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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  Xtreme fun - 2003 Chevrolet S-10
  By Randy - July 15 - 9:42 pm

  I bought this truck because I got a good deal on it. I have owned two other S10 trucks before this one. I drive a lot, so each of the previous trucks had over 180,000 on them when I sold them. I really didnt want another S10 but when I drove the Xtreme I went ahead and bought it. I have had more people make comments about this truck that any other vehicle I have owned. Everyone likes the appearance and I like the performance. Its not a super car but it combines the truck I need with the fun to drive as a bonus. I plan to drive this one till at least 190,000 and dont expect any major problems.

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  Aveo Fun - 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  By AVEO LOVER - July 15 - 2:36 pm

  This car has been so fun to drive. Its small and sporty, yet surprisingly roomy inside. Great gas mileage, which is nice since gas prices are so high. It cools off quickly, which is nice because Im in a warm/humid climate. Easy to park and turn. And I love the keyless entry.

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  The Aveo is Fun! - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By starlight - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The new Chevy Aveo is a smart, good- looking, fun vehicle! The body design is such that it can easly maneuver into many tight spots while the interior provides ample space for even the tallest passengers. It has the power to come up to speed quickly, smoothly and quietly. Overall, its impressive.

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  I love my malibu - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Mari2004 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Malibu I had and I love it. I had no problems with the other one I had. This one has more room and it rides very nice and quite.

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  Monte Supercharged - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Leaddog - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased a Monte Carlo SS Supercharged with everything possible on it. Its a great car and I love it so much I wont even let the wifey drive it! Fast, solid, and drives like a dream.

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  really like this 2004 monte - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By cooldoc - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2001 monte SS, and moved up to the 2004 supercharger. This is an excellent long term vehicle. It has all the options, and comforts. Beautiful lines, and excellent handling. A perfect car to hand down to my son, in 5 yrs, for his first car.

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  Monte Carlo #1 in my Book - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By stpman - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased our 2003 Monte Carlo LS in Oct 03. We drive it as our pleasure vehicle and does not get driven much on the year, but when we take out on Sundays for joy rides especially with our added Road Warior Feathered Graphic Kit on the sides we definetly get heads to look when we go by. The Monte Carlo is built very sturdy and we plan on keeping it a very long time. Rick stpman

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  He finally gave in to my nagging :) - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Sharon Ann - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Our 4th Vette, am totally in love with it. Have only had it for a month and would not give it up for the world.

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  Americas Dream Car - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Msairguitar - July 15 - 2:00 am

  It has performed above my expectations. It has been durable, reliable, fun to drive and a huge surprise with gas mileage! I took it for a long road trip last summer and couldnt believe the mpg it got on the highway. Its an eye catcher and very sexy. With wanting one since I was 7 years old, it has not let me down. Being a woman, I have to admit I feel proud to be able to handle it easily. It hugs me in and I feel as though I am a part of the car. It is the best car America has to offer!

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  Dont buy it - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jpf94 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Since Novemeber 2001 Ive had my TBlazer in 21 times. First to go was the 4whd selector switch, then the oxygen sensor, then the 5 recalls, one of which was done last october and I got another card on yesterday! The gas gauge does not work anymore. Ive had the front diff. seals fail.