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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  My 4th Monte, the best yet. - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Phil24 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Monte Carlo in a row, and its been the most fun to drive out of them. The supercharger gives a lot of added excitement and preformance that my 2001 SS lacked. Speaking of preformance, the car handles great in all types of adverse weather, no tendency to spin in the snow or hydroplane in the rain at all. Im a large person (66 and 300 pounds) and this car is extreamly comfortable for me to drive, both short trips and extended drives over 4 hours.

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  Excellent - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Lisa - May 15 - 8:10 pm

  This vehicle was purchased for me in October of 2004. When I first got in the vehicle I felt like I was sitting in total comfort. When I drove it, I was totally surprised how smooth the ride was. I love the fact that everything is reachable and easy to access. I especially love my XM radio, the OnStar system, multiple electric outlets, and the tailgate table. I also love the six CD changer and all the extra space I have when I let down the back seats. I love my Equinox and since I have gotten it I have convinced many friends and other people I have met to purchase one for themselves.

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  Money Saving Coupe - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Mike - May 15 - 6:36 am

  I leased this car have been having a blast driving it ever since. The stylish look and the awesome fuel economy are its two best features. The new 2005 paint scheme is a brilliant blue granite metallic that terns heads everywhere I drive. The peppy 2.2 engine really surprises me especially in 3rd gear 35mph to 60mph in a heartbeat, makes getting on the freeway a breeze. I currently commute 54 miles one way to work, so the fuel economy was exactly what I needed. It gets 34 mpg just as the sticker at the dealership stated, and in my opinion, looks far better than the Civic and for far less money.

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  Great Car All Over - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By dumbcreep - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 1998, Since then, I have taken good care of it and it has taken care of me, the only thing that happened so far is the battery died.

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  Maxx-Happy - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Maxx-Happy - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Traded in Honda 2001 CRV with 19,000 miles, have an Accord but even there the Maxx is so much better. After driving the Maxx, the Honda CRV was like driving a truck. Though I hope the dependability is as good as Hondas.

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  Worth the Advertising Exposure - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By CJStroy - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed with this vehicle. The car is very roomy, great leg room, and great trunk space. The sporty look is nice for a sedan. Although the vehicle is good as far as performance, space, speed, gas milage both highway and city. I have had some problems with the steering wheel. The electical system malfunctioned and had to be replaced making it unsafe to drive. The remote start up is a good option for cold climate areas. I am also glad the 04 Malibu is in the top 5 as far as air bag safety -with its side curtain air bags. I would definitly encourage the purchase of this vehicle. You definitly get your moneys worth.

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  cool - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By fghjuyk - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best in its class because its really fast and the price is good and they should never stop making it.

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  Grreat - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Lupe Vela - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Very good and reliable

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  blazing glory - 1995 Chevrolet Blazer
  By christie - May 14 - 2:00 am

  this is the best vehicle investment i have made its fun reliable and great for the whole family.I actually look forward to driving to work now.

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  Best I ve ever had or ever seen - 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Barnwell Bruiser - May 13 - 9:36 am

  Saw this truck on dealers lot is a white diamonds special edition that pearly white paint job looks just fantastic . 20 inch chrome rims just the total overall package is unlike anything else out there . Some fellow had it 3 months and traded it in on ,well wont mention but his loss was my gain the 4 cylinders dont near kick in enuff supposedly giving the better gas mileage but perhaps I drive it like it was meant to be driven and not doddlin around Love the layout inside and out .