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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  Great truck - 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jtop - August 13 - 2:00 am

  My truck has been very reliable. 5.3 sounds great with dual exhaust. sunset metallic orange is a great color. dodges and fords orange looks like crap. the auto trac kicks butt. you wont find a more controlled ride in the snow and ice

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  Buy the LT Model - 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Mike Griffin - August 13 - 2:00 am

  The heated leather seats, onstar system, pwoerful engine and tight handling are features that make this truck a better option than the F-150. (I owned 2001 Ford Supercrew before buying the Chevy. After the first year, I have had no problems with the Silverado and it handles better than any truck. The LT model is worth the extra money.

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  Great truck - 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By whatever - August 12 - 7:11 pm

  Hard to believe it is a truck. Rides better than my wifes Denali SUV! Sure get poor mileage with E85 though.

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  Ford Man No More - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
  By Carlo DeVito Jr - August 12 - 5:22 pm

  I have always had Ford Broncos but this truck is great. I have 4 kids and there is a ton of room. Snow, what snow? The truck is great. Tow anything and dont even feel it.

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  Many Electrical and Engine Problems - 1997 Chevrolet S-10
  By jack - August 12 - 11:29 am

  I purchased this truck used from a local dealer with around 97,000 miles on it. It has had constant problems with electrical shorts in the wiring bundle. ECM circuit problems including fuel pump and ignition . I will never buy a S-10 again after reading all the comments on numerous sites . Chevy will continue to lose capital if they dont do a better job on quality control. Any one want a 97 s-10 cheap? Looking at Toyota after reading consumer reports.

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  Car is awesome - 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
  By lovemyprizm - August 12 - 7:22 am

  I bought my Prizm because of the fuel economy, and figured it would at least get me back and forth throuh 4 years of commuting to college. Its now at 124,000 miles and still runs like its new! There are little things that are starting to wear out now, like my heater/air conditioner blower only works on high, but thats just age and can be delt with. This is a totally reliable car and gets great gas mileage. I average anwhere between 35 and 40 mpg depending on the type of driving Im doing. I would reccomend this car to anyone thinking of buying one. Its a practical car, so if your looking for sporty its not the car for you.

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  Never purchase this vehicle. horrible - 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
  By Sarah - August 12 - 1:04 am

  This car has been in the shop more than the road. Its currently in the shop now due to a blown motor. How does a motor go out like this? Ive had to have the AC/Heater repaired, had not heat or air in it, vehicle kept going out of alignment. the check engine light would not go off. This has been the worse vehicle Ive ever purchased.

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  Great car for the money. - 2003 Chevrolet Impala
  By Luvmy_chevy - August 11 - 8:03 pm

  Mine is a 2003 Chevy Impala LS 3.8L with the sport package, leather seats, all power options and a sunroof. It has ample power and the interior is very roomy. It is a very safe car. Overall a very nice car for the money.I am glad I didnt go for that Toyota.

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  True Motown Muscle Car! - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Will - August 11 - 11:17 am

  I have owned several BMWs and traded a Porsche Panamera for the Z51 Stingray. I had no intention of getting a Stingray. My intent was to purchase a preowned Porsche 911. As I shopped around, I started to consider the merits of getting a new Corvette versus a two year old 911. After test driving the Stingray, I was convinced that it was my choice. I loved the performance and luxury of the Panamera but the Corvette is truly a remarkable car! I have only had it about three weeks but I love it already. The performance, exhaust sound, targa top and overall design are amazing! The redesigned interior is very nice!

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  2004 2500HD - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By jaycocamprs - August 11 - 7:06 am

  Have driven this truck for 1 year. Pull an 8000-pound 5th wheel camper with it. Ride is good for 2500 truck. Handles the weight real well. Power is good for small block gas engine. Clutch slave cylinder failed at 10000 miles.