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 would recommend - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Martym - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Good syle, great ride. I have the best package (1SE), but the interior still seems a little cheap for 27,000 dollars. I guess now days if you want nice, it will cost you 40,000+.

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  Its not perfect, but its perfect for me - 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By dardson - August 27 - 11:39 pm

  If you absolutely gotta have the room an SUV provides (my job requires it), nothing comes close to Tahoes bang-for- the-buck. After I negotiated, added the rebate + my 3k in GM Card money, and GM kicked in a $500 gas card, I didnt pay much more than a loaded-up Camry. My Z71 (2wd and yes they started offering 2wd in 06) had one add to the base sticker, XM. The Z71 is basically an LT without the 3rd seat + a few incidentals. I drive it conservatively and get 15+mpg mostly city driving. It does everything about as well as anyone could expect from a tall, 2 ton SUV. So far, its been as trouble-free as my last 2 Tahoes were.

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  Joy Ride - 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By big rob - August 27 - 9:57 pm

  This vehicle is simply the finest SUV I have had. I am a big guy at 6’-5” and over 300#. I fit fine and this thing is fast! I mean we are talking an SUV here folks but it gets down and goes. I have always had SUV’s or Trucks and my last was a 450+hp supercharged Avalanche. This is so much more fun. The suspension is tight and very predictable. If you want one, get one. I needed one. I got mine and you can’t have it. Enjoy

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  Just keeps on going! - 1991 Chevrolet Corsica
  By krissy c - August 27 - 9:07 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle 3 months, but I can say its a very reliable, durable vehicle. The only problem I had was a new starter and a lower radiator hose and heater hose. It always starts right up every time and has plenty of power, with only 138,000 miles! I did experience one strange problem. Every time it rained, the car would never start! I had a new starter installed, but it hasnt rained for over 4 weeks! Other than that, overall a good car.

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  May not be the best to some - 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
  By Bryan - August 27 - 8:28 pm

  I bought my Blazer used when I graduated high school. I wanted something reliable and I wanted a Chevy. Ive only had minor problems with it of recent, but I still believe that its a dependable truck. It is very safe. The other day some lady smacked into it and I was mad because they considered it totalled. But I feel lucky of how safe it was in the impact, as the lady who hit me was excessivly speeding when she hit it. I feel it is a very reliable vechile and safe for younger drivers like myself

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  I love my Uplander! - 2006 Chevrolet Uplander
  By Vanman10 - August 27 - 6:35 pm

  My experience with this vehicle has been great. The seats do not have the excessive flexion positioning problem that Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler have, and people comment on how nice the rear seats are. The A/C works quite well even in 105 degree heat in Tucson, AZ. The 3900 engine is very smooth, quiet, and has plenty of low end torque, but also is relatively economical. We have 8000 miles on it, and have obtained an aggregate gas mileage of 23.3 MPG. The steering is light, predictable, and can be steered with one hand around corners easily. There is very little sway around corners. The ride is quiet and smooth, and bumps are not annoying like on the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.

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  Happy with it - 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By Ray - August 27 - 1:19 pm

  Very fun to drive. For a truck, it has averaged about 16.5 MPG, which is not bad. I tow a boat and a travel trailer at times. It has been in the shop three times, twice with transmission problems, at the dealer a week each time, other time was a computer problem. I have had major tire problems, none of the orginal tires are on the vehicle, I have had it 14 months now.

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  Our Cobalt - 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
  By mlbollaert - August 27 - 12:50 pm

  Engine has plenty of power for a 2.2. So far the mileage holds true 24 city, 32 hwy. Steering is effortless but tight enough to feel the road. Handling is tight through the corners and the Pirellis hold the road even in the N.W. rain. Interior is excellent with all the comforts of the 21st century! Overall I give the car and the experiance an "A".

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  Love my Burb - 1999 Chevrolet Suburban
  By jim - August 27 - 6:46 am

  Drove vans and conversion vans for years. Bought this Burb used, and it is one of the best riding and towing vehicles I have ever owned. Fit and finish are exceptional.

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  A New Standard - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Stargate202 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The MAXX is a new standard for a mid- size solidily built mid-priced all purpose car. If you are tired of the SUV ride and need some room for cargo (though nothing that is large in one package) the Maxx should be looked at. I had one of the earlier Malibu a 97. It was a good car but just plain jane. The Maxx has some style, a lot of get up and go, great gas milage and is fun to drive, all at a reasonable price. I mean 2 - 4 thousand less then rest of the pack with same options. The 6 inch longer wheelbase gives a much better ride then the Sedan model.