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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  Perfect first car! - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Miranda - June 7 - 1:13 am

  This is my first car (Im 22) and I love it! Fuel economy is excellent, and it provides a good drive. For a small car it can be quite zippy when you want it to be. Its easy to coax into high speeds for highway driving. The air conditioning is fast to cool you down in 90+ heat, and in Texas, you need that. Ive fit some tall friends in the back comfortably, and everybody loves it. Plus its just uber cute, and the Aveo has the best color selection, way better then the Ford Focus or Toyota Echo.

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  so much fun - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By pinnpharmD - June 6 - 12:50 pm

  I have had this car for 2 weeks and I get a thrill every time I look at it and start it up. I cant get gas without at least 2-3 people stopping to come over and look at it. I got the imperial blue metallic with the silver stripes on the hood and trunk. So classy and that motor just makes my toes curl up in my shoes. The performance this car puts out is amazing and stuns the people I let drive it. Way to go Chevy!

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  Great car! - 1995 Chevrolet Lumina
  By happyguy53 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had a 95 Lumina for 7 years, and it has been great! The car has a good pickup and go, (v6 engine to thank for that) and we have had to put remarkably few repairs into it. We even parked it outside in the elements for 4 years straight, and it stood up to the snow, sun, and rain without rusting. A good car, very reliable, and fun to drive, too. Chevy did a good job with this one.

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  My Red Tonka Toy - 2002 Chevrolet S-10
  By 2002chevycrew - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This size and style of a truck fits my life style and kids. No its not the roomiest but its a compact truck not full size..

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  2000 Chevy Impalal - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By dmsummer - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Great car...no problems...sharp looking

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  Sweet SUV - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Denver, CO - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Z71 for two weeks now. Absolutely love it. Smooth ride, good looks, and tons of power. The Z71 Package is the way to go if you do not need the third seat. GM, youre on the right track finally!

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  2003 Chevy Suburban LT 2WD F - 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Easyserve - June 5 - 9:18 pm

  This vehicle was purchased off lease in 2006 with 35,000 miles and aside from tires brakes engine oil & transmission oil changes this Suburban has had very little repairs needed - with 1 instrument cluster(dashboard display of speed, fule, temp, volt & tach) and 2 water pumps in the duration of ownership through present day with having now 191,000 miles - still on original drive train. Never really babied the thing as I have been running I-95 up and down the coast many of times as it is a pleasure to drive - even with a full load in back, 5 people seated comfortable and trailering with full load. The only modifications I have made to the truck was a K&N intake kit and Gibson Exhaust for added HP. My only wish list for this vehicle is a 4WD version. It will be a sad day if I have to part with the vehicle.

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  Deluxe Chevy Astrovan - 1998 Chevrolet Astro
  By ls - June 5 - 2:00 am

  No problems in 4 years. Towed a 19 boat 2400 miles each yr with no problems. Only problem is the small leg area in front seat. That is why we are trading. It rides great. Back seat is comfortable. Grandkids like the tv and vcr.

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  Handles and rides well with good techs - 2002 Chevrolet Venture
  By csc881 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Handles well and rides smoothly. Steering is precise.4 wheel disc brakes are excellent.Engine has good acceleration for passing and adequate for a minivan. Engine whirs when climbing grades. Ride is smooth and quiet except on very rough roads. Seats are comfortable. The three middle row captain are useful. Flexible seats are very adjustable. Integrated radio, CD and DVD system is well designed. The dual power doors work well. Good backup warning system .The auto leveling suspension works. Has air pump and hose for pumping things. Combined gas mileage is about 22.5. City between 13-19 and highway between 22-28.

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  my review - 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
  By al #1 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  its is relly fast and beautiful!