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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  I LOVE MY CAR! - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By Deeee - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in the summer of 1999. With the exception of a couple of recalls, and a new ignition coil, I have had no problems with this car. I wouldnt recommend getting a white top, as it is impossible to get it clean. Other than that, I love it and I love the dealership I bought it from.

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  An excellent value - 2002 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sean258 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I actually have a 1997 Malibu that I purchased through Enterprise Auto in 1999 (June) I am very happy with the car. I purchased the car with 40000 miles on it and presently it has 78000 on it. I work for the rail road and this car has been as far as Port Washington to Speonk with no problem. It has never let me down.

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  The best yet! - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By brave2121 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best corvette yet. In the next two years we will get a 50th aniversary and in 2004 we will get a new model cant wait. Go Vette!

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  Keep them coming - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Al Knox - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Although I have only had this car for 5 weeks, I can honestly say I was not disappointed in its performance. It is all I had hoped it would be as far as handling, driveability, looks and comfort. It is definatly a better choice than other sports coupes in this price range (Boxster, Z3 etc.) The only issue I have is the dealer installed CD changer was very sensitive to road imperfections. The new one they replaced it with is better but I am still not sure if it should be that way. This is a minor thing when you consider the whole package and what a blast it is driving this true american experience.

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  Awesome!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Beanie - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is sooo sweet! Great engine, very good handling and gas mileage...everything!

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  the only imaculate car alive!!!! - 1996 Chevrolet Impala
  By james dorman - April 11 - 2:00 am

  i absolutly love this car since the first time i seen it. i have never geard any complaints about this car. the interiour is pefect, who could ask for a better look, and the performannce, every family man who once was astreet racers dream.

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  Tracker Review - 2000 Chevrolet Tracker
  By jlm102 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I drove a tracker before & just bought a new one, new body style a couple of days ago & it is so much better.

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  Last of the Great muslecars. - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Kelly K - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I previously owned a 96 Z28. The new LS1 car is twice as fun and I loved my old one. If you like power and a fuctional daily driver this is the car for you. The back seat is tight but you can haul poeple of stuff if you must. Not an option on many sports cars.

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  Julias Monte Carlo - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By lngjulia - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. It is fun. With a lot of get up and go. Also gets lots of compliments

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  2002 Dark Blue - 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By MOFac - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my 2002 LS 2wd Tahoe. I feel I got a great deal- I upgraded to the third row seat,with the lift gate and leather seats- with the 2002 rebate I paid $29,000 plus tt&l. I am very much impressed with the comfort and smooth ride. I am getting great mileage (16.5 city 17.5 highway). I definitely recommend this vehicle!