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:

• 

  Great, Fun Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Zoe911 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive with plenty of power for me! Highway gas mileage is decent. In city mileage could be improved. Overall, an excellent choice for someone looking for a nice SUV with a sensible and affordable cost.

• 

  I Love This Vehicle - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By HRH - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I was driving a car that was too low and it started getting harder and harder to get out of the car. I test drove a Chrysler 300, Jeep, 4-Runner and Equinox. The Equinox has the most "solid" feel, both in the driving and the shut-the-door test; it is also the most comfortable of the group. I purchased an AWD with all the bells and whistles, including OnStar. Its a joy to drive. The only drawback is the miles per gallon. I went from a 30+ mpg to about 20 mpg.

• 

  Equinox fax - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Rick Gutierrez - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased this vehicle on October 3, 2004. I am very pleased with it but am concernec about the cup holders in the back being too flimsy. Also, something might be wrong with the steering wheel. OTher than that, I really enjoy driving it.

• 

  Nox - just fun to drive - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By EQ - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I was looking at Trailblazers but couldnt live with the 15mpg or less they get. The Equinox was a great compromise for an SUV yet 20+mpg. I found most of the vehicles out there look boring. I also was looking for something different, new and fun to drive. The Equinox fits all of these. It gets plenty of looks and people wanting to know what it is. Mine Nox is lazer blue in color which really turns heads.

• 

  GM gets it Right - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Racecar24 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 16 SUVs in the last 10 years and The Trailblazer is a great vehicle. GM did a great Job when they redisigned the Blazer.

• 

  Very pleased in san diego - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By maxie - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Trailblazer on Jan 1, 2004. I drive it extensively, and haul a 23 foot boat with it. The only complaint I have to date is when approaching a stop while going downhill, when I brake it seems to skip, maybe even a tiny bounce to it. Turns on a dime, normally (other than what was already mentioned) brakes well, corners well, although does feel a touch top heavy. Mileage could be better, averaging in the 17 mpg range. Honestly, really enjoy it. Never had any car that was perfect, but this one I enjoy driving. Would recommend it.

• 

  Fun Fantasy - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By David A Clawson - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted to own a truck. Now that Im retired, I finally have one and I love it. I use it to pull a pop-up camper that I used to pull with my wifes Trailblazer. Although the Trailblazer did good, the Silverado is excellent! You dont even know its there. The only problem I have is my wife wants to drive it all the time (her Trailblazer is an 02 LTZ with all the goodies)! The mileage is not great but is better than I expected, even when pulling the pop-up. If the cost of repairs matches the Trailblazer, I will be happy.

• 

  my z71 - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By tkpyro - March 21 - 10:00 am

  i only buy chevys this id one of the best yet lots of power and good looks.

• 

  great car ever made - 1996 Chevrolet Caprice
  By gbr - March 21 - 2:00 am

  great car

• 

  Tow vehicle - 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
  By yoli6 - March 21 - 1:39 am

  I purchased this car because I have a 5500 lb. boat and I wanted better over all fuel economy. Success!!! I have towed my boat over Colorado passes with no problems. It does push the car around a little. I get 20 to 22 miles per gallon around town and 16 mpg towing. I live in the Colorado Rockies and the 4wd snow and ice capabilities are amazing. The only problem is they lowered the ground clearance and the front plastic panel bottoms out a lot. The car makes a lot of weird noises from the electric motors that I cant describe (clicking, humming, and buzzing). As of now I would buy another one and encourage anyone who tows to buy one.