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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  So happy! - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By LES - July 10 - 8:40 am

  We just bought the Equinox in June after 4 months of researching MANY crossovers! I love it!The styling is so nice,Ive had 2 different people compare it to a Lexus and Mercedes.No complaints as of yet. Its my first 4 cylinder, so it is taking me a little getting used to that, but it isnt a huge difference from a 6. Roomy enough, love that you can adjust the backseat, remote start, rear view camera (is also taking some getting used to),and the price for this car is excellent! We paid 24,995.00. I also cant understand why editors rated it only 7.5. The new design on this Equinox is so sharp. Had a very hard time finding the LT1 in Black Granite, but it was worth the wait.

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  Must put back in reperduction - 1994 Chevrolet Caprice
  By Robert Gearring - July 9 - 10:00 pm

  My caprice is one of a kind. If you keep up your maintenance it will never disappoint. Like the camaro I wish Chevrolet would start back making this car. Two of my friends have this car one a 94 and 95 and they think theyre great to. Just thank about bringing it back, it would be a big seller.

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  Great College Car - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Dash - July 9 - 3:45 pm

  I bought this car right before heading off to college for my freshman year. I had previously been driving a 1996 Audi A6 and it was nothing but trouble. After struggling with owning an aging European car, I decided to spring for a much cheaper-to-fix American car. Got a pretty good deal financing it and I havent looked back. Handles better than the A6 (read: less like a tank) and has quite a bit more "oomph" behind it. The Fuel efficiency is great, I average around 30 highway and 27 city. As someone that commutes to a college 400+ miles away, its great having a car that will always get me there reliably. Made the 8 hour trip 20+ times now and not a single problem. Consider me switched.

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  Great New Tahoe Z71 - 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Mike - July 8 - 10:24 pm

  We live on NH seacoast and hope to appreciate 4wd, high ground clearance, and remote start for our winters and even some fun for a little light off road. From purchase to the first few weeks of ownership the experience has been great. Power, quality, comfort and room we wanted. Smooth ride and crisp handling. Quiet cabin environment and nice Bose sound. Full option set to compete with any player in the class.Interior and exterior fit and finish is outstanding. Plenty of room for groceries, our bikes and trips to Home Depot and comfort for friends and family touring. Has cruising range and long term comfort for longer trips and V8 highway power when needed.

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  Worth the Drive - 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Chevy Deal - July 8 - 1:45 pm

  This car is great. Great look (interior and exterior), handling, fuel efficient (traded in a V6). Looked around before purchasing but glad we did make the right choice with the Malibu.

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  great - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By stephen - July 8 - 12:16 am

  I love my s-10. Best truck I have owned so far wish it would have been lifted up a little more tho but otherwise I love it.

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  1 year and quite happy - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Gfi - July 7 - 10:41 pm

  With about 13,000 miles, have not been back to dealer except for oil changes. Still very tight with no rattles. The car is very comfortable around town and on the highway. I get 24.7 on road at 72 mph. Around town, I get 20-21. Not bad for a comfortable, roomy, safe vehicle. I remain happy with this domestic car after more than 20 years of Hondas and Toyotas.

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  Great Value for the money - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By navalvet - July 5 - 9:22 am

  This is the first Chevrolet I have owned and I must say that I am quite pleased. I test drove a Ford, GMC, and Chevrolet and the Equinox was the best out of all three. Drives smooth and quiet. Bumps are hardly noticed. Space is well used, cargo area is large for a midsized SUV. For a V-6, sufficient power is available when needed.

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  Great Car - 2010 Chevrolet Corvette
  By pwscs - July 3 - 6:31 pm

  Great mileage and performance. Fastest car I have ever owned and would buy another one in a minute. 27and mpg highway and 22 in town. Fast and eye catching. Great job Chevy.

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  Long Lasting - 2000 Chevrolet Impala
  By Suzette - July 2 - 11:35 pm

  Weve owned our 2000 Impala since it was 8 miles old. Now at 291,000 miles, shes been the most reliable vehicle weve every owned. The transmission was rebuilt at 193,000 miles when 1st gear went out from 6 years of stop & go traffic. Shes endured 5 car accidents and has kept me safe. Weve proudly replaced the radiator, water pump, cv joints and power steering pump. All expected maintenance on a car with high mileage and with the ORIGINAL engine. Well drive her till the wheels fall off. The Impala is a great car if you care enough to maintain it.