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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  Big C - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By kevin kelly - August 30 - 8:36 pm

  Chevy did their homework on this truck. It is a pleasure to drive. The appearence of the vehicle and handling is great. My wife said it was too big. Now she loves it. Thanks GM

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  Happy Tahoe owner - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By JJ - August 30 - 12:38 pm

  Since new, this vehicle has been flawless and I have every option except sunroof. I have it serviced before time with selling dealer and it is garage kept. I baby this vehicle. Last year I almost traded it for a "Caddy" but this vehicle had more options and a whole lot less expensive and gas mileage was near same. Overall, a great vehicle.

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  Z06 - 2007 Chevrolet Corvette
  By BM - August 30 - 10:27 am

  I picked up the car and drove it 350 miles back home. I was very suprised how quiet and comfortable the car was. The performance is out of this world. The car pulls so hard and builds speed so quickly. It has a suprisingly comfortable ride. I have owned many sports cars and this not only was the greatest value, but the greatest all around car.

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  By Far the Best Buy for the Buck - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Stambaub - August 30 - 1:20 am

  This is a great little car. Peppy, plenty of room, and 5-speed with cruise control! Ice cold A/C. Sure footed and fast on the freeway, and plenty of interior room for two 6 foot adults with passengers in the rear. Properly configured it can swallow some pretty large objects for hauling through the rear hatch (large TVs, a vertical tank air compressor on its side, etc.).

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  1st vette - 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Ron - August 29 - 11:51 pm

  Ive had the car for about three months. At first I felt like I was driving a large sedan. After driving a Mercede SLK for 6 years the 06 Vette felt much bigger. Had to take a good look each time to remember it was a 2 seat sports car. Once I adjusted to the comfortable ride, I was able to grasp the power and the fantastic handling. Realy like the Vette and dont mis the Mercedes. I am not sorry in the least that I bought the car. Time will tell on reliability

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  Big problems - 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By dakoda - August 29 - 2:36 am

  My cobalt was purchased in March 05 for $18,500. The car has been in the shop 3 times now because it will not start. Ive had to have it towed. They have replaced 2 computers so far, but they really have no clue whats wrong. This car is a lemon. Do not buy one until the next model year. By then, Chevy will fix the problem, or be chapter 11.

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  Blazers Are The Best - 2001 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Cus - August 28 - 6:25 pm

  Ive owned my Blazer for about 6 months now and it was my first car, and all I have to say is that I love it. It is a lot of fun to drive, but the fuel economy could be a little better. Overall, I think its a awesome truck and very reliable.

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  like a rock - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By like a rock - August 28 - 5:43 pm

  After owning it for 8 yrs and 172000 miles who can argue its reliability. It still gets 18mpg with 4.8 v8. Have not done front brakes but did do back. 4 years ago flipped it at 65mph with family in it, no one even got a scratch. Glad ins decided to fix it. All I do is put gas in it and change the oil. Got 75000 miles out of original tires. Only on 3rd set of tires only been aligned 2 times.

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  Chevys best secret! - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Kelley - August 28 - 2:30 pm

  Very well designed, I get nearly 40 MPG on the highway. All in all even around town using the factory installed remote start,over 25 miles per gallon! Electronic steering handles like a dream. Cant wait to get a new 2007!

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  Not a bad SUV for a beginner - 2003 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Tim - August 28 - 12:37 pm

  Bought used with 32k miles. In stock configuration it is a dog. After installing new exhaust, cold air intake and using a Hypertech programmer, it runs much better. Quite a bit of body flex when offroad on moderate to easy 4x4 trails. Decent clearance. Limited modification potential due to offset of wheels. Very comfortable on and off road ride.