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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  Excellent Truck - 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
  By IDA MAN - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I didnt find a nicer vehicle with the exception of the Cadillac EXT.

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  MY Suburban - 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
  By tireguy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The Surburban needed better handling. It already had 17" wheels and tires so I went to the "h" rated Michelin Pilot LTX and it made a world of difference. They keep the ride quiet but provide extra support when cornering

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  My Maxx - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By moehrked - November 29 - 7:06 pm

  I bought my Malibu Maxx in mid 2006 because I wanted better gas mil3age. Well, I got it! I drive from Leland NC to Myrtle Beach SC about 2 to 3 times a month, and I manage to get 30 to 32 mpg. I can get 30 mpg at 65 mph easily. I must say that I do love this car. All I have ever done so far to this car is change the oil when it tells me to and rotate the tires when it tells me to. I have OnStar maintance package and so far that is all that has be noted.

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  All around best medium duty hauler. - 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
  By Haulin Bruce - November 28 - 10:00 am

  The duramax diesel is a performer. Fuel economy is 50% better than previous 2000, 6 liter silverado, both solo and towing 12,000 pounds of camper. Plenty of power, quiet, allison is great, a no brainer on shifting, onstar is handy when traveling, just an all around good truck, its about time chevy.

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  Only 3 days old - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By bkerchak - November 28 - 9:46 am

  I just purchased an 07 Silverado Ext cab with the 4.8 V8 and 3.23 axle ratio. The fit and finish inside is excellent. I got the Silver Birch Metallic and it looks great! I like the new styling and have received compliments on the truck in the first three days of ownership. The 4.8 is smooth and powerful and mileage running with the a/c on has been good. Its a great truck inside and out and I look forward to loading it up and taking it to hunting camp real soon !

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  A Great Car - 2006 Chevrolet Impala
  By James - November 26 - 3:10 am

  I traded in a 1997 Camaro Z28, so Im no stranger to having a lot of ponies under the hood and wasnt expecting to be impressed by the acceleration of this car, but I was pleasantly surprised. It doesnt handle quite as well as the Camaro (as one would expect being a sedan), but it rides great. I think it might would outrun the Camaro in a drag race. Vast quantities of room (including a huge trunk) combined with many great features (including tire pressure monitor) leave you feeling like youre in a vehicle that costed a lot more than this one does. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants the practicality of a sedan with the heart of a sports car.

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  Very impressive vehicle - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Sweet - November 25 - 11:30 am

  I cannot believe how nice this vehicle is compared to the competition. Anyone thinking that they will only buy a Honda and Toyota, needs to take a good look at this vehicle. They will not be disappointed. I want everyone to give Chevy a chance by looking at this product.

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  My Blessing - 2007 Chevrolet Impala
  By adst2nv - November 24 - 5:20 pm

  I titled this My Blessing because thats exactly how I look at it. I was looking for a pre-owned Impala (2006) but my salesman worked out a deal for me on a 2007 demo with 5700 miles on it. So far, I love my car! Its a cherry red color, very sporty yet sophisticated at the same time.

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  Love the Tahoe - 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
  By Charlie - November 24 - 8:10 am

  I have only had my truck a short time, but is great. I rate it high on fuel economy due to the drop from 8 to 4 cylinders when at cruising speed. This helps on trips and when driving at low speeds. The interior is oustanding. I left an 06 EB Explorer to get this truck and am loving every moment. From the design to the handling, the Tahoe has it all.

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  Good buy - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Dina - November 23 - 1:53 pm

  Purchased Dec 28th replacing a 2005 Hyundai Tucson. So far I am mostly loving it. The ride is very smooth and quite, love the gas mileage, Onstar and the stereo. Excellent behind the seats cargo space. Black interior is beautiful but does show dirt and dust quickly. Disappointed in a couple of items on the 2LT package, see below.