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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  An American Rovlution - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Rock - July 14 - 1:34 pm

  The TrailBlazer has an excellent ride going long distances. The exterior is excellent from a quality standpoint. You can see where they cut corners on the interior. The plastic that protects the odometer cracked from wear and tear and you have to press a button 4 times to turn the lights off during day riding. But, the car for the most part is dependable and is terrific in the snow. It has excellent pickup and smooth acceleration. I like the aggressive front as well. I would recommend it and by another one

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  Worst truck on the market! - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Bob Pitts - July 14 - 9:35 am

  Although the styling is nice, the performance of the truck is terrible. I cannot believe Chevrolet has sunk to this level offering a truck that is subpar with any I have ever bought. I wish now I had never walked into the Chevy that day. I should have walked across the street and purchased a Toyota. I will never buy another Chevrolet again.

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  Chevy Did It Again - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Jason - July 14 - 6:43 am

  This car has everything, the best bang for the buck. From the moment you hit that button ignition and the pipes roar up its a pleasure to drive. It handles very well and its very hard to lose control when punching out the twisties. Remove the standard Targa top and enjoy a cruise down the beach as everyone gawks and you hear the voices of little kids say, "Mommy I want THAT car when I grow up".

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  Its a trade-off - 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
  By Allie - July 14 - 1:06 am

  I am the 2nd owner of this car. I got it for 32,000 in 2003 with 6,000 miles on it. First, there was a factory recall. Defect in the steering column. Possibility of steering wheel locking up at any given moment. Thank God I wasnt driving when it locked up. The tow & repair was free, the headache was too! Then the ignition got stuck and the key wouldnt turn. Replaced the ignition as well as the flashers which were also not working properly.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Jack - July 14 - 12:10 am

  I really enjoy driving this truck. It sits higher than the S-10 I had previously, and the ride is much smoother. My only disappointment is locally I only average about 14 to 15 mpg. However, I average 22 mpg on the highway. The crew cabs back seat is great, providing comfortable seating for adults! The bed is shorter than my previous truck, but still large enough to haul 4 by 8 sheets of plywood with the tailgate set in the 57 degree position. I also love the locking tailgate, which is a great idea since the tailgate is also removeable.

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  Millenium Impala - 2001 Chevrolet Impala
  By Jeff520670 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car in July of 2001 and since then I absolutely love the car. It turns heads everywhere. I find the car very reliable having had very few problems so far. I drive alot and the car is comfortable gets good gas mileage. Its a pleasure to take on the long road trips. Had it to southern Florida and back from Pittsburgh, Pa and it was great.

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  Impressed thus far..First Chevy purchase - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By MLJ - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Great truck! First SUV, first Chevy product (Previous Nissan). It is everything that Chevy built it up to be. Got nearly 20 miles/p/gallon on a highway trip at 55mph max. Only concerns: 1. Drivers seat feels unusually off center from controls. (brakes especially) 2. Received sporadic seatbelt and airbag warning. (went away after shut engine off and re-started) 3. Few workmanship flaws on exterior body. (ie weather seals with excess glue)

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  Itll do - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By brad1193 - July 13 - 4:50 am

  Weve had this car for about 2 weeks now and so far so good. We took a trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA up I-5 to the 101, which both have horrible traffic, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We traded in a Trailblazer that we did not like so I questioned going with another Chevrolet but Im glad we did. The build quality, comfort level, appearance, and amenities make for a great package. Theyve done their research and took the time to put out something that wasnt thrown together. I agree with the critics that say they had put all their eggs in one basket with the truck/SUV market but it seems theyve produced a winner making for some good competition.

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  LT - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jerry melillo - July 13 - 1:20 am

  The vehicles interior is less to be desired. Cheap looking plastic. Handling around corners leaves much to be desired. On the positive side it is very dependable and quality built as well as a great exterior design.

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  Plush Ride...Comfy for a big guy! - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By Satisfied in TN - July 12 - 9:53 pm

  Im not a fan of GMs much maligned interior but the LT3 makes it as nice as possible. The 10-way power leather seats are great. There is ample room in the back seat even behind me when Im driving, Im 64". The 5.3 V8 w/ the 3.42 rear end cruies the interstate effortlessly (75 mph/2000 rpm). The Bose audio system is awesome! It sounds better than the system in my father-in-laws BMW 645i that cost $90K. I like the updated grill and hood of the 2006. GM should make larger rims affordable. The factory 17s are okay but some nice brushed aluminum 20s, not optional polished chrome $2000 20s!! Also considered the Toyota (too car-like and flimsy) and Ford (worse MPG).