 27 - 11:53 am

  Love the looks, the handling, the performance on the hills and freeway. I dont like the blind spots-cant see out back side window if theres a passenger in the front seat or behind me on the drivers side. Childrens car seats dont fit well in the back and no room for an adult in the middle - back seat is smaller than my old Camry. Trunk is small but does hold more than I thought it would. Dont get black interior if you have children! I have grandchildren so they arent in the car a lot but when they are what a mess!

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  2 years later & LTZ is still the best! - 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Michael - July 27 - 6:44 am

  I bought this big black beauty 25 months ago, and it is still the best vehicle I have ever had. The only issue was I needed to have the chrome handle replaced last month after it came loose. But other than that this truck is still as great as the day I bought it. It rides like a Cadillac, 90% of the time I can haul without removing the sails, the bed has ample room for transporting furniture without having to lower the back seats.

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  Like A Rock - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By scott - July 27 - 1:35 am

  We took our Chevy Traverse on vacation. We drove from Connecticut to Florida. Both our small children sat in the 2nd row. There was plenty of room for them, as well as our luggage. We stored our luggage by placing the third row down and there was plenty of room for everything, including all the souvenirs we purchased at Disney World. The Traverse handled very well through all different climates, altitudes and traffic conditions. We mostly drove during the night on cruise control with the A/C cracked up and we averaged 24 mpg, during higher mountain conditions we averaged 22-23 mpg. . If you need to tow a boat, consider the Tahoe,otherwise the Traverse with the Tow Package is the way to go.

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  GM nailed it! - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By welderwoman - July 27 - 1:26 am

  I absolutely love the car! The sunroof really makes it look sharp. I tried the Ford Fusion but the ride was choppy compared to the Malibu.Im glad I tried the Malibu first because I wasnt happy with any other car. The ride is great, we both have bad backs so the ride was really important. I got a great deal to boot!I rode in a friends Camry and it just doesnt compare. GM nail it with this one! On Star is great, Ill probably renew that.

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  Cobalt Review - 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Maurer.139 - July 26 - 5:49 pm

  Besides the brakes needing to be replaced I have never had a problem with this car. It looks nice and it drives well.

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  Im in love - 2010 Chevrolet HHR
  By Bill - July 26 - 12:25 pm

  Just traded 2006 Chevy Colorado for a new 2010 HHR. What can I say? I love driving it. Handles great, makes sharp turns like a real sports car. Turns heads. Best vehicle I have ever owned. I can wait to get back in and drive. Shifting is clean effortless and smooth. All I can say is One great vehicle.