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:

• 

  Like a Rock......... - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Deebo - September 8 - 10:00 am

  My favorite all-time vehicle! Rates a solid 9. SAFE, Neck snapping off-line performance, weighs over 2 1/2 tons yet gets 17mpg, brakes compare with ANYTHING, awd is outstanding in any weather, trailers like a diesel, great Bose sound system, etc., etc., etc. Anyone who complains should be in a car.....period!

• 

  Great Little Car! - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Debbie - September 7 - 9:04 pm

  This is a nice little car. It handles very well, is reliable, and decent on gas. The interior is clean and attractive. It could be a little bit more comfortable. The headrest and the stiffness of the seats were awkward at first. Also, it is difficult to adjust the air/heat controls when drinks are in the cup holders. The exterior of the car is very appealing though (I have silver). For the right price, its a good deal. Although, I have seen some, (new), that were a bit excessively priced for what you actually get. Shop around.

• 

  06 Chevrolet Colorado - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Joe - September 7 - 12:28 pm

  After a month of driving the 06 Colorado, I found many poorly installed parts. Mud flaps all uneven. Bed alligned improperly so one side sticks out farther. The seats are flabby, made from cardboard I think. The plastic wheel moldings coming loose so I can see the double sided tape. The tailgate lock will not unlock. The drivers seat has wrinkles in it and is not tight in the seat after only a month of use. I am sure I will find more as time goes on. I like the vehicle, I just wish GM would take more pride in the quality of their work. Maybe your average person would not notice these things, I just expect a new vehicle to be perfect. I do like the 6 cup holders and tool boxes. All 4 doors open wide on the extended cab.

• 

  Love it - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By David D - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is as comfortable as any car and drives just as well. I love the concept. A full lenght bed when you need it, and covered bed for smaller items.

• 

  My HHR - 2006 Chevrolet HHR
  By sylvia - September 7 - 1:30 am

  I love my car. Its really a nice driving car with good gas mileage. Its like a car and a truck together. I would recommend it to anybody.

• 

  Good truck - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By T-Blazer owner - September 6 - 10:35 pm

  The TrailBlazer is a good alternative to a crew cab pickup truck. It is a solid off roader, good tow vehicle, and can be had at a good price. The locking differential is a must for any towing or off roading, as is the skidplate. The TrailBlazer doesnt drive as good as a Highlander or Pilot, but they cant tow what a TrailBlazer can. Nor can they match its truck-like capability. The roof rack is functional and sturdy, and holds my kayak and supplies (300 lbs) easily. Mileage is decent (22ish highway, 17 around town). If you worry about fuel, then buy a crossover. The tight turning circle really makes it easier to park than my Mazda 6. Bargain hard!

• 

  Capable sport sedan - 2002 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff - September 6 - 9:31 pm

  In 5 years of ownership I have not had a single issue regarding drivabiliy or dependablity. For $25,000, a car with a good deal of ammenities. All the ones youd expect, with the additon of full leather, and the added bonus of a sport suspension. Had driven the non-LS version as a rental, and really liked what Chevrolet did to punch up basically a family sedan.

• 

  Great little car - 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By dunnr - September 6 - 8:23 pm

  This is a great little car if you are not looking to spend a fortune, but want to get plenty of options. This car has all the options you could get in 2003 except a sunroof.

• 

  One year mark - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By Andy - September 6 - 3:43 pm

  I bought the car a little over a year ago, and have enjoyed every second of it. It gets up and goes without breaking a sweat, and the full leather interior is very comfortable. I havnt had one problem, except my sunroof is a bit noisy when it opens and closes. The car is fairly easy to modify, and with the aftermarket starting to pick up for them, there should be more and more running in the 13s.

• 

  A tad disapointed in this one - 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Jim - September 6 - 2:53 pm

  Nice design of the new body style. Very comfortable as well. But, why oh why has GM made the 1/2 ton trucks so low to the ground. Had to put a 2.5" leveling kit in the front to take that nose dive out of the front end. Also, they made a change in the steering that is way too responsive. The slightest little movement and youre going off into the next lane which does get very scarry with any hiway traffic. They put the radio controls a little out of reach so changing the station on the radio has become a frightening situation. The old steering response in my 2002 2500HD was great and a more relaxing drive. Now its more of a stressed drive than before. Why cant a good thing be left alone.